THE CHILDREN’S REPORTER

Alistair Hogg, Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration’s head of practice and policy, said the drive to reform the hearings system is a “wonderful opportunity for a respectful, consensual approach to change”.

He said: “It also offers us the opportunity to tap into the extensive experience, skills and creativity of our own workforce, the panel community and other key partners in the Hearings System. Rights of children and young people will be at the heart of this redesign. Our Children’s Reporters, as gatekeepers in the system, already ensure that rights are at the centre of all our decision making. Acting in the best interests of children and young people is in the DNA of our staff.

“We look forward to working with The Promise and all our Hearings System partners, to create and implement a new vision for the Children’s Hearings System which will continue to protect our children and young people.”