Charity fears we’re ‘sleepwalking’ into failure over support for child victims
A major victims’ charity has raised concerns about changes to children’s rights in a new Scottish Government Bill – and warned it will advise MSPS to vote against the new law if they are not addressed.
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) has expressed concern over the proposed Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill, which MSPS will debate later this month.
The aim of the proposed legislation is to ensure children and young people receive age-appropriate justice and support.
But VSS warns the changes could mean child victims will be given less information about the progress of their case.
The Bill will see changes made to the Children’s Hearings System, raising the age of referral to the Children’s Reporter. Currently, 16 and 17 year-olds can be referred to the Reporter if they are already on a Compulsory Supervision Order.
The change will mean that 16 and 17-year-olds not currently known to the Children’s Reporter, can be referred.
Kate Wallace, Chief Executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “Scotland is sleepwalking into failing to provide victims with essential information and support.
“We have been warning about this since the Bill was launched.
“No matter how the perpetrator is supported – and, to be clear, VSS is not arguing with that aspect – we at Victim Support Scotland are adamant that this should not negatively impact the support and information available to victims. The impact of a crime or harmful behaviour remains unchanged, regardless of the actions taken against the perpetrator.
“We hear continually from victims about a lack of support and information regarding the progress of their case within the current system. There are already significant issues regarding the limited support, information, and safety planning currently available to victims.
“Our concern is that these will be exacerbated by the proposals regarding referral of cases involving 16 and 17-year-olds.
“The Bill has brought to light significant issues regarding victims’ experiences, many of which victim support organisations have been raising with the Scottish Government for years. These issues must be addressed before access to the Children’s Hearing System is widened to an older age group.”
The charity is asking for amendments to be made to protect victims right, such as no compromise on or lessening of rights of victims of crime perpetrated by 16 and 17-year-olds. If rights not upheld, that the proposal to refer all 16 and 17-year-olds to the Children’s Hearing System is removed, automatic support and information to victims when the perpetrator is referred to the Children’s Hearing System and the establishment of a Single Point of Contact service to manage information sharing and support.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This Bill proposes new reforms to support victims, especially for child victims and their families. “Ministers have been working across parties and with other key partners, including Victim Support Scotland, to strengthen Bill provisions.
“A robust package of government amendments were passed at Stage 2, including a new single-point of contact support service for victims in the hearings system.
“Further measures will be lodged at Stage 3 in this area, and Parliament will consider them later this month.”