Children’s Reporter

Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA)

Focused on children and young people most at risk, SCRA’s role and purpose is to:

• Make effective decisions about a need to refer a child/young person to a Children’s Hearing
• Prepare for and participate in court proceedings where statement of grounds or Hearings findings are appealed and ensure the wellbeing of children and young people – particularly vulnerable witnesses – are protected throughout the court process
• Support Panel Members (though we are not involved in making Hearing decisions) and ensure fair process in Hearings
• Enable children, young people and families to participate in Hearings
• Disseminate information and data to influence, inform and reassure
• Provide premises for Hearings to take place; and to
• Work collaboratively with partners to support and facilitate the Getting it Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) agenda.

The role of the Reporter is to:

• Receive referrals for children and young people who are believed to require compulsory measures of supervision.
• The Reporter then decides whether the child or young person should be referred to a Children’s Hearing.
• Draft a statement of grounds and decide whether the child or young person needs to be referred to a Hearing.
• Provide administration to Children’s Hearings and keep a record of proceedings at Hearings.
• Maintain the independence of Hearings and support fair process.
• Conduct Children’s Hearings court proceedings.

How can I contact the Reporter?