Draft Children’s ServicesDraft Children’s Services

(Scotland) Bill(Scotland) Bill

David Thomson

Gettingitrightforeverychild@Scotland.gsi.gov.uk

This sessionThis session

About 10 to 15 minutes

Aim is to give you an understanding of:

•The consultation process and timings

•Key issues in the Bill

•Other issues we are consulting on

Opportunity to submit questions

The consultationThe consultation

The consultationThe consultation

Copies widely distributed

Copies available today

www.scotland.gov.uk/childrensservicesbill

Process and timing: the consultationProcess and timing: the consultation

Published on 19 December 2006

With responses due by 31 March 2007

Number of consultation events

And a hope that legislation would be ready for consideration by the new administration in May / June

To be introduced?

The draft Bill: Key issuesThe draft Bill: Key issues

Should I be paying attention?: Agencies Should I be paying attention?: Agencies

You are an agency if you are:

•A local authority

•A Health Board

•A police force

•A specified public body

•A specified non-public body

And you have proposed duties under this Bill

Taking action to support childrenTaking action to support children

Agencies must:

•Be alert to the needs of children

•Take action where required

Action taken must:

•Be in the best interests of the child

•Have regard to the views of the child and their family

A framework for working togetherA framework for working together

Agencies should work together locally and should make effective arrangements

When working together for an individual child or young person, agencies must:

•Adopt a plan

•Designate a person responsible for implementation

A wider responsibility to deliver for childrenA wider responsibility to deliver for children

Changes to grounds for referral to reflect:

•The needs of the child

•An indicator of significant need

•The need for compulsion

Introduction of interim supervision requirements

Widening duties imposed in supervision requirements to relevant agencies

Other things to think aboutOther things to think about

We are also consulting on:We are also consulting on:

Changes to the Vulnerable Witnesses Act

Engaging with young people involved in offending

Changes to the SCRA and procedural changes to Children’s Hearings system

And:And:

Equal opportunities and Human Rights

Information sharing amongst agencies

Support for panel members

Regulatory impact assessment

Thanks for listening and Thanks for listening and contributingcontributing