There are a number of different situations that can warrant the need for a children’s hearing in Scotland, such as there being a potential threat to the child’s health or wellbeing. In other cases, it can be due to that child failing to attend school without a reasonable excuse, if a crime has been committed by him or her, or even if the child has been using drugs or alcohol.
For everyone involved, parents, step-parents, foster carers, kinship carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives, the prospect of facing a legal proceeding can be extremely daunting and very upsetting. This is inevitably going to be an emotional issue, and it’s one that really shouldn’t be faced without the presence of skilled, experienced and sympathetic law professionals.
It’s so important for you to make sure your voice is heard at such times, preferably from the moment you find out that a Children’s Hearing is going to take place. Whether you’re a parent, a representative of the child or what’s known as a relevant person, the process itself can be complex, even if you have attended such hearings on several occasions in the past.
Where there are safety concerns about a child’s health or wellbeing in Scotland, they will generally come via the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA). Original worries may have been raised in the first place by the local Social Services department or perhaps through a school. It should also be noted that a child can refer their own case to the authorities if they are worried. As a general rule, a Children’s Reporter from the SCRA will decide whether a hearing is necessary.
As a parent, carer or relevant person in such cases, you need to be aware of the seriousness of the situation. While the ideal outcome of these proceedings will be a happy child and the restoration of a strong family unit, in many instances a hearing could lead to a child being removed altogether for his or her own safety. The main aim of the hearing, at all times, is to safeguard that particular child.
Here at MML Law, our family law specialists have been providing robust representation at children’s hearings on behalf of a wide cross-section of clients for many years. Our focus is on helping clients to achieve the best possible outcome at all times, using our experience and our in-depth understanding of current legislation. As always, we provide much-needed advice and guidance from the moment our services are engaged, so make sure our team is on your side right from the beginning.
To find out more about our top quality service, all you need to do is get in touch for a no obligation chat about your particular circumstances. We are confident that our team will be able to help you. We know this can be an emotional time for you and your family, but we’ll do all we can to put your mind at ease. To start the process, just call 01382 206 000 today. We look forward to assisting you.
