Children involved with the Children's Hearing System

Children may be referred to a Children's Hearing for a number of reasons, ranging from the need for protection and care to the need for control of their offending behaviour, or because of a conflict between themselves and their parents. Home supervision is the term used to define the services provided to children and young people, subject to compulsory measures of supervision by virtue of a requirement from a Children's Hearing. These children are "looked after" in the terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and the Council therefore has specific responsibilities and duties towards them.

Wherever possible, the Social Care Service works with children, young people and their families on a voluntary basis, recommending compulsory measures of supervision only when necessary.

Home supervision is provided, with the minimum interference with and disturbance of family life. The focus of such work is on helping children and their families to recognise and tackle the difficulties which led to the referral. Home supervision will focus on the reduction of offending or risk of abuse, where these are the issue.

Supervision agreements are used, setting out the parties to the agreement, the objectives of supervision, the parties' responsibilities, actions required and agreements for monitoring and review. Services and programmes are designed to reduce the need for compulsory measures of supervision as soon as practicable.

Collaboration with all relevant agencies is given high priority in such cases. Social Care, Health, Education, Community Development and Police services all contribute to strategies for successful intervention.

The best possible outcome in all cases is the re-establishment of a safe, secure and positive family experience. If that is not possible, services offered will help each child or young person to move on, by offering support, advice, assistance and guidance.