SSC x SYLA - The Redesign of the Children's Hearing System

Join us in person at the SSC library to hear Sheriff Mackie discuss the redesign of the Children’s Hearings system, a key element of the delivery of The Promise which emerged from the independent care review initiated by Scottish Government back in about 2016. The working group’s report, Hearings for Children, was published in May 2023 with over 90 recommendations for change. Some require legislation and are partly addressed in the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill currently making its way through Parliament and about to enter the second stage. Other recommendations do not need legislation and can be categorised as improvements in practice and professional standards. These are being overseen by the Redesign Board jointly chaired by Scottish Government and COSLA with key input from SCRA and CHS.

Key improvements relate to the role of the Chair of the Hearings, an enhanced role for the Reporter and the process of establishing grounds for referral.

David Mackie was the resident Sheriff in Alloa for 15 years before his retirement in 2019. In the field of criminal justice he developed an approach to judicial decision-making that was informed by compassion and a constantly evolving understanding of the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on those appearing before him. He still sits as a part time Sheriff but has had the opportunity of engaging more fully in charity work related to criminal justice and addiction. He chaired the Hearings System Working Group whose Hearings for Children Report on the redesign of the Children’s Hearings system was published in May 2023 and continues to have an advisory role in its implementation. He chairs Howard League Scotland.

The talk will start at 6pm and qualifies as 1 hour of CPD. There will be an opportunity for questions and refreshments afterwards. Please note this event is taking place in-person only.

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