Research tells us that children involved in offending behaviour are often society’s most traumatised and victimised individuals, and will have various reports written about them for different decision makers. So how do we ensure these reports are meaningful, child friendly and fit for purpose?
This was the theme and focus of CYCJ’s core skills conference on November 20, 2018 at the University of Strathclyde. Speakers included Geoff Taylor from the Risk Management Authority, Jackie McRae of Children’s Hearing Scotland, and Professor Cyrus Tata of University of Strathclyde’s Law Centre, whilst Neil Hunter, Chief Reporter at SCRA, chaired the day.
They were joined by workshop leads and delegates from across the youth and criminal justice sector to discuss and debate what makes a good report, the importance of clarity and consistency and why you should always remember that it’s a child you’re writing about.
You can view the available presentation slides here:
Speakers
Intro and welcome by Conference Chair
Neil Hunter, Principal Reporter/Chief Executive of the Scottish Children’s Reporters Administration and Chair of the WSA Implementation Group
Sneak Preview: Unintended Consequences?
Dr Fern Gillon, Research Assistant at CYCJ
Social Work Court Reports & Risk Assessments for Young People
Jackie Hamilton, Senior Manager, Children’s Health, Care and Criminal Justice Services, South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
Getting it ‘write’ for Children’s Hearings
Jackie McRae, Practice and Partnerships Lead, Children’s Hearings Scotland
Workshops
Gordon Brechin, Locality Report Manager, Glasgow SCRA
Report writing across the Justice and Children’s Hearing System: So, what’s the difference?