The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) very much welcomes the opportunity to respond to the call for views by the Education, Children and Young People’s Committee on the Children (Care, Care Experienced and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill.
The Bill is a part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering the Promise. It proposes changes on a range of areas, including to the Children’s Hearing System and introducing greater support for those with care experience. It is currently at Stage 1 and more information can be found here.
Summary of CYCJ position
Our response draws from our practice, participation, research and policy expertise and evidence. In summary, we welcome some of the provisions of the Bill, including the extension of aftercare support and access to advocacy. However, we note the minimal focus on justice issues, in particular noting the absence of both measures to keep children out of police cells and to raise the age of criminal responsibility, as well as areas which could be strengthened with a greater focus on participation. There is also a significant portion of the bill which has been transferred to secondary legislation and we believe there needs to be greater scrutiny and inclusive discussion to develop these areas.