Review of Part 1 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995

Date: 23rd May 2018
Category: Family Environment and Alternative Care, Respect for the views of the child

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Views are being sought to inform the review of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 which will seek to place children and young people at the centre of family court cases.

The 1995 Act sets out the duties and powers available to public authorities to support children and families to intervene when the child's welfare requires it.

The Scottish Government is seeking the public's views on issues including:

• How the court obtains the views of the child in family cases
• Protection of victims of domestic abuse and their children during family court proceedings
• Regulation of child contact centres and of child welfare reporters who advise sheriffs and judges in family court cases
• How children can maintain relationships with key adults in their lives
• Alternatives to court such as family mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution
• Aspects of the Children's Hearing's system, which aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people
• Respond to the consultation here.

A child friendly consultation has also been developed in order to ensure the views of children and young people are heard throughout the review.

• Access the child friendly survey here.