The document discusses the Children's Hearing system in Scotland which was established to decide how to care for and protect children under 16 who have committed offenses or are in need of protection. The legal reasons a child may be referred to a hearing include being beyond parental control, at risk of harm, a victim of an offense, at risk of serious harm to health or development, misusing drugs/alcohol, committing an offense, or not attending school regularly. Hearings are conducted privately by volunteer panel members to determine outcomes that are in the child's best interests such as requiring supervision, deferring the hearing, or discharging the case.

6. Representative Voluntary community members Make decisions in child’s best interests Undergo intensive training and selection Panels must be mixed gender ‘ gatekeeper’ Investigates referrals of children Gives advice Keeps a record Decides who should attend Have to attend if discussing if a young person should be in secure accommodation Helps child take part in hearing Solicitor with experience in children/young people Acts to arrange another hearing if facts are true Decides whether grounds for referral are true Judge who sits at the sheriff court Tells CR about children who they are concerned about Writes a report and discusses it at hearing Supervision requirement Can refer to CR Writes report and discusses it at hearing Friend/relative/solicitor Assists child in discussion Not appointed by hearing appointed by hearing Safeguarder Looks after child’s interests at the hearing Reporter Legal Representative Sheriff Social Worker Teacher Panel Members