Children 1st respond to The Promise Hearings System report

Commenting on the new Emerging Themes Report from The Promise Hearings System Working Group, Linda Jardine, Children 1st, Director of Children and Family Services said:

“We warmly welcome the explicit recognition in today's report from the Hearings System Working Group that to keep The Promise resources must, ultimately, be redirected towards providing help and support for children and families, as early as possible.

“Our long experience in Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) shows that, even in the most difficult circumstances, when a family comes together in this way around their child, they can keep their child safe without the need for a Children’s Hearing. Children and families tell us that FGDM builds on their strengths, respects their place in decision-making and upholds their rights.

“Making sure every child and family, that needs it, is offered FGDM before a life-changing decision is made about their future is one of the most effective ways that local authorities can practically realise Part 12 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.

“We will continue to work with the Promise and the Children’s Hearings System to support the transformation required to make sure that every family is empowered to respect, protect and uphold their child’s right to grow up where they are safe, loved and well."

Read more about how Family Group Decision Making empowers families to keep their children safe.