'Responding to the publication of the Hearing System Working Group's report 'Hearings for Children', Chief Executive of Children 1st Mary Glasgow commented:
“This Hearings for Children report is a welcome and significant step towards keeping the Promise, and the result of careful and considered work by Sheriff Mackie and the Hearing System Working Group. Children 1st are pleased to have contributed to this work.
“We are especially pleased to see and hear the strong voices of children and young people throughout. As children themselves said at the start of the report
“Before anything else, the child must be at the centre, be given a voice, and be heard. This is so important and the main thing that needs to change. There needs to be a shift away from speaking about the child, to speaking to the child. Scotland needs a system that works for its children and families, rather than serving itself.” Our Hearings, Our Voice
“The scale of change and modernisation required is clear. This should pave the way for a future system that fully respects and fulfils children’s rights, so children and families have access to all the support they need to be safe well and together with their families. .
“Children 1st particularly welcome the recommendation that any redesign must include holistic, whole family support that is universally accessible across Scotland. Our experience of being alongside children and families confirms that early help and support to overcome the financial, emotional and practical barriers is a kinder and more effective way of working. Children and families tell us that help like this should be as easy to access as going to the GP, but at the moment provision is a postcode lottery.
“Our experience of working alongside children and their families confirms evidence that working with families to understand their challenges and identify their strengths and solutions is far more effective. We’re therefore pleased to see a clear recognition of Family Group Decision Making in the redesign.
“This is an internationally proven way of engaging families and make decisions. Children tell us that it helps them to share their voice and feel empowered. Evidence shows that it helps more children to remain safe, happy and healthy in their homes, and avoid the need for care where it can be avoided. It has an essential role in this redesign, and children should be able to access this as a right.
“We will continue to campaign for these changes alongside our work to support the Safeguarders Panel, and to turn these recommendations into actions. Meaningful change will require resources and real determination right across Scotland. There’s lots of important detail still to be worked out, but the Scottish Government must now work towards a Promise Bill with the level of ambition that children and families are right to expect.”
To find out more about FGDM at Children 1st visit Family Group Decision Making | Children 1st or contact communications@children1st.org.uk.