Written Question · S5W-12412 · Session 5
Further to the answer to question S5W-11406 by Jamie Hepburn on 3 October 2017, what approaches with the aim of providing statutory advocac…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-11406 by Jamie Hepburn on 3 October 2017, what approaches with the aim of providing statutory advocacy to care-experienced young people are being tested.
The answer
The member refers to question S5W-11406 answered by Jamie Hepburn on 3 October 2017. It is assumed the reference should be to question S5W-11416 answered by Mark McDonald on 3 October 2017.
In considering a sustainable and effective model of advocacy provision for the children's hearings system, the Scottish Government has commissioned a number of Action Research projects beginning in 2015.
These were undertaken across a number of locations to gain an understanding of how the practical issues around enacting Section 122 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 would fit alongside existing practice, roles and responsibilities. Research Project Reports are available from SPICe
- BiB number
- 59312.
Barnardo's
- Fife
- 2015-16
This pilot provided advocacy to children aged 3 to 17 who have been referred by the Children’s Reporter for an initial children’s hearing. Furthermore the project provided advice, support and training as necessary to other people supporting children at children’s hearings. This included family members, teachers or carers.
Barnardo's
- Fife
- 2017-18 and Your Voice
- North Lanarkshire
- 2015-16 and
2016-17
Barnardo's are currently undertaking a further pilot which explores the provision of advocacy at short notice and the provision of a duty model which involves meeting at their offices located within the Glenrothes hearing centre itself, just before the child's Hearing. They will also provide advocacy at Pre Hearing panels if it is likely a child might be excused from attending their hearing but still wants their views to be heard.
Like the Barnardo's Project in Fife, Your Voice explored the provision of short term advocacy in the North Lanarkshire area. They were located within in the Bellshill hearing centre, and provided advocacy under the same circumstances.
Who Cares? Scotland (WC?S)- Dundee and Highlands
- 2015-16
WC?S delivered advocacy through current and enhanced provision to children in Dundee and Highland as part of their project.
In addition they undertook a 2 month scoping exercise exploring what children and young people understand about advocacy and how they find out more about it and what awareness levels amongst relevant professionals were.
The learning from all of these projects has been significant. The Scottish Government has benefitted from information about logistical issues, barriers to accessing advocacy. The studies have highlighted benefits for both children and young people, professionals and panel members. The connections made with advocacy providers and the advocacy sector have proven invaluable as we move forward to the next phase where we are designing the delivery and practice models.
In considering a sustainable and effective model of advocacy provision for the children's hearings system, the Scottish Government has commissioned a number of Action Research projects beginning in 2015.
These were undertaken across a number of locations to gain an understanding of how the practical issues around enacting Section 122 of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 would fit alongside existing practice, roles and responsibilities. Research Project Reports are available from SPICe
- BiB number
- 59312.
Barnardo's
- Fife
- 2015-16
This pilot provided advocacy to children aged 3 to 17 who have been referred by the Children’s Reporter for an initial children’s hearing. Furthermore the project provided advice, support and training as necessary to other people supporting children at children’s hearings. This included family members, teachers or carers.
Barnardo's
- Fife
- 2017-18 and Your Voice
- North Lanarkshire
- 2015-16 and
2016-17
Barnardo's are currently undertaking a further pilot which explores the provision of advocacy at short notice and the provision of a duty model which involves meeting at their offices located within the Glenrothes hearing centre itself, just before the child's Hearing. They will also provide advocacy at Pre Hearing panels if it is likely a child might be excused from attending their hearing but still wants their views to be heard.
Like the Barnardo's Project in Fife, Your Voice explored the provision of short term advocacy in the North Lanarkshire area. They were located within in the Bellshill hearing centre, and provided advocacy under the same circumstances.
Who Cares? Scotland (WC?S)- Dundee and Highlands
- 2015-16
WC?S delivered advocacy through current and enhanced provision to children in Dundee and Highland as part of their project.
In addition they undertook a 2 month scoping exercise exploring what children and young people understand about advocacy and how they find out more about it and what awareness levels amongst relevant professionals were.
The learning from all of these projects has been significant. The Scottish Government has benefitted from information about logistical issues, barriers to accessing advocacy. The studies have highlighted benefits for both children and young people, professionals and panel members. The connections made with advocacy providers and the advocacy sector have proven invaluable as we move forward to the next phase where we are designing the delivery and practice models.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-12412 by reference.