NCJ Number
89592
Editor(s)
F M Martin,
K Murray
Date Published
1982
Length
211 pages
Annotation
After sketching the history and structure of Scotland's children's hearings system, this book describes how the system works, identifies its inadequacies, and suggests improvements, followed by consideration of how the panels might deal with such problems as delinquency, truancy, and child abuse.
Abstract
The children's panel consists of representatives from the community who serve voluntarily after being appointed by the Secretary of State from those nominated for an area by the Children's Panel Advisory Committee. Jurisdiction is limited to children under 16 years-old who commit offenses, are truant, fall into bad associations, or whose environment is debilitating. The focus of the panel's decision is expected to be on the child's best interests. The child's background will be considered, and both the child and the family are involved in the decisionmaking process. Informality and flexibility are encouraged, and a regular review of decisions is conducted to consider any changes. Chapters in the first section of the book examine (1) how social workers can make their reports more coherent and relevant, (2) how panel members can make more effective use of the information given them, (3) surmounting communication barriers between panel members and families, (4) the importance of following procedures that protect the child's rights, and (5) weighing the consequences of alternative decisions. The concluding section of the book presents papers that explore theories and concepts that bear upon problems likely to be encountered by children's panels, including child development, theories of delinquency, truancy, child abuse and neglect, and justice and welfare. The future of the children's hearing system is also considered. Twenty-six bibliographic entries are provided.