Raising the age for children's hearings - easy read option

Closed 31 Aug 2024

Opened 22 Jul 2020

Overview

This is an example consultation for demonstration purposes only. This site is operated by Delib Ltd and submitted responses will be discarded.

The 2019-20 Programme for Government made a commitment to consult on ‘enabling joint reporting to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Principal Reporter of all 16 and 17 year olds’ offence cases’.

Ministers have since agreed to widen the consultation to seek views on increasing the age at which children can be referred to the Reporter for care, protection and offence grounds. This includes young people at risk of exploitation, abuse or harm due to their own behaviour or the behaviour of others.

Why your views matter

This consultation is a key part of ensuring that the needs of our most vulnerable children are considered and that they have the opportunity to be supported in a child centred system which can address identified needs and risks.

We are also seeking views on the structural, resourcing, service design and practice implications of the proposed changes.

Consideration will also be given to whether additional protections and support are necessary for victims of crime.