Aberlour's response to the Scottish Government's 'Children's Hearing Redesign' consultation

At Aberlour we have a deep understanding of the importance of Scotland Keeping the Promise by 2030. We provide safe, loving and supportive services across Scotland for children and young people who often face complex challenges. These include residential children’s houses, mother and child recovery houses and many other services, working right across the spectrum from early intervention and prevention to supporting children and young people in and on the edges of care.

Applying a rights-based approach, we are committed to raising awareness of the needs of intersectional groups within the care-experience community and supporting them to access their rights.

We work together with other partners to beat poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. Giving children an equal chance and the best possible start in life is at the heart of everything we do. This is all a part of our defining mission: “to be brave for our children and young people.” To that end, we urge the Scottish Government to do the same.

In our response we have highlighted key areas relevant to our work, including:

• Ensuring the redesigned Children’s Hearing System is aligned to the UNCRC and The Promise and the key principles of participation are embedded within it;
• The impact of increasing the age of referral to the Children’s Hearings System to young people aged 16- and 17-years old, and in particular unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people;
• Greater diversity and representation within the children’s panel community of those with care experience and from similar backgrounds to children, young people and families who come into contact with the Children’s Hearing System.

Throughout our consultation response, we amplify the voices of our children, young people and families. We advocate for reform to ensure that they are supported through every stage of their hearing process and how to make sure their voices are heard and listened to.