This year’s annual Legal Conference saw us returning to the Malmaison Hotel in Dundee for members and staff to meet and enjoy presentations from our excellent speakers on the topic of Children’s Rights: Our Responsibilities.
Lynda Brabender, KC chaired proceedings and brought to the role her expertise and humour. The Speakers came from fields of research, the Bench, SCRA, public sector and the Bar. This reflected the mix of disciplines among the delegates which led to invaluable discussions and increased knowledge and understanding for all of us working with children and families moving towards Permanence.
Alistair Hogg, Head of Practice and Policy, SCRA spoke very openly about the next chapter of the Children’s Hearings System in the context of new legislation and the redesign of the System. Sheriff Principal Anwar, KC discussed developments in the law in areas of adoption, permanence and children’s hearings. Particular focus was on how the courts prioritise listening to the child’s views and ensuring that their best interests remain central to decision making. Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive Officer, The Promise Scotland demonstrated the need for a rights-based approach in keeping the Promise and how the 24-30 Plan is expected to unfold.
In the afternoon, we heard about the second phase of the Permanently Progressing research from Dr Helen Whincup, Senior Lecturer and Dr Maggie Grant, Lecturer, Stirling University. This longitudinal study is remarkable and continues to follow over 1800 children and their journey in permanence. Jamie Speirs, Senior Solicitor, Scottish Child Law Centre, spoke inspiringly about the barriers to children accessing justice and how they can seek redress post UNCRC incorporation. Marie Clark, KC delivered a fascinating insight into how courts in a variety of jurisdictions and across a broad range of case types are encapsulating the views of the child to inform their decisions.
Delegates reported back very positively about how thought provoking they found the day and the value of meeting in person to exchange their experiences and views.