Scotland's system of Children's Hearings is unique. Designed to help children and families who are in need of care and support, the process touches the lives of many. The process starts when the Children's Reporter believes, usually following a report from social work, that a particular problem has arisen with a child or family. The problem (technically known as a "ground of referral") might be that the child has committed a crime, or hasn't gone to school; alternatively, the child might have been neglected, or have been abused. The Reporter asks the Children's Hearing (a group of three trained members of the public) to consider the case. If everyone (child, parents, carers) agrees that the problem exists, the Hearing have to decide how to sort it out. If there's a dispute, the case moves to the Sheriff Court, where it is called a "Referral".
It is absolutely essential to get the best possible legal advice right at the start. The Children's Hearing and the court can make decisions which have a profound effect on children and their families. Although the process is meant to be relatively informal, it can still be distressing and confusing for those involved. A solicitor can give you advice, let you know what your options are, and will make sure that your voice is heard and understood by those making the decisions. If a wrong decision is reached, the solicitor can help you appeal.
Livingstone Brown are one of the country's most highly regarded firms in this area of law. Four of the partners are curators: lawyers appointed by the courts to safeguard the rights of children in child protection cases. Stuart Munro has been involved in training police officers and other professionals in this area, and is also President of the Association of Children's Hearings Practitioners. Add to that the skill, dedication and commitment of the other lawyers in the firm who work in this field, and you have a team which is ideally placed to meet the needs of clients, whatever their particular situation.
Livingstone Brown offer a high quality service to all clients, whether the case is legally aided or privately funded. Clients can be assured of complete confidentiality and discretion. In addition to representing its own clients, the firm also offers a bespoke service to other firms of solicitors who wish to ensure that their clients receive the best possible service when faced with a children’s referral.
