ROBERTSON WYSE SOLICITORS

When grounds of referral are brought by the Children’s Reporter to the Sheriff we provide parents, relevant persons and children and young persons with court representation. Evidential hearings at Court before a Sheriff have important, long lasting consequences for families. Court hearings can add further stress to an already very difficult and emotional time for families. If you have received notification of Referral proceedings in the Sheriff Court please contact us for advice and/or representation. 

Robertson Wyse Solicitors are heavily involved in all aspects of representing families in Children’s Hearings System. We can attend with you in person to represent you at these panels and we will advise you and keep you right every step of the way.  The Children's hearing system, which began operating on 15 April 1971, took over from the courts the responsibility for dealing with children and young people who are in need of care or protection or who have committed alleged offences.  Panels should be child focussed and we can help to ensure you are able to participate effectively in these hearings. We are there to help and to ensure the child's rights are protected, views of the family are being listened to and taken into account in decision making, and that the hearing is a fair one.

Concern over the way society deals with vulnerable children and young people is nothing new. In 1960, a committee was established under Lord Kilbrandon to respond to concerns over youth justice at the time and investigate possible changes to the approach. At that time, children and young people were dealt with by juvenile courts, whether they had committed an alleged offence or were in need of care and protection.

In 1964 the committee reported that there were great similarities in the need for care of all children and young people appearing before the courts, regardless of their reason for being there. This report led to the creation of the Children’s Hearings System.