Reporter to the Children’s Panel
Help find the best way to protect and care for vulnerable children so they have safe and happy lives.
About the job
What it's like
You would help to find the best way to protect and care for vulnerable children so they have safe and happy lives.
The Children’s Hearings System is the care and justice system for Scotland’s children and young people.
The system is designed to help children and young people who need care and protection, who have problems at home, in school, or in the community, or who get in trouble with the police.
As a Children’s Reporter you would be based in a local community. People who are concerned about the welfare of a child or young person in that community, such as police officers, social workers, teachers and doctors, would refer a child to you for investigation.
You would:
Review and investigate the referral
Discuss the circumstances with the person or team who made the referral
Speak to other people who know the child, like teachers or social workers, and ask them to write reports
Decide whether the child needs special protection and help
Assess evidence
Decide whether to refer to a Children’s Hearing and write statements of grounds
Appear in court if necessary
If you decide that they do need special help you would refer the child to a Children’s Hearing. The Hearing has three Panel Members, who are trained volunteers from the local community. They will listen to the circumstances and hear the views of the child and their family and then decide on the best option. For example, the Panel may decide that the child should stay at home with support from other agencies such as social work, or should be looked after by foster carers or live in a residential unit or secure accommodation.
The Children's Reporter and Children’s Hearing want to make sure the child is protected and that they get the help and support to have a positive and happy life as they get older and become an adult.
You would be responsible for ensuring that each Hearing works well, complies with the law, and that the right people and agencies are told about its decision so they can take the right action. You will be required to attend court to establish the case if the family do not accept the circumstances, and also if there are appeals against the decision of the Children’s Hearing.
Most of the cases referred to the Children’s Reporter are child protection cases. You will need sensitivity, flexibility and the ability to work well with a wide variety of professionals and people from different backgrounds.
You would work for the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, which along with other agencies, is responsible for running the Children’s Hearings System.
Hours
You would normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Environment
You will mostly be office based but may need to attend court depending on individual cases.
Travel
Any travel will be within the local area.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Reporter to the Children’s Panel'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Advocate Procurator fiscal Judge or sheriff Solicitor
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Childcare and Development
English
You need to be qualified to degree level (SCFQ Level 9/10) or equivalent in social work, law or another relevant subject with at least two years experience in a similar role.
Entry to a degree generally requires a minimum of three Highers or a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8).
Court experience, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
To have evidence of continued professional development
Experience and skills using computers and business related software
To complete a medical questionnaire that will be assessed by the independent occupational health service
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
A good understanding of the Children’s Hearings System, Children’s Hearings Scotland and the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Reporter to the Children’s Panel'
