§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he proposes for the organisation of children's hearings following the reorganisation of local government in Scotland.
§ Mr. StewartThe Government's proposals for the children's hearings system are set out in the White Paper on Local Government Reform (Cm 2267) and on Child Care Policy and Law (CM 2286).
The only organisational change proposed is the establishment of a children's reporter service for Scotland. This will be managed by a chief reporter responsible to a part-time board appointed by the Secretary of State. Against the background of the reform we see that step as the most advantageous way of ensuring consistency and the highest standards of professional practice among reporters across Scotland. Children's panels will continue to be appointed for local authority areas, thereby maintaining their links with the local communities which they serve. Children's panel advisory committees, which nominate panel members and monitor their performance, will continue on a similar basis.