The Scottish Government has launched a consultation which will run until October 2020, seeking views on raising the age at which a young person can be referred to a children’s hearing from 16 to 18.

Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd said: “We know many vulnerable 16 and 17-year-olds currently fall outwith the Children’s Hearings System and we want to ensure all children and young people get the right support, care and protection at the right time.

At present, only those 16 and 17-year-olds who have a compulsory supervision order or an open referral can be referred to the children’s hearing system. Courts can also make a referral following guilt being accepted or established.

More information on the consultation can be found on the Scottish Government website