What's New: Consultations
NEW - National Parenting Strategy
PINS members are invited to engage with parents so that they can take part in the current consultation on the National Parenting Strategy. The Strategy will recognise that parents and families are a child’s first educators and are the most important influence on a child’s life, especially in the early years. It will address how parents and families can access the right support at the right time to enable them to do their best for their children. The Scottish Government team have developed a brief and supporting information to help you facilitate a session with parents. The downloadable pdf brief for facilitators is HERE
Improving advocacy for children and young people
The Scottish Government is consulting on how to ensure that children and young have their voice heard in decisions that affect them. The consultation seeks the views of organisations and individuals, and wants to hear from children and young people. A consultation paper and materials to support children and young people’s involvement are available. Closing date: 29th February 2012. More HERE
The Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 - The Children's Hearings (Implementation of Secure Accommodation Authorisation) (Scotland) Regulations 2012
The Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 makes provision for the implementation of secure accommodation authorisations. The draft regulations set out the process for the Chief Social Work Officer when deciding whether or not to implement a secure accommodation authorisation or remove a child from secure accommodation. Closing date: 23rd February 2012. More HERE
Vulnerable Witness Provisions in The Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, Including The Authentication of Prior Statements (Scotland) Regulations 2012
The Provisions are designed to improve protections for vulnerable witnesses. The Scottish Government wants witnesses to be able to give the best evidence they can and to ensure that they have access to the same types of support in children's hearings and court proceedings as in the case for criminal proceedings. Closing date: 30th March 2012. More HERE
Commission on Rural Education
A Commission, chaired by Sheriff David Sutherland from Tain, has been tasked with examining both how the delivery of rural education can maximise the attainment and life chances of young people in rural areas, and the link between rural education and rural communities. The Commission will also review the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and its application and make recommendations on the delivery of all aspects of education in rural areas. More HERE
You can hear the Education Secretary speaking about the Commission HERE
