CHILDREN should be able to give evidence and have their voices heard in court, the Scottish Government has been told.
More than 50 individuals and organisations have responded to a consultation on the issue.
There was widespread support for young people being able to give evidence so long as the child is able to do so in a safe environment and effectively express their views.
Under current Scots law, there is a presumption only children over 12 are mature enough to be heard in court, But the Scottish Government’s Children (Scotland) Bill proposes making it easier for all children to express a view.
Some charities and public organisations have warned that for children to be able to give evidence a lot more money will be needed.
Holyrood’s Justice Committee will hear evidence about the Bill. Its convener, Margaret Mitchell, said: “Balancing the rights and responsibilities of children, mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents and wider families and step-families is difficult to get right, particularly when every case has its own individual circumstances.”
In its evidence to the consultation on the Bill, the Care Inspectorate said: “We consider that children from a young age can give their views if given the time, appropriate tools to support them and a feeling that they are being listened to.”
On the issue of funding, it added: “There needs to be investment, guidance, and training to make meaningful and embedded cultural changes.”
The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service’s (SCTS) response also expressed concern about the financial burden arising from the proposals.
Dr Gillian Black from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Law, described the removal of the age presumption as “a very welcome development.”
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