Before your Hearing
You might be asked to go to a Children’s Hearing because the Children’s Reporter has concerns about you. They will write up a statement of grounds outlining what these concerns are, and you will receive a copy of these.
I’ve never been to a Hearing before, what do I need to know beforehand?
- If you have been asked to go to a Children’s Hearing, you will get a letter from the Children’s Reporter to tell you when and where it is. This will be posted to the place where you are staying a few days before your Hearing.
- The Children’s Reporter might also write to tell you that a Pre-Hearing Panel will be held. This is a meeting held before a Hearing takes place, and Panel Members decide if there are any reasons why you will not need to go to your Hearing.
- Children and young people can attend Pre-Hearing Panels if they want to, but do not have to. If you choose not to attend, you are still entitled to have your views heard. Afterwards, the Children’s Reporter will let you know what decisions have been made.
- Before your Hearing, you will get some other information, including a form called a Hearing About Me. You can use this form to say how you are feeling.
- If you have any questions, there’s lots of people who can give you more information and advice. You can always phone your Children’s Reporter if you need more information.
- An advocacy worker can give you lots of help and support you at your Hearing. Find out more information on the Hearings Advocacy website.
Would you like to see where the Hearing will take place?
If you would like to visit the Hearing Centre before the actual day of your Hearing, you can arrange for this to happen by contacting the Reporter (whose name and telephone number are on the letter you have been sent). An advocacy worker can also arrange this for you.
As part of your visit you will be shown around the waiting rooms and Hearing rooms, find out about seating arrangements and who will be at your Hearing. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about what will happen on the day.
You will be given a pack containing useful information. This is called a Pre-Hearing pack and contains leaflets and other information which will help you prepare for your Hearing.
Pre-Hearing pack
- Hearing About Me form – you can fill this in to give your views to the Hearing
- ‘All about Children’s Hearings’ gives information on what is involved in a Hearing – who will be there, what will happen and how you can have your say.
- ‘Children’s Hearings – Your Rights’ looks at the rights of children and young people attending Hearings.
- `All About Compulsory Supervision Orders’ explains what happens if the Hearing makes a Compulsory Supervision Order, how long it will last, when a review Hearing can take place and how you can appeal the decision.
- This website flyer displays our website address and a QR code.