The Children’s Convenor is the gatekeeper to the Child Youth and Community Tribunal (the tribunal). Referrals can be made to the Convenor when it is thought that the child may be in need of compulsory intervention. The Children’s Convenor will investigate the case and decide whether to refer on to the tribunal.
The Children’s Convenor will refer to the Child Youth Community Tribunal when she is satisfied that compulsory intervention is necessary to ensure that the child receives sufficient care, protection guidance or control.
In relation to child protection, a referral may be made to the Children’s Convenor when a parent, or carer, is not complying with the specific parts of the child protection plan that prevent serious harm happening to their child. The recommendation to make this referral can be made at a child protection conference.
Within HSSD referrals to the Children’s Convenor will be made through the Service Manager responsible for the Assessment and Intervention Team.
Permanent Arrangements
The Tribunal does not have the power to make any requirement that would provide permanent arrangements for a child. To achieve this an application needs to be made to the court for a Community Parenting Order (section 48-54). This is an order made by the Court (and not the Child Youth and Community Tribunal) and an application can only be made by HSSD (and not the Children’s Convenor).
