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Children's Convenor

The Children's Convenor is the gatekeeper to the Child Youth and Community Tribunal (the "CYCT"). 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 CYCT.

The Children's Convenor will refer to the CYCT when she is satisfied that compulsory intervention may be necessary to ensure that the child referred receives adequate 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 decision to refer can be made by the Chair of the child protection conference or a recommendation to refer can be made at a child protection conference.

Within Health and Social Care referrals to the Children's Convenor will be made through the Service Manager responsible for Early Help, Assessment and Youth Justice.

A referral to the Children's Convenor can be made at the same time as applying to the Court for an Order, this is likely to be appropriate when an application is made for an Emergency Protection Order.

Permanent Arrangements

The CYCT 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 CYCT) and an application can only be made by Health and Social Care (and not the Children's Convenor).

Useful links

The Children's Convenor website