It is important that you share your views at your Children’s Hearing. Taking part in a virtual Hearing can be a very different experience from attending a Children’s Hearing in a Hearing room, so it is even more important that you are prepared and able to say how you feel.
If you haven’t already done so, try to get someone to help you prepare for your virtual Hearing. There are lots of options. More information about how to get help and support is available here.
Before your Hearing, please have a think about what you would like to tell the Panel Members. It might be a good idea to write everything down so you don’t forget anything in your virtual Hearing.
It can also be helpful to talk about your views with your Social Worker, an advocacy worker, a lawyer or a representative so they can help you to say how you feel.
Some of the things that you might be asked about are:
- Do you know why you are coming to a Hearing?
- How have things been going for you lately? Are you happy with how things are at home
- How are you finding things during the Coronavirus pandemic? Are you able to stay in contact with people you care about?
- If things are going well for you, what is good just now and why?
- Is there something that is worrying you, and if there is, would you like to tell us about it?
- What would you like to happen? Would you like things to change or stay the same?
- Is there anything else you would like the Hearing to know about?
If you are participating in a virtual Hearing, the Children’s Reporter will send you information beforehand and they will arrange a test as well. We also have some questions and answers which might help and some top tips too!
If you cannot take part in a virtual Hearing, or would prefer not to attend, you can still give your views. You can email them to the local SCRA team mailbox (information about this will be in your letter about your Hearing). Please include the date and time of the Hearing, and your initials in your email.
This is very important to make sure that the information can get passed on. The Reporter will then give the information to the Panel Members.
Remember, it is your Hearing and you are the most important person in the virtual room!