Practice note directs in-person child welfare hearings
Child welfare hearings should call in person in the sheriff courts, according to new guidance produced by the sheriffs principal.
The second all-Scotland practice guidance issued this week directs that for all family actions commencing from today, 13 July 2022, the interlocutor will direct that the first child welfare hearing will call in person. Should a party wish to participate in the first hearing by electronic means, they will be required to give notice to the sheriff clerk no later than five working days prior to the hearing.
Further child welfare hearings will be conducted in person unless otherwise directed by the sheriff. However, parties will be able to make representations at the first child welfare hearing, should they wish further hearings to be conducted otherwise.
Child welfare hearings take place when a party seeks an order relating to the care of a child. They are usually held in private. The mode for any further child welfare hearings where actions commenced before 13 July 2022 will be discussed with all parties.
This is the second guidance applying to all sheriffdoms, in order to achieve consistency of approach. It follows the housing guidance which was published on Monday 11 July. Both take effect from today 13 July).