Needs not Deeds An introduction to children in conflict with the law and the systems they may encounter

Multi Agency Training

This Needs Not Deeds session is aimed to provide a comprehensive baseline of knowledge on children in conflict with the law. Sessions include up to date research and data and is delivered with a focus on a rights respecting approach. In the session attendees hear about the development of youth justice in Scotland, from Kilbrandon to the change of age of criminal responsibility and the changes the Children’s Care and Justice bill is likely to introduce.

We go on to discuss the different definitions of a child in legislation, consider how many children offend and the importance of language when we are talking about children in conflict with the law. Children in conflict with the law and child protection is explored before we go on to talk about brain maturation and the impact of trauma and adversity on our children. Emphasis is placed on care experienced children and their greater representation in justice systems and the reasons for this, this includes an input from one of our residential practitioners on our local approach to accommodated children and why we have far lower rates of children accruing charges in our City residential homes than other areas of the country.

Impact of bereavement, loss and separation is discussed as is the age of criminal responsibility and the ethos behind the increase in age. Relevant national policy, guidance and resources are highlighted before going on to talk through what a child might experience if they are in conflict with the law, looking at the justice systems and where communication and sharing information is important to try to inform decisions for children who have accrued a charge. Finally, we look at the importance of relationships and the common factors that improve life changes for children in conflict with the law.

Delivered by Whole Systems Approach Coordinator this session is a pre-requisite for the suite of training available on children in conflict with the law. Other sessions in the suite of training are: Speech, Language and Communication Needs and children in conflict with the law; Children's Rights, Participation and children in conflict with the law; Intervention Planning and children in conflict with the law and; Joint Reports.

Please note this is in person training at Westburn Resource Centre. There is paid on street parking available and refreshments will be available however lunch is not provided. Please do not park in the centres car park or CLAN's car park.