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Part 3General considerations

31Sheriff: duty to consider appointing safeguarder

(1)This section applies where—

(a)proceedings are being taken before the sheriff under Part 10 or 15 in relation to a child, and

(b)a safeguarder has not been appointed for the child in relation to proceedings under those Parts.

(2)The sheriff must consider whether to appoint a safeguarder for the child.

(3)The sheriff may appoint a safeguarder for the child.

(4)A safeguarder appointed under this section is to be treated for the purposes of this Act (other than this section) as having been appointed by a children’s hearing by virtue of section 30.

(5)An appointment under subsection (3) must be recorded.

(6)If the sheriff appoints a safeguarder, the sheriff must give reasons for the decision.