(1)This section applies where a children’s hearing is held in relation to a child by virtue of this Act.
(2)The chairing member of the children’s hearing must inform the child of the availability of children’s advocacy services.
(3)The chairing member need not comply with subsection (2) if, taking account of the age and maturity of the child, the chairing member considers that it would not be appropriate to do so.
(4)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for or in connection with—
(a)the provision of children’s advocacy services,
(b)qualifications to be held by persons providing children’s advocacy services,
(c)the training of persons providing children’s advocacy services,
(d)the payment of expenses, fees and allowances by the Scottish Ministers to persons providing children’s advocacy services.
(5)The Scottish Ministers may enter into arrangements (contractual or otherwise) with any person other than a local authority, CHS or SCRA for the provision of children’s advocacy services.
(6)Regulations under this section are subject to the affirmative procedure.
(7)In this section, “children’s advocacy services” means services of support and representation provided for the purposes of assisting a child in relation to the child’s involvement in a children’s hearing.