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 F1and section 33) 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.