Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

[F1 69C Guidance on family group decision-making services S

(1) The Scottish Ministers must issue guidance on family group decision-making services in Scotland.

(2) A local authority must, when securing the provision of family group decision-making services in its area, have regard to any guidance published under this section.

(3) Guidance under this section must—

(a) set out—

(i) the purpose of family group decision-making,

(ii) the principles that underpin it,

(iii) the expectations for how it is to be applied in practice,

(b) include information on—

(i) the factors that a local authority should, whether or not a request for family group decision-making services has been made, consider in determining whether to offer family group decision-making services (such as, where appropriate, the views of the child),

(ii) how family group decision-making services may interact and be used in conjunction with other services provided in respect of children and families, as part of taking a holistic approach to the provision of support,

(iii) how family group decision-making services support early intervention, family participation in decision-making, and the fulfilment of children’s rights,

(iv) any measures that the Scottish Ministers consider should be taken to support the availability and quality of family group decision-making services.

(4) Before issuing or revising guidance, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) each local authority,

(b) other providers of family group decision-making services,

(c) the Principal Reporter,

(d) the National Convener of Children’s Hearings Scotland, and

(e) such other persons as they consider appropriate.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 69C inserted (30.9.2026 for specified purposes) by Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026 (asp 16), ss. 16(2), 70(2); S.S.I. 2026/258, reg. 2, sch.