After section 69B, insert—

“69CGuidance on family group decision-making services

(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.”.