Chamber and committees

Is it your intention at stage 2 or stage 3 to commence the parts of the bill that are relevant to those points within that timescale? Will the Government lodge any amendments to that effect?

In that case, it feels as though the answers that you have just given on the record about the importance of ensuring that there are enough social workers in place and that they get the support that they need to do their job do not seem to be very adequate.

For some hearings that are held on welfare grounds, some information, which is perhaps considered to be “other relevant information”, to use the legal term, can come to light. That could be conversations with police that did not necessarily lead to arrest or charge but that have come to light and that appear on enhanced disclosures for children and young people. Does the minister think that young people should have access to legal representation by a duty solicitor in those situations, too?

Do you consider support for social workers and the social work profession to be key to the bill’s implementation?

In that case, the answers that you have just given about that issue not directly relating to the passage of the bill do not seem to be very adequate.

My question is about ASSIST. Through the hearings system, is the Government considering any clear pathway for support from organisations such as ASSIST for people who are experiencing, or who have been victims of, domestic violence?

—whether something will be dual reported through the children’s hearings and reporting system or whether it will be referred to the criminal justice system, given the increased numbers and the fact that the rise in age could mean that more serious offences might need to be dealt with.

The minister will be aware that, currently, automatic legal representation is available when the recommendation is that the young person be deprived of their liberty and that legal aid can be sought in those cases. We also know—and Clan Childlaw has provided evidence to the committee on this—that other sanctions can be used on offence grounds that impact hugely on a young person’s life and that could appear in disclosures in the future. Does the minister believe that having an automatic right to legal representation for all young people on offence grounds at the panel is important?

Part of the concern is that there are statutory routes within the criminal justice system, including provisions such as special bail and non-harassment orders, that would trigger pathways to organisations such as ASSIST when domestic violence or violence against women and girls is a factor. Will the minister consider that at stages 2 and 3?

Surely, minister, you cannot expect members across the Parliament to vote for a bill that relies so heavily on social work without any reassurance from you that support will be in place for social work to meet the demands of the bill?