Issue - meetings

(i)       to note the positive implications for all children under 12 years of age whose behaviour may currently see them participate in an adult justice system, largely designed for adults;

(ii)       to note that on 16 September 2021, ministerial agreement was given to delay the commencement of Part 1 of Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019. A confirmed date for full implementation has not been identified;

(iii)      to note the localised plans in place, referred to in section 3.2 of the report, are meeting the needs of the vulnerable children that the Act seeks to protect; and

(iv)      to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the appropriate Minister in the Scottish Government to seek additional funding to fulfil the requirements of the new legislation.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Operating Officer which sought to provide assurance of the planning in place within Aberdeen City on the implementation of changes to practice required in line with the imminent commencement of the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the positive implications for all children under 12 years of age whose behaviour may currently see them participate in an adult justice system, largely designed for adults;

(b)      note that on 16 September 2021, ministerial agreement was given to delay the commencement of Part 1 of Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019. A confirmed date for full implementation has not been identified; and

(c)      note the localised plans in place, referred to in section 3.2 of the report, are meeting the needs of the vulnerable children that the Act seeks to protect.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to approve the recommendations contained within the report; and

(ii)       to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the appropriate Minister in the Scottish Government to seek additional funding to fulfil the requirements of the new legislation.