Perth and Kinross Council will monitor and review a recent law change raising the age of criminal responsibility.
The Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 came into force on December 17, 2021.
The Act raised the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland from eight to 12.
The Act was introduced gradually over two years. While the law did not change until December 2021, under 12s stopped being charged for crimes via the Children’s Hearing on November 29, 2019.
At a Perth and Kinross Council committee meeting last week, councillors and education representatives from Perth and Kinross were told of the impact the change in legislation would have on the local authority.
A report was put before a virtual meeting of PKC ’s lifelong learning committee on Wednesday, March 30.
The committee was told the Act places additional responsibilities on social workers when responding to children under 12 who have “been involved in harmful behaviours”. Social workers will need specialist training in order to respond to incidents in an appropriate and timely manner.
A child-centred approach will be at the heart of the response. Councillors were told children who carry out harmful behaviour towards others have often suffered trauma and abuse. They were told the Act aims to ensure children and their families get the support needed.
In a statement issued prior to the meeting PKC ’s head of service for children, young people and families Hazel Robertson explained: “Younger children becoming involved in harmful behaviours is often a sign of other underlying issues in their lives.
“These situations are clearly a matter of concern in our communities, and need appropriate intervention to address any underlying issues and to protect all involved.
“The Act has a clear focus on children’s wellbeing by protecting them from early criminalisation and, in line with other national initiatives like The Promise, seeking to support them and their families as needed to ensure they can reach their life potential.”
Moving the report at Wednesday’s meeting convener Caroline Shiers said a child-centred approach was “really important”.
She added: “The context within which a child lives can have quite a major impact on their actions and behaviours but also in the way we help families to nurture their children and move them forward.”
Seconding, Conservative councillor John Duff - a former police superintendent - said: “This will protect children involved from early criminalisation while providing support to victims.”
SNP councillor John Rebbeck said a child-centred approach was “absolutely the way to go” and applauded the change in legislation.
Lib Dem councillor Lewis Simpson welcomed the change in legislation but noted the additional workload for council staff and requested “sufficient resources remain available to make the very best of this legislation”.
