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Achieving best evidence in criminal proceedings: guidance for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children - Volume 2

The government is committed to improving the protection during the criminal justice process for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children. This document is issued as part of ‘Action for Justice’, the implementation programme for the ‘Speaking Up for Justice’ report. Following the report, the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 set out a range of special measures to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, including children to give their best evidence in criminal proceedings.

The role of safeguarders in Scotland

Safeguarders are persons who may be appointed by children’s hearings or sheriffs when they think this is required to safeguard the interests of the child in the proceedings. Their role is to provide support and advice for the proceedings.

The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate the current use and operation of safeguarders in Scotland.

Access to justice: evidence of the experiences of adults with mental health problems

This is the report of a systematic review that was undertaken to investigate how adults with mental health problems experience civil, family and criminal justice. The findings are presented and discussed under the following headings: associations and characteristics of adults with mental health problems; services and agencies accessed by adults with mental health problems and their effectiveness; experiences, barriers and potential barriers to accessing justice for adults with mental health problems.

Hidden harm: Scottish Executive response to the report of the inquiry by the Advisory Council on the misuse of drugs

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs published 'Hidden Harm' which highlighted the plight of the estimated 41,000-59,000 children in Scotland affected by parental drug use. This resource describes the Scottish Executive's response to the challenges outlined in 'Hidden Harm'.

Getting it Right for Every Child: proposals for action - analysis of consultation responses

Summary of the document: Getting it right for every child: proposals for action: summary of consultation analysis. The consultation document getting it right for every child: proposals for action, which was published on 21 June 2005, identified three main areas for improvement: Improving and unifying the services for children, strengthening the children’s hearings system and modernising the children’s hearings system.