New research published on home Compulsory Supervision Orders
New research has been published focusing on home Compulsory Supervision Orders (CSOs) in the Hearings System. The research, commissioned by the Scottish Government and carried out by the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA), asks: Do Compulsory Supervision Orders where a child is looked after at home (home CSOs) work?
A CSO is a legal document which means that the local authority is responsible for looking after and helping a child – for instance, where a child must live or other conditions which must be followed. Home CSOs are the most common type of CSO made by Children’s Hearings. In recent years, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of home CSOs but until now there has been little research on this or if home CSOs can improve outcomes for children and young people.
With this in mind, the research looked at this from the perspectives of those involved and most affected – young people, parents, social workers, Children’s Panel Members and Children’s Reporters.
The report shows how home CSOs are being used and when they work best, highlighting their integral place as part of a tiered and flexible approach to child protection, providing legal safeguards to regulate contact and secure residence, and helping young people and families get the support they need.
The report also suggests it may be time to re-consider how home CSOs are viewed within policy and guidance.
The full research findings are available on the SCRA website.