Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019: learning event 26 January 2023 - key findings

Summary of programme

The full day programme consisted of round table discussions on what lessons have been learned from pre and post-commencement of the Act. There were keynote speaker contributions from:

• Beth-Anne Logan from CYCJ who spoke about her report on young peoples views on ACR.
• Dr Aaron Brown, from CYCJ who spoke about the learning from other countries regarding their age of criminal responsibility (ACR).
• Alison Penman from Social Work in Dumfries and Galloway and DSU Martin MacLean from Police Scotland reflected on lessons learned from pre- commencement of the Act.
• Sharon Coats from Social work in North Lanakshire and DS Carolyn Stephen from Police Scotland reflected on lessons learned from post-commencement of the act.
• Fiona Dyer from CYCJ and Tony Bone, Child Interview Rights Practitioner (ChIRP) spoke about their experiences and the role of ChIRPs.
• Ian Donaldson, Deputy Director for Youth Justice in Scottish Government outlined what is next for government in terms of ACR.
• Clare Haughey, Minister for Children and Young People closed the event, and reflected on both pre and post-commencement experiences, and what is next for ACR.