Seòmar agus comataidhean

I want to pick up on a point that Lorraine Johnstone made earlier. Lorraine, you said that secure care centres could potentially accommodate young offenders who have done something serious, but that restructuring and training would be needed. Are you aware of whether there has been any of that, or have you had any engagement with the Scottish Government about the potential for it and what additional resources would be necessary?

So, the panel broadly welcomes the bill as a fairly good start, but with some caveats. On that note, I will move straight to members’ questions.

That is nice and succinct.

Before I bring in Rona Mackay, I would like to let members and witnesses know that I can extend the session. We are covering a lot of important ground, and I am keen that as many questions and responses as possible can be heard. On that basis, assuming that our witnesses are able to stay a little bit longer if required, I will extend the session. If need be, we will reschedule our final agenda item to just after Easter recess. I take it that that is acceptable.

Thank you very much. I will open up the discussion to members.

Members will be interested in that issue about victim notification and the differences between situations when the perpetrator is a child versus when they are an adult.

I want to pick up on the broad work that you do. Over time, have you seen changes in the number of children who you support or the profiles of the children who you support? I would like a general overview of how things are developing.

I know that Sue Brookes wants to comment on a previous question. Do you want to address Jamie Greene’s question as well?

Would anyone else like to come in before we move on?

Thank you.

I will come to Linda Allan. The committee is aware of the traumatic experience that you have had with the criminal justice system, Linda. Are you able to articulate that experience to committee members and say how it has brought you to the work that you are undertaking now?

A very good morning, and welcome to the 10th meeting of the Criminal Justice Committee in 2023. There are no apologies this morning.

Our first item of business is a decision on whether to take items 3 and 4 on today’s agenda in private. Do members agree to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.