Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024

The Act brings all young people under 18 into the children’s hearing system and strengthens safeguards for children involved in court proceedings.

It also updates the rules on secure care, allowing young people placed there - including some who are 18 - to be treated as “looked after” children.

The Act raises expectations around safeguarding and wellbeing, ensuring greater alignment with the UNCRC, and it ends the use of young offenders institutions and remand centres for children. 

Read more about the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024.