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Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes
Children (Scotland) Act 1995
1995 CHAPTER 36
An Act to reform the law of Scotland relating to children, to the adoption of
children and to young persons who as children have been looked after by a local
authority; to make new provision as respects the relationship between parent and
child and guardian and child in the law of Scotland; to make provision as respects
residential establishments for children and certain other residential establishments; and
for connected purposes. [19th July 1995]
Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:— PART I PARENTS, CHILDREN AND GUARDIANS Parental responsibilities and parental rights 1 Parental responsibilities. (1) Subject to section 3(1)(b) [F1 , and (d) ] and (3) of this Act, a parent has in relation to his child the responsibility— (a) to safeguard and promote the child’s health, development and welfare; (b) to provide, in a manner appropriate to the stage of development of the child— (i) direction; (ii) guidance, to the child; (c) if the child is not living with the parent, to maintain personal relations and direct contact with the child on a regular basis; and (d) to act as the child’s legal representative,
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes but only in so far as compliance with this section is practicable and in the interests of the child. (2) “Child” means for the purposes of— (a) paragraphs (a), (b)(i), (c) and (d) of subsection (1) above, a person under the age of sixteen years; (b) paragraph (b)(ii) of that subsection, a person under the age of eighteen years. (3) The responsibilities mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1) above are in this Act referred to as “parental responsibilities”; and the child, or any person acting on his behalf, shall have title to sue, or to defend, in any proceedings as respects those responsibilities. (4) The parental responsibilities supersede any analogous duties imposed on a parent at common law; but this section is without prejudice to any other duty so imposed on him or to any duty imposed on him by, under or by virtue of any other provision of this Act or of any other enactment. Textual Amendments F1 Words in s. 1(1) inserted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.9.2009) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), ss. 56, 68 , Sch. 6 para. 48 ; S.I. 2009/479, art. 6(1)(e)(2) (as amended by S.I. 2009/2232, art. 3) Commencement Information I1 (^) S. 1 wholly in force at 1.4.1997; s. 1 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 105(1); s. 1(1)-(3) in force for certain purposes at 1.11.1995 by S.I. 1995/2787, art. 3, Sch. ; s. 1 in force at 1.4.1997 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 1996/3201, art. 3(7) (with arts. 4-6) (as amended (7.3.1997) by S.I. 1997/744, arts. 2 , 3 ) 2 Parental rights. (1) Subject to section 3(1)(b) [F2 , and (d) ] and (3) of this Act, a parent, in order to enable him to fulfil his parental responsibilities in relation to his child, has the right— (a) to have the child living with him or otherwise to regulate the child’s residence; (b) to control, direct or guide, in a manner appropriate to the stage of development of the child, the child’s upbringing; (c) if the child is not living with him, to maintain personal relations and direct contact with the child on a regular basis; and (d) to act as the child’s legal representative. (2) Subject to subsection (3) below, where two or more persons have a parental right as respects a child, each of them may exercise that right without the consent of the other or, as the case may be, of any of the others, unless any decree or deed conferring the right, or regulating its exercise, otherwise provides. (3) Without prejudice to any court order, no person shall be entitled to remove a child habitually resident in Scotland from, or to retain any such child outwith, the United Kingdom without the consent of a person described in subsection (6) below.
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes is registered as a parent of the child under any of the enactments mentioned in subsection (3A). ] [F9 (1A) Those enactments are— (a) section 18(1)(a), (b)(i) and (c) and (2)(b) of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965 (c. 49); (b) sections 10(1)(a) to (e) and 10A(1)(a) to (e) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 (c. 20); and (c) article 14(3)(a) to (e) of the Births and Deaths Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 (S.I. 1976/1041). ] (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above, the father shall be regarded as having [F10 been— (a) married to the mother at any time when he was a party to a purported marriage with her which was— (i) voidable; or (ii) void but believed by them (whether by error of fact or law) in good faith at that time to be valid; (b) in a civil partnership with the mother at any time when he was a party to a purported civil partnership with her which was— (i) voidable; or (ii) void but believed by them (whether by error of fact or law) in good faith at that time to be valid. ] (3) Subsection (1) above is without prejudice to any order made under section 11 of this Act or section 3(1) of the said Act of 1986 (provision analogous to the said section 11 but repealed by this Act) or to any other order, disposal or resolution affecting parental responsibilities or parental rights; and nothing in subsection (1) above or in this Part of this Act shall affect any other— (a) enactment (including any other provision of this Act or of that Act); or (b) rule of law, by, under or by virtue of which a person may have imposed on him (or be relieved of) parental responsibilities or may be granted (or be deprived of) parental rights. [F11 (3A) Those enactments are— (a) paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) of section 18B(1) and section 18B(3)(a) of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965; (b) paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of section 10(1B) and of section 10A(1B) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953; (c) sub-paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of Article 14ZA(3) of the Births and Deaths Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 1976. ] (4) The fact that a person has parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to a child shall not entitle that person to act in any way which would be incompatible with any court order relating to the child or the child’s property, or with any [F12 compulsory supervision order or interim compulsory supervision order (as defined in sections 83 and 86 respectively of the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1)) that is in force in relation to the child. ]. (5) Without prejudice to [F13 sections 4(1) and 4A(1) ] of this Act, a person who has parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to a child shall not abdicate those responsibilities or rights to anyone else but may arrange for some or all of them to be
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- 5 Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes fulfilled or exercised on his behalf; and without prejudice to that generality any such arrangement may be made with a person who already has parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to the child concerned. (6) The making of an arrangement under subsection (5) above shall not affect any liability arising from a failure to fulfil parental responsibilities; and where any arrangements so made are such that the child is a foster child for the purposes of the M2 Foster Children (Scotland) Act 1984, those arrangements are subject to the provisions of that Act. Textual Amendments F3 Words in s. 3(1)(a) inserted (1.6.2021) by Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 15), s. 16, sch. 2 para. 4(2)(a) ; S.S.I. 2021/23, reg. 2, sch. (with reg. 3) F4 Words in s. 3(1)(b) renumbered as s. 3(1)(b)(i) (4.5.2006) by virtue of Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 2), ss. 23(2)(a) , 46(2); S.S.I. 2006/212, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13) F5 Words in s. 3(1)(b)(i) inserted (1.6.2021) by Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 15), s. 16, sch. 2 para. 4(2)(b)(i) ; S.S.I. 2021/23, reg. 2, sch. (with reg. 3) F6 S. 3(1)(b)(ii) inserted (4.5.2006) Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 2), ss. 23(2)(b) , 46(2) (with s. 23(4)); S.S.I. 2006/212, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13) F7 Words in s. 3(1)(b)(ii) inserted (1.6.2021) by Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 15), s. 16, sch. 2 para. 4(2)(b)(ii) ; S.S.I. 2021/23, reg. 2, sch. (with reg. 3) F8 S. 3(1)(c)(d) inserted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.9.2009) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), ss. 56, 68 , Sch. 6 para. 50(2) ; S.I. 2009/479, art. 6(1)(e)(2) (as amended by S.I. 2009/2232, art. 3) F9 S. 3(1A) inserted (4.5.2006) by Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 2), ss. 23(3) , 46(2); S.S.I. 2006/212, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13) F10 Words in s. 3(2) substituted (1.6.2021) by Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 15), s. 16, sch. 2 para. 4(2)(c) ; S.S.I. 2021/23, reg. 2, sch. (with reg. 3) F11 S. 3(3A) inserted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.9.2009) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), ss. 56, 68 , Sch. 6 para. 50(3) ; S.I. 2009/479, art. 6(1)(e)(2) (as amended by S.I. 2009/2232, art. 3) F12 Words in s. 3(4) substituted (24.6.2013) by The Childrens Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (Modification of Primary Legislation) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/211), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 9(2) F13 Words in s. 3(5) substituted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.9.2009) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), ss. 56, 68 , Sch. 6 para. 50(4) ; S.I. 2009/479, art. 6(1)(e)(2) (as amended by S.I. 2009/2232, art. 3) Modifications etc. (not altering text) C1 (^) S. 3(4) extended ( temp. from 22.8.1996 to 1.4.1997) by S.I. 1996/2203, art. 4 Marginal Citations M1 1986 c.9. M2 1984 c. 56. 4 Acquisition of parental rights and responsibilities by natural father. (1) Where a child’s mother has not been deprived of some or all of the parental responsibilities and parental rights in relation to him and, by virtue of subsection (1) (b) of section 3 of this Act, his father has no parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to him, the father and mother, whatever age they may be, may by agreement provide that, as from the appropriate date, the father shall have the parental responsibilities and parental rights which (in the absence of any order under section 11
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- 7 Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes not have the parental responsibility mentioned in section 1(1)(a) of this Act, to do what is reasonable in all the circumstances to safeguard the child’s health, development and welfare; and in fulfilling his responsibility under this section the person may in particular, even though he does not have the parental right mentioned in section 2(1) (d) of this Act, give consent to any surgical, medical or dental treatment or procedure where— (a) the child is not able to give such consent on his own behalf; and (b) it is not within the knowledge of the person that a parent of the child would refuse to give the consent in question. (2) Nothing in this section shall apply to a person in so far as he has care or control of a child in a school (“school” having the meaning given by section 135(1) of the M3 Education (Scotland) Act 1980). Marginal Citations M3 1980 c. 44. 6 Views of children. (1) A person shall, in reaching any major decision which involves— (a) his fulfilling a parental responsibility or the responsibility mentioned in section 5(1) of this Act; or (b) his exercising a parental right or giving consent by virtue of that section, have regard so far as practicable to the views (if he wishes to express them) of the child concerned, taking account of the child’s age and maturity, and to those of any other person who has parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to the child (and wishes to express those views); and without prejudice to the generality of this subsection a child twelve years of age or more shall be presumed to be of sufficient age and maturity to form a view. (2) A transaction entered into in good faith by a third party and a person acting as legal representative of a child shall not be challengeable on the ground only that the child, or a person with parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to the child, was not consulted or that due regard was not given to his views before the transaction was entered into. Guardianship 7 Appointment of guardians. (1) A child’s parent may appoint a person to be guardian of the child in the event of the parent’s death; but— (a) such appointment shall be of no effect unless— (i) in writing and signed by the parent; and (ii) the parent, at the time of death, was entitled to act as legal representative of the child (or would have been so entitled if he had survived until after the birth of the child); and (b) any parental responsibilities or parental rights (or the right to appoint a further guardian under this section) which a surviving parent has in relation to the
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes child shall subsist with those which, by, under or by virtue of this Part of this Act, the appointee so has. (2) A guardian of a child may appoint a person to take his place as guardian in the event of the guardian’s death; but such appointment shall be of no effect unless in writing and signed by the person making it. (3) An appointment as guardian shall not take effect until accepted, either expressly or impliedly by acts which are not consistent with any other intention. (4) If two or more persons are appointed as guardians, any one or more of them shall, unless the appointment expressly provides otherwise, be entitled to accept office even if both or all of them do not accept office. (5) Subject to any order under section 11 or 86 of this Act, a person appointed as a child’s guardian under this section shall have, in respect of the child, the responsibilities imposed, and the rights conferred, on a parent by sections 1 and 2 of this Act respectively; and sections 1 and 2 of this Act shall apply in relation to a guardian as they apply in relation to a parent. (6) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of section 6 of this Act, a decision as to the appointment of a guardian under subsection (1) or (2) above shall be regarded for the purposes of that section (or of that section as applied by subsection (5) above) as a major decision which involves exercising a parental right. Modifications etc. (not altering text) C2 S. 7(5) extended ( temp. from 22.8.1996 to 1.4.1997) by S.I. 1996/2203, art. 5(a) 8 Revocation and other termination of appointment. (1) An appointment made under section 7(1) or (2) of this Act revokes an earlier such appointment (including one made in an unrevoked will or codicil) made by the same person in respect of the same child, unless it is clear (whether as a result of an express provision in the later appointment or by any necessary implication) that the purpose of the later appointment is to appoint an additional guardian. (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, the revocation of an appointment made under section 7(1) or (2) of this Act (including one made in an unrevoked will or codicil) shall not take effect unless the revocation is in writing and is signed by the person making the revocation. (3) An appointment under section 7(1) or (2) of this Act (other than one made in a will or codicil) is revoked if, with the intention of revoking the appointment, the person who made it— (a) destroys the document by which it was made; or (b) has some other person destroy that document in his presence. (4) For the avoidance of doubt, an appointment made under section 7(1) or (2) of this Act in a will or codicil is revoked if the will or codicil is revoked. (5) Once an appointment of a guardian has taken effect under section 7 of this Act, then, unless the terms of the appointment provide for earlier termination, it shall terminate only by virtue of—
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes (7) A person who has applied under subsection (2) or (3) above for a direction shall not thereafter transfer the property concerned except in accordance with a direction under subsection (5) above. (8) The Secretary of State may from time to time prescribe a variation in any sum referred to in subsections (2) and (3) above. (9) In this section “child” means a person under the age of sixteen years who is habitually resident in Scotland. 10 Obligations and rights of person administering child’s property. (1) A person acting as a child’s legal representative in relation to the administration of the child’s property— (a) shall be required to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act on his own behalf; and (b) subject to any order made under section 11 of this Act, shall be entitled to do anything which the child, if of full age and capacity, could do in relation to that property; and subject to subsection (2) below, on ceasing to act as legal representative, shall be liable to account to the child for his intromissions with the child’s property. (2) No liability shall be incurred by virtue of subsection (1) above in respect of funds which have been used in the proper discharge of the person’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the child’s health, development and welfare. Court Orders 11 Court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc. (1) In the relevant circumstances in proceedings in the Court of Session or sheriff court, whether those proceedings are or are not independent of any other action, an order may be made under this subsection in relation to— (a) parental responsibilities; (b) parental rights; (c) guardianship; or (d) subject to section 14(1) and (2) of this Act, the administration of a child’s property. F15 (1A)................................ (2) The court may make such order under subsection (1) above as it thinks fit; and without prejudice to the generality of that subsection may in particular so make any of the following orders— (a) an order depriving a person of some or all of his parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to a child; (b) an order— (i) imposing upon a person (provided he is at least sixteen years of age or is a parent of the child) such responsibilities; and (ii) giving that person such rights; (c) an order regulating the arrangements as to—
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- 11 Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes (i) with whom; or (ii) if with different persons alternately or periodically, with whom during what periods, a child under the age of sixteen years is to live (any such order being known as a “residence order”); (d) an order regulating the arrangements for maintaining personal relations and direct contact between a child under that age and a person with whom the child is not, or will not be, living (any such order being known as a “contact order”); (e) an order regulating any specific question which has arisen, or may arise, in connection with any of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1) of this section (any such order being known as a “specific issue order”); (f) an interdict prohibiting the taking of any step of a kind specified in the interdict in the fulfillment of parental responsibilities or the exercise of parental rights relating to a child or in the administration of a child’s property; (g) an order appointing a judicial factor to manage a child’s property or remitting the matter to the Accountant of Court to report on suitable arrangements for the future management of the property; or (h) an order appointing or removing a person as guardian of the child. [F16 (2A) An order doing any of the things mentioned in subsection (2) is to be regarded as an order in relation to at least one of the matters mentioned in subsection (1). ] (3) The relevant circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) above are— (a) that application for an order under that subsection is made by a person who— (i) not having, and never having had, parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to the child, claims an interest; (ii) has parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to the child; F17 (iii)................................ [F18 (aa) that application for a contact order is made with the leave of the court by a person whose parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to the child were extinguished on the making of an adoption order; (ab) that application for an order under subsection (1) above F19 ... is made by a person who has had, but for a reason other than is mentioned in subsection (4) below, no longer has, parental responsibilities or parental rights in relation to the child; ] (b) that although no [F20 application for an order under subsection (1) above ] has been made, the court (even if it declines to make any other order) considers it should make such an order. (4) The reasons referred to in [F21 (3)(ab) ] above are that the parental responsibilities or parental rights have been— (a) extinguished on the making of an adoption order; [F22^ or ] F23 (b)................................ (c) extinguished by virtue of [F24 section 55(1) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (parental orders: supplementary provision) ] on the making of a parental order under [F25 section 54 [F26 or 54A ] of that Act ] ; F... F27 (d)................................
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- 13 Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes (a) the court is considering making an order under subsection (1) above; and (b) in pursuance of the order two or more relevant persons would have to co- operate with one another as respects matters affecting the child, the court shall consider whether it would be appropriate to make the order. (7E) In subsection (7D) above, “relevant person”, in relation to a child, means— (a) a person having parental responsibilities or parental rights in respect of the child; or (b) where a parent of the child does not have parental responsibilities or parental rights in respect of the child, a parent of the child. ] (8) The court shall, notwithstanding subsection (7) above, endeavour to ensure that any order which it makes, or any determination by it not to make an order, does not adversely affect the position of a person who has, in good faith and for value, acquired any property of the child concerned, or any right or interest in such property. (9) Nothing in paragraph (b) of subsection (7) above requires a child to be legally represented, if he does not wish to be, in proceedings in the course of which the court implements that paragraph. (10) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) of subsection (7) above, a child twelve years of age or more shall be presumed to be of sufficient age and maturity to form a view for the purposes both of that paragraph and of subsection (9) above. (11) An order under subsection (1) above shall have the effect of depriving a person of a parental responsibility or parental right only in so far as the order expressly so provides and only to the extent necessary to give effect to the order; but in making any such order as is mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) above the court may revoke any agreement which, in relation to the child concerned, has effect by virtue of section 4(2) [F33 or 4A(2) ] of this Act. (12) Where the court makes a residence order which requires that a child live with a person who, immediately before the order is made does not have in relation to the child all the parental responsibilities mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) of section 1(1), and the parental rights mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (d) of section 2(1), of this Act (those which he does not so have being in this subsection referred to as the “relevant responsibilities and rights”) that person shall, subject to the provisions of the order or of any other order made under subsection (1) above, have the relevant responsibilities and rights while the residence order remains in force. (13) Any reference in this section to an order includes a reference to an interim order or to an order varying or discharging an order. Textual Amendments F15 S. 11(1A) repealed (1.3.2005) by The European Communities (Matrimonial and Parental Responsibility Jurisdiction and Judgments) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/42), reg. 9 (with reg. 6) F16 S. 11(2A) inserted (17.1.2021) by Children (Scotland) Act 2020 (asp 16), ss. 15(2) , 34(2); S.S.I. 2020/412, reg. 2(1)(a) (with reg. 3) F17 S. 11(3)(a)(iii) repealed (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 107(a) , 121(2); S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F18 S. 11(3)(aa)(ab) inserted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 107(b) , 121(2); S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21)
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes F19 Words in s. 11(3)(ab) repealed (15.1.2016) by The Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (Amendment of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995) Order 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/21), arts. 1, 2(a) F20 Words in s. 11(3)(b) inserted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 107(c) , 121(2); S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F21 Words in s. 11(4) substituted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 120(1), 121(2), Sch. 2 para. 9(2)(a)(i) ; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F22 Word in s. 11(4) inserted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 120(1), 121(2), Sch. 2 para. 9(2)(a)(ii) ; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F23 S. 11(4)(b) repealed (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 120(2), 121(2), Sch. 3 ; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F24 Words in s. 11(4)(c) substituted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 6.4.2010) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), ss. 56, 68 , Sch. 6 para. 52(2)(a) ; S.I. 2009/479, art. 6(1)(e) (as amended by S.I. 2009/2232, art. 3); S.I. 2010/987, art. 2(g) F25 Words in s. 11(4)(c) substituted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 6.4.2010) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), ss. 56, 68 , Sch. 6 para. 52(2)(b) ; S.I. 2009/479, art. 6(1)(e) (as amended by S.I. 2009/2232, art. 3); S.I. 2010/987, art. 2(g) F26 Words in s. 11(4)(c) inserted (3.1.2019) by The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Remedial) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1413), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 F27 S. 11(4)(d) and preceding word repealed (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 120(2), 121(2), Sch. 3 ; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F28 Words in s. 11(5) inserted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 120(1), 121(2), Sch. 2 para. 9(2)(b) ; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F29 Words in s. 11(6) substituted (15.1.2016) by The Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (Amendment of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995) Order 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/21), arts. 1, 2(b) F30 Words in s. 11(6) repealed (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 120(2), 121(2), Sch. 3 ; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F31 Words in s. 11(6) substituted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 120(1), 121(2), Sch. 2 para. 9(2)(c) ; S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) F32 S. 11(7A)-(7E) inserted (4.5.2006) by Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 2), ss. 24 , 46(2); S.S.I. 2006/212, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3-13) F33 Words in s. 11(11) inserted (6.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.9.2009) by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (c. 22), ss. 56, 68 , Sch. 6 para. 52(3) ; S.I. 2009/479, art. 6(1)(e)(2) (as amended by S.I. 2009/2232, art. 3) Modifications etc. (not altering text) C3 S. 11(1) restricted (30.12.2005) by 1978 c. 28, s. 53C(2) (as inserted by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139(1), 148(5) (c), Sch. 3 para. 30) (with Sch. 4 paras. 6-8); S.S.I. 2005/643, art. 2(c) C4 S. 11(1) restricted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 79(2) , 121(2); S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21) [F3411A Restriction on making of orders under section 11 (1) Subsection (2) applies where a permanence order (as defined in section 80(2) of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4)) is in force in respect of a child. (2) The court may not, under subsection (1) of section 11 of this Act, make an order such as is mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (2) of that section. ] Textual Amendments F34 S. 11A inserted (28.9.2009) by Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4), ss. 103 , 121(2); S.S.I. 2009/267, arts. 1(2), 2 (with arts. 3-21)
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes 13 Awards of damages to children. (1) Where in any court proceedings a sum of money becomes payable to, or for the benefit of, a child under the age of sixteen years, the court may make such order relating to the payment and management of the sum for the benefit of the child as it thinks fit. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, the court may in an order under this section— (a) appoint a judicial factor to invest, apply or otherwise deal with the money for the benefit of the child concerned; (b) order the money to be paid— (i) to the sheriff clerk or the Accountant of Court; or (ii) to a parent or guardian of that child, to be invested, applied or otherwise dealt with, under the directions of the court, for the benefit of that child; or (c) order the money to be paid directly to that child. (3) Where payment is made to a person in accordance with an order under this section, a receipt given by him shall be a sufficient discharge of the obligation to make the payment. Jurisdiction and choice of law 14 Jurisdiction and choice of law in relation to certain matters. (1) The Court of Session shall have jurisdiction to entertain an application for an order relating to the administration of a child’s property if the child is habitually resident in, or the property is situated in, Scotland. (2) A sheriff shall have jurisdiction to entertain such an application if the child is habitually resident in, or the property is situated in, the sheriffdom. (3) Subject to subsection (4) below, any question arising under this Part of this Act— (a) concerning— (i) parental responsibilities or parental rights; or (ii) the responsibilities or rights of a guardian, in relation to a child shall, in so far as it is not also a question such as is mentioned in paragraph (b) below, be determined by the law of the place of the child’s habitual residence at the time when the question arises; (b) concerning the immediate protection of a child shall be determined by the law of the place where the child is when the question arises; and (c) as to whether a person is validly appointed or constituted guardian of a child shall be determined by the law of the place of the child’s habitual residence on the date when the appointment was made (the date of death of the testator being taken to be the date of appointment where an appointment was made by will), or the event constituting the guardianship occurred. (4) Nothing in any provision of law in accordance with which, under subsection (3) above, a question which arises in relation to an application for, or the making of, an order under subsection (1) of section 11 of this Act falls to be determined, shall affect the application of subsection (7) of that section.
Part I – Parents, Children and Guardians Document Generated: 2022-03- 17 Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes F40 (5)................................ Textual Amendments F40 S. 14(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Jurisdiction and Judgments (Family, Civil Partnership and Marriage (Same Sex Couples)) (EU Exit) (Scotland) (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/104), reg. 1, sch. 1 para. 3 (with reg. 6) (as amended by S.S.I. 2020/441, regs. 1(2)(a), 16 ); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1) Interpretation 15 Interpretation of Part I. (1) In this Part of this Act— “child” means, where the expression is not otherwise defined, a person under the age of eighteen years; “contact order” has the meaning given by section 11(2)(d) of this Act; “parent”, in relation to any person, means, subject to Part IV of the M4 Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978 and sections 27 to 30 of the M5 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 [F41 and Part 2 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 ] and any regulations made under [F42 section 55(1) of that Act of 2008 ][F43 and Chapter 3 of Part 1 of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 4) ] , someone, of whatever age, who is that person’s genetic father or mother; “parental responsibilities” has the meaning given by section 1(3) of this Act; “parental rights” has the meaning given by section 2(4) of this Act; “residence order” has the meaning given by section 11(2)(c) of this Act; “specific issue order” has the meaning given by section 11(2)(e) of this Act; and “transaction” has the meaning given by section 9 of the M6 Age of Legal Capacity (Scotland) Act 1991 (except that, for the purposes of subsection (5) (b) below, paragraph (d) of the definition in question shall be disregarded). (2) No provision in this Part of this Act shall affect any legal proceedings commenced, or any application made to a court, before that provision comes into effect; except that where, before section 11 of this Act comes into force, there has been final decree in a cause in which, as respects a child, an order for custody or access, or an order which is analogous to any such order as is mentioned in subsection (2) of that section, has been made, any application on or after the date on which the section does come into force for variation or recall of the order shall proceed as if the order had been made under that section. (3) In subsection (2) above, the reference to final decree is to a decree or interlocutor which, taken by itself or along with previous interlocutors, disposes of the whole subject matter of the cause. (4) Any reference in this Part of this Act to a person— (a) having parental rights or responsibilities; (b) acting as a legal representative; or
Part II – Promotion of Children’s Welfare by Local Authorities and by Children’s Hearings etc. Chapter 1 – Support for Children and Their Families Document Generated: 2022-03- 19 Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes Introductory 16 Welfare of child and consideration of his views. (1) Where under or by virtue of this Part of this Act, F45 ... a court determines, any matter with respect to a child the welfare of that child throughout his childhood shall be F ... its paramount consideration. (2) In the circumstances mentioned in subsection (4) below, F47 ... the sheriff, taking account of the age and maturity of the child concerned, shall so far as practicable— (a) give him an opportunity to indicate whether he wishes to express his views; (b) if he does so wish, give him an opportunity to express them; and (c) have regard to such views as he may express; and without prejudice to the generality of this subsection a child twelve years of age or more shall be presumed to be of sufficient age and maturity to form a view. (3) In the circumstances mentioned in subsection [F48 (4) ] of this section, no F49 ... order so mentioned shall be made with respect to the child concerned unless F50 ... the sheriff considers, that it would be better for the child that the F49 ... order be made than that none should be made at all. [F51 (4) The circumstances to which subsection (2) refers are that the sheriff is considering whether to make, vary or discharge an exclusion order. ] (5) If, for the purpose of protecting members of the public from serious harm (whether or not physical harm)— F52 (a)................................ (b) a court considers it necessary to make a determination under or by virtue of [F53 Chapter 1 or 3 ] of this Part of this Act which (but for this paragraph) would not be consistent with its affording such paramountcy, it may make that determination. Textual Amendments F45 Words in s. 16(1) repealed (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(a)(i) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F46 Words in s. 16(1) repealed (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(a)(ii) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F47 Words in s. 16(2) repealed (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(b) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F48 Word in s. 16(3) substituted (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(c)(i) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F49 Words in s. 16(3) repealed (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(c)(ii) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F50 Words in s. 16(3) repealed (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(c)(iii) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F51 S. 16(4) substituted (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(d) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F52 S. 16(5)(a) repealed (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(e)(i) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3 F53 Words in s. 16(5)(b) substituted (24.6.2013) by Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1), s. 206(2), sch. 5 para. 2(3)(e)(ii) (with s. 186); S.S.I. 2013/195, arts. 2, 3
Part II – Promotion of Children’s Welfare by Local Authorities and by Children’s Hearings etc. Chapter 1 – Support for Children and Their Families Document Generated: 2022-03- Changes to legislation: Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 31 March 2022. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. (See end of Document for details) View outstanding changes 17 Duty of local authority to child looked after by them. (1) Where a child is looked after by a local authority they shall, in such manner as the Secretary of State may prescribe— (a) safeguard and promote his welfare (which shall, in the exercise of their duty to him be their paramount concern); (b) make such use of services available for children cared for by their own parents as appear to the authority reasonable in his case; F ... (c) take such steps to promote, on a regular basis, personal relations and direct contact between the child and any person with parental responsibilities in relation to him as appear to them to be, having regard to their duty to him under paragraph (a) above, both practicable and appropriate [F55 ; and (d) take such steps to promote, on a regular basis, personal relations and direct contact between the child and any person mentioned in subsection (1A) as appear to them to be appropriate having regard to their duty to the child under paragraph (a). ] [F56 (1A) The persons referred to in subsection (1)(d) are— (a) a sibling of the child, and (b) any other person with whom the child has lived and with whom the child has an ongoing relationship with the character of a relationship between siblings. (1B) For the purposes of subsection (1A), two people are siblings if they have at least one parent in common. ] (2) The duty under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above includes, without prejudice to that paragraph’s generality, the duty of providing advice and assistance with a view to preparing the child for when he is no longer looked after by a local authority. (3) Before making any decision with respect to a child whom they are looking after, or proposing to look after, a local authority shall, so far as is reasonably practicable, ascertain the views of— (a) the child; (b) his parents; (c) any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental rights in relation to him; F ... [F58 (ca) any person mentioned in subsection (1A); and ] (d) any other person whose views the authority consider to be relevant, regarding the matter to be decided. (4) In making any such decision a local authority shall have regard so far as practicable— (a) to the views (if he wishes to express them) of the child concerned, taking account of his age and maturity; (b) to such views of any person mentioned in subsection (3)(b) to (d) above as they have been able to ascertain; and (c) to the child’s religious persuasion, racial origin and cultural and linguistic background. (5) If, for the purpose of protecting members of the public from serious harm (whether or not physical harm) a local authority consider it necessary to exercise, in a manner which (but for this paragraph) would not be consistent with their duties under this section, their powers with respect to a child whom they are looking after, they may do so.
