In terms of rule 3.9(2) of the Act of Sederunt (Child Care and Maintenance Rules) (Amendment) (Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011) 2013, where a safeguarder has been appointed to act as a safeguarder, they cannot also act as the advocate or the solicitor for the child in the proceedings.

A safeguarder must instruct another solicitor to act on behalf of the child if they conclude that the child in question requires legal representation in the court proceedings.  The solicitor instructed to act on behalf of the child is the nominated solicitor in the application for legal aid.

The safeguarder’s details will be completed in the “Representative Details” section of the online application form.

If we grant legal aid, then the nominated solicitor will be paid for all reasonable and necessary work carried out on behalf of the child.  However, we cannot pay the safeguarder for any work carried out.  Safeguarders are currently paid for their work by Children 1st.

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