Online declaration/your client’s declaration

You must always complete and retain on file a Declaration Form; namely the form headed ‘CHLA/LAO – 2011 Act’ for the following children’s legal aid applications:

sheriff court proceeding under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (most commonly a S101 proof or S154 appeal against a panel hearing’s decision)
onward appeal from the sheriff to the Sheriff Appeal Court or Court of Session
an S48 Application to the sheriff for variation or termination of a Child Protection Order
‘Special Urgency’ legal aid associated with any of the above applications
representation of a child at certain specified hearings by the Duty solicitor providing automatic legal aid.

Providing and signing the declaration forms is an important part of the Legal Aid application as this enables SLAB to carry out the necessary enquiries to establish financial eligibility. Following the guidance will assist SLAB to determine the application accurately and efficiently, enable SLAB to properly pay your account and ensure that you pass a peer review that will be undertaken on your files from time to time.

Availability of children’s legal aid

Other proceedings for which children’s legal aid is NOT available