The number of young people in Scotland referred to the children's hearing system has risen to the highest level since it was set up more than 30 years ago, writes Nicola Barry.
A report from the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) shows a sharp rise in the number of cases involving neglect, domestic violence and parental drug abuse.
Almost 40,000 youngsters were referred to the Scottish children's hearing system in 2001-02, a rise of 10 per cent on the previous year, and the highest number since the system was established in 1971.
SCRA principal reporter Alan Miller said: "The increasing number of one-off offenders reflects wider social trends, and in particular the growing involvement of girls in offending.
"But the reduction in repeat offenders signals the growing effectiveness of the way we are addressing this problem."
The report also expresses concern over the length of time taken to deal with neglect cases, currently an average of 168 days.
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