Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968

43 Discharge of referral and power of children’s hearing to order further investigation after consideration of the facts. S

(1) When a children’s hearing have considered the grounds for the referral of a case, accepted or established under the last foregoing section, the report obtained under section 39(4) of this Act and such other relevant information as may be available to them, they shall proceed in accordance with the subsequent provisions of this section to consider on what course they should decide in the best interests of the child.

(2) Where a children’s hearing decide that no further action is required they shall discharge the referral.

(3) Where a children’s hearing consider that further investigation in relation to a child and his history is necessary to complete their consideration of his case they may continue the case to a subsequent hearing.

(4) For the purpose of such an investigation as aforesaid, a children’s hearing may require a child to attend or reside at any clinic, hospital or establishment during a period not exceeding twenty-one days.

(5) Where a child fails to fulfil a requirement made in pursuance of the last foregoing subsection it shall be the duty of the reporter to arrange a children’s hearing to consider the issue of a warrant for his detention under section 40 of this Act.