18.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), where the Principal Reporter arranges a children’s hearing under section 65(1) of the Act, he shall–
(a)prepare a statement of the grounds for the referral of the case to the children’s hearing; and
(b)not less than seven days before the date of the hearing give a copy of the statement to the child and to each relevant person whose whereabouts are known.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where before the children’s hearing the child is kept in a safe place under the Act, or so kept by virtue of the 1996 Regulations, the provisions of paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) shall apply except that in paragraph (1) (b) the words “as soon as reasonably practicable” shall be substituted for the words “not less than seven days”.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), where the Principal Reporter arranges a children’s hearing under section 65(2) of the Act, the provisions of paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) shall apply except that in paragraph (1)(b) the words “not less than three days” shall be substituted for the words “not less than seven days”.
(4) Notwithstanding that a children’s hearing proceeds in accordance with section 65 of the Act to more than one hearing, nothing in this rule shall require a copy of the statement to be given to any person more than once.