Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019: child interview rights practitioners application guidance

Apply to become a Child Interview Rights Practitioner (ChIRP)

We're looking for solicitors to apply for the role of Child Interview Rights Practitioner (ChIRP). Your law firm must approve your application before you apply.

We especially encourage applications from solicitors who can cover these local authority areas:

• Aberdeen City
• Aberdeenshire
• Argyll and Bute
• Clackmannanshire
• Dumfries and Galloway
• Edinburgh
• Falkirk
• Fife
• Highland
• Inverclyde
• Moray
• Orkney
• Scottish Borders
• Stirling
• Shetland
• Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles)

If you can cover any of these areas, say so clearly on your application form.

You must also give the name of a contact at your law firm who can confirm your firm supports your application.

We'll only assess applications that meet our eligibility criteria for the ChIRPs register.

Who can apply

You must be a solicitor on the roll of solicitors kept under section 7 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980. You'll be selected from the Children's Legal Assistance Scheme, which the Scottish Legal Aid Board maintains.

We'll assess your suitability for the role by checking your registration and how you apply the competencies and guidance for the Children's Legal Assistance Register, plus some extra competencies specific to this role.

You must tell the Scottish Government about any changes to your registration information or documents. Ideally, tell us before the change happens. If that's not possible, tell us within 20 working days of the change. If you need more time, you must show a good reason for this.

If you're a registered ChIRP, you must hold a current practising certificate at all times. This certificate must not restrict you from providing children's legal assistance.

When you register, you're confirming that you'll follow the Code of Practice for ChIRPs. This code sets out 6 core competencies you must meet.

ChIRP competency framework

You must show all 6 of these core competencies.

Competency 1: legal knowledge

You need detailed knowledge and understanding of:

• the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019
• related regulations and statutory guidance

Competency 2: child protection

You need an understanding of:

• child protection systems and procedures
• early and effective intervention approaches
• multi-agency safeguarding arrangements

Competency 3: working with children

You need a practical understanding of:

• child development
• how to communicate effectively with children
• trauma-informed practice

Competency 4: investigative interviews

You need an understanding of:

• the purpose and ethos of investigative interviews
• the potential outcomes and consequences of interviews

Competency 5: experience and skills

You need experience and skills in:

• working sensitively with children under 12
• representing children and young people
• children's hearings and related court proceedings

Competency 6: rights

You need a strong understanding of:

• children's rights
• human rights principles
• the rights of children who need extra protection or support
• the rights of children who come into conflict with the law