the case merits prosecution in either a sheriff court or the High Court of Justiciary. People involved with hearings Duty to attend Panel Members Right and Duty to attend This group of people, unless excused by the panel, must attend every hearing to contribute to the proceedings of the hearing. Child Relevant Person (Relevant person is a person who is either the birth parent, unless these rights and responsibilities have been removed by a court; an individual with parental rights and responsibilities that has been appointed by a court order; or, an individual who has been deemed by a Children's Hearing where they have (or has recently had) a significant involvement in the upbringing of the child) Right to attend Child Representative Relevant Person Representative Principal Reporter (or as delegated to a Children's Reporter, Trainee Reporter or Assistant Reporter) Safeguarder Member of the Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council or the Scottish Committee of that Council (acting in that person's capacity as such) Member of an Area Support Team (acting in that person's capacity as such) Representative of a newspaper or news agency Escort supporting Child / Relevant Person (for example a constable, prison officer, or other person) Other persons Finally are the group of people where attendance is not compulsory, however would assist the proceedings by giving information to the panel and aid discussion. The chairing person, however, has a responsibility to keep attendees down to a minimum. Other persons may include: Social workers Teachers Health Visitors Some people maybe excluded from the hearing if it would be in the benefit of the child/young person. If relevant persons, their representatives and/or (if necessary) the press are excluded, the "substance" of the discussion which took place needs to be discussed on their return. Hearings For the hearing itself, a child may automatically be entitled to legal assistance when specific circumstances apply. These are when: an application is made to the Sheriff for variation or recall of a child protection order a children's hearing is to be held on the second working day after a child protection order has been granted a children's hearing, or pre-hearing panel, considers that it may be necessary to make a compulsory supervision order including a secure accommodation authorisation a hearing is arranged after the child is detained in custody by the police. In other circumstances, the child and/or relevant persons can apply for legal assistance via