As a result, not all children can benefit from the option of remittal to the hearing system, where more age and stage appropriate, welfare-based, and comprehensive support could be provided to meet the child's needs.Children (Care and Justice)(Scotland) Bill, Policy Memorandum, Para. 174
Fiona Dyer of CYCJ described the current situation as "inequitable, unjust and unfair".Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice written evidence
SCRA stressed that although the changes in the Bill are important, alongside that change in legislation there is a need to ensure effective services are available to all 16 and 17 year olds on both a voluntary and compulsory basis.