Speakers including Bragi Gudbrandsson, vice chair for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and founder of the Barnahus in Iceland, and Sherriff Principal Anwar will feature in the “Seen, Heard and Respected?” conference in Glasgow on 22 October, hosted by Harper Macleod in collaboration with Children 1st.

The conference will bring together practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by children within the justice system in Scotland. The event will feature the following speakers and topics:

• Bragi Gudbrandsson, vice chair for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and founder of the Barnahus, Iceland (opening message of support via video)
• Sheriff Principal Anwar – A view from the bench
• Janys Scott KC, Westwater Advocates – Child case law update
• Professor Gillian Black, Scottish Law Commission – Children and domestic abuse
• Mary Glasgow, Children 1st – Services of Children 1st
• Amanda Masson, Harper Macleod – Child law for practitioners
• Alison Reid, Clan Childlaw

The family law team at Harper Macleod said: “Harper Macleod is honoured to co-host this conference with Children 1st. Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by children in the justice system and to promote practices that ensure their voices are heard and respected. This event is a pivotal step towards creating a more child-focused justice system in Scotland.”

Mary Glasgow, CEO of Children 1st, said: “Children 1st is dedicated to ensuring that every child in Scotland is seen, heard and respected. This conference is an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders to share knowledge and develop strategies that will make a real difference to the lives of children and their families. We believe that by working together, we can create a justice system that truly serves the best interests of children.”