What's involved for Parents
Representation
Parents will often be unfamiliar with the Tribunal process and may want someone to represent them at the hearing. This could be a family member, friend, someone from a representative organisation or someone with a legal qualification. If a parent decides to have a representative this should be confirmed in writing and under the Tribunal Rules all communications from the Tribunals will only be sent to that named representative.
Either party can choose to have a representative or change a representative at any point prior to the hearing but it is important that the party informs the Secretary in writing without delay.
Advocacy Services to represent you can be made available on request and free of charge in Tribunal proceedings. The Advocacy in this context means a service that another person provides to you by conducting discussions with or makes representations to the Tribunal or any other persons involved in the proceedings. Information about how to access the advocacy service can be obtained from "Take Note" a partnership between 
Barnardos and the Scottish Child Law Centre. Their number is 0131 667 6333 or 0800 328 8970, a free number for under 18's.
Where the person who will argue the case at the hearing is a different person from the named representative, then it is a courtesy to parties and to the Tribunal to ensure that the identity of this person is disclosed prior to the hearing.