22CConference of relevant parties to deal with unsatisfactory school attendance

22C Conference of relevant parties to deal with unsatisfactory school attendance

22C Conference of relevant parties to deal with unsatisfactory school attendance

(1) If a child is not receiving compulsory schooling, a conference of the relevant parties may be directed—

(a) by the Children’s Court during proceedings for a compulsory schooling order, or

(b) by the Secretary at any time before or after any such proceedings.

(2) The principal purpose of a conference is to ensure that the child is provided with compulsory schooling.

(3) A conference is to be conducted by an authorised person appointed by the Children’s Court or the Secretary (as the case requires).

(4) The following persons are entitled to participate in a conference—

(a) in the case of a conference directed by the Children’s Court—the parties to the proceedings and any legal practitioner representing them,

(b) such persons (including the parents of the child and representatives of relevant institutions wishing to participate) as the person conducting the conference considers appropriate,

(c) any other legal practitioner advising a participant in the conference (subject to such conditions or limitations as may be imposed by the person conducting the conference).

(5) A conference may—

(a) seek to identify and resolve issues in dispute in relation to compulsory schooling for the child, and

(b) seek to identify any services whose provision to the child, or to his or her family, would facilitate compulsory schooling for the child, and

(c) formulate undertakings, and orders for consideration by the Children’s Court, with respect to compulsory schooling for the child.

The Children’s Court may include in a compulsory schooling order any undertaking or obligation formulated by a conference under paragraph (c).

(6) Participants in a conference may disclose to each other such information concerning the child, and his or her family, as may reasonably assist in achieving the purpose of the conference.

(7) The authority to disclose information under this section—