Children's Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005)Chapter 4 : Children’s CourtsPart 1 : Establishment, status and jurisdiction49. Lay-forum hearings |
| (1) | A children's court may, before it decides a matter or an issue in a matter, order a lay forum hearing in an attempt to settle the matter or issue out of court, which may include— |
| (a) | mediation by a family advocate, social worker, social service professional or other suitably qualified person; |
| (b) | a family group conference contemplated in section 70; or |
| (c) | mediation contemplated in section 71. |
| (2) | Before ordering a lay forum hearing, the court must take into account all relevant factors, including— |
| (a) | the vulnerability of the child; |
| (b) | the ability of the child to participate in the proceedings; |
| (c) | the power relationships within the family; and |
| (d) | the nature of any allegations made by parties in the matter. |