to a single magistrate to be joined as parties to the proceedings; and a right for parents and guardians who were made parties to care-related proceedings to appeal to the Crown Court. These provisions have been assimilated with the Children Bill and will be repealed when the Children Bill is implemented. 315. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 makes a number of changes regarding juvenile offenders, and regarding children and young people. Children under 14 involved as witnesses in crimes of sex or violence may give evidence through a live television link, which it is hoped will prove less intimidating. Penalties for cruelty to children have been increased. 316. In Scotland, the rules of evidence and the practices of the courts in relation to child witnesses differ from those in England and Wales. The Scottish Law Commission has undertaken a detailed study of the evidence of children as part of its consideration and, in an effort to ensure a wide measure of public confidence in any change in the law, it issued, in June 1988, a discussion paper entitled "The evidence of children and other potentially vulnerable witnesses". It is hoped that the Commission's final report will be available shortly. S&rvices fpr children in the care of local authorities 317. The Child Care Act 1980 continues to impose a duty on local authorities in England and Wales to receive children into their care if they are deserted, orphaned or if their parents are unable to provide for them and intervention is necessary in the interests of the child. As explained in the second report, the Act requires a local authority to give first consideration to the need to promote and safeguard the welfare of the child in its care when reaching any decisions concerning the child's upbringing. In Scotland, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing legislative changes and regulations related to children and young people, including their involvement in legal proceedings, care and protection, and the treatment of juvenile offenders. The language used is formal and professional, indicating a focus on legal and social issues.

**Category**
Health, Education