Alan Miller, principal reporter at the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, said he was in "no doubt" that some children were afraid to speak out at hearings for fear of what their parents might do or say.
Children are allowed to speak openly at hearings, but panel members will report the substance of their remarks to parents. Parents are also able to see anything their child has written.
"The hearings system has always been for the children as well as about them," said Miller. "But even in an informal situation, it's hard for the children to communicate openly about their concerns and hopes.
"We need to give them more help to do that. We would like to see some form of a dedicated advocacy and information service. We need to give children a guarantee of confidentiality."
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