An ambitious campaign has been launched in West Dunbartonshire to recruit dozens of new volunteer children’s panel members.
Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is aiming to recruit 40 trainee panel members from the Dunbartonshire area, who will support children and young people.
Their role will be to listen and make legal decisions with and for infants, children and young people – ensuring they are at the heart of every decision made.
There are a range of reasons that a child or young person may be referred to attend a children’s hearing, with 85 percent of referrals on care and protection grounds in the last year.
James O’Neill, a panel member in West Dunbartonshire, said “Children’s hearings are a vital justice system in Scotland.
“The sole reason for this is that it protects the safety and wellbeing of our young people and ensures that there are supports in place for them when necessary.
“I am hopeful that young people and their families see panel members as people they can trust.”
The organisation is looking for people over the age of 18, from a diverse range of backgrounds.
CHS also has a legal obligation to have at least one male panel member at every children’s hearing.
So this year, the organisation is focused on raising greater awareness of the importance and impact of the role amongst men.
Elliot Jackson, CHS national convener and chief executive, said: “The children’s panel is a statutory service in Scotland, and couldn’t operate without volunteer panel members making decisions with and for children and young people.
“We are a forward-looking, inclusive organisation.
“One that puts the views of the children and young people we exist to serve, at the heart of everything we do – including recruitment.
“This campaign is centred on what young people who have experience of children’s hearings, are telling us they want to see in their panel members.
“Qualities like being caring, compassionate, empathetic and a good listener.
“If you want to make a difference in your local community, I encourage you to take the opportunity this year to apply to join our wonderful volunteer community.”
There are 2,500 volunteer panel members across Scotland who take part in children’s hearings, with the organisation looking to recruit an extra 700 members in total.
To find out more about the role and what is involved visit chscotland.gov.uk/
Applications close at midnight on February 9.
