Appeal for panel members

A SEARCH has kicked off for new Children’s Panel members for Dumfries and Galloway.
Children’s Hearings Scotland is appealing to local people to come forward and sign up.
The aim of the panel is to improve outcomes for troubled or at risk children and young people who are in need of care or who have offended.
Potential members need to have compassion, the ability to listen and an interest in the welfare of children and young people within their community.
Men in particular are being urged to come forward, to ensure hearings have the right representation as law requires both men and women to sit on each hearing.
Boyd McAdam, national convener and chief executive of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said: “We welcome applications from anyone who feels empathy towards the situations some children and young people in Scotland face. We provide the training to help you have the skills – what we need is your time, your commitment and your compassion.
“There is no such thing as an ideal panel member. We need a mix of ages from 18 upwards, and from a variety of backgrounds. If you think you have what it takes, then I’d encourage you to apply.”
The deadline for applications is September 30. To find out more go to www.childrenspanelscotland.org.