Help to make a difference in a child's life

A call has been issued for 30 new members to sign up to Scotland’s largest legal tribunal which improves outcomes for troubled or at risk children and young people in need of care or who have offended.

This year’s recruitment campaign is focused on highlighting what it means to be a panel member in a bid to attract the right candidates – and Children’s Hearings Scotland appealed to those with compassion, empathy and the ability to listen to come forward.

To equip each applicant for the role, there is an initial training programme, spread over two years. Once trained, panel members must commit to on-going training as well as preparation ahead of attending one to two hearings sessions per month.

The recruitment drive is being supported by panel members across Scotland who have spoken of their motivations for getting involved and how they fit panel responsibilities around existing work commitments, including Ailsa Jones from Fife.

Ailsa has been a member of the Children’s Panel for five years and is a part-time early years officer. She applied to become a panel member after she saw an advert in the paper appealing for applicants.

Ailsa (26) said: “I would encourage anyone considering applying to come along to a local information evening to find out more. It is a commitment and can be challenging at times, but it is so rewarding to know that you are helping families who are at a vulnerable stage in their life. I am proud to be a panel member, and it is a great organisation to be part of.”

There will be information evenings held in Fife House, Glenrothes on Tuesday, August 30 and Thursday, September 22 at 7pm. Visit: www.childrenspanelscotland.org