WIREDGOV

A call for more volunteers to join the Children's Panel and help improve the outlook for young people in their area went out across Scotland today.

Children's Minister Adam Ingram said people could make a huge difference to the lives of children in their local community who have been neglected, abused or are going through troubled times.

Mr Ingram, who met young people turning their lives around through a motivational project as he launched a national campaign for more volunteers in Edinburgh today, said:

"As adults, we should all remember how difficult it can be growing up, finding your sense of place in the world and all the uncertainty which that brings. Yet some of our young people can find themselves in particularly vulnerable situations and need extra help to get their lives back on track.

"That's why the Children's Panel - made up of local people taking decisions to help youngsters in their area - is so important. By ensuring support is in place for children who have been neglected, abused or fallen foul of the law we can improve the future outlook for them, for our neighbourhoods and for Scotland as a whole.

"Giving back to the community in this way is also an immensely rewarding and worthwhile contribution to make. Local panels rely on volunteers, there are no special qualifications needed and we want people from all backgrounds to consider joining up this year to help young people.

"If you are over 18, can spare some time and want to help - we want to hear from you. Just call 0845 601 2770 or text Panel1 to 61611 or go to www.infoscotland.com/childrenspanel."

The four week Children's Panel recruitment campaign will include radio, print and digital advertisements. Around 500 volunteers are needed across Scotland.

The Children's Panel is unique to Scotland and was established in 1971 to address the needs and behaviour of children and young people who face serious problems in their lives. These problems can include, for example, a child being abused, a child failing to attend school, the child's parents having difficulty looking after them or a child committing an offence.

Children are referred to a children's hearing where compulsory measures of supervision are thought to be needed. A children's hearing is a lay tribunal of three panel members. The child, parents/carers and relevant professionals all normally attend the hearing and take part in the discussion. The children's hearing considers and makes decisions on the measures required to best meet the needs of the child or young person before them. The "needs" of the child include addressing any "deeds".

During 2007 - 2008, 50,314 children were referred to the Children's Reporter. The majority of cases are referred on non-offence grounds for reasons of care and protection.

The Scottish Government is discussing proposals to strengthen and streamline Scotland's Children's Hearings system and improve the support given to vulnerable young people with stakeholders before legislation is introduced to the Scottish Parliament early next year.

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