Scottish Government
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Call for more children's panel volunteers

Adults across Scotland are being urged to help improve the outlook for children who have been neglected or abused by getting involved in children's panels.

Children's Minister Adam Ingram today kickstarted this year's call for more children's panel volunteers - with top Scots actress Daniela Nardini backing the drive as the voice of a hard-hitting national radio campaign.

Mr Ingram, who met young people who have had experiences of children's panels as he launched the campaign, said:

"We owe every child the chance to fulfil their potential and children's panels make a huge difference to young people's lives, helping them through turbulent times and trying situations.

"By listening to children who have been neglected, abused or have fallen foul of the law and ensuring support is in place early we can improve the future outlook for them, and for Scotland as a whole.

"Helping vulnerable young people and guiding them through difficult periods has to be one of the most worthwhile and rewarding contributions any of us can make as adults.

"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 improve the life chances for young people in their area.

"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 Panel3 to 61611 or go to www.infoscotland.com/childrenspanel."

Daniela Nardini - who shot to fame in hit BBC drama This Life - said:

"As a mum, helping shape and change the direction of children's lives for the better is something I feel passionately about. That's why this campaign is so important. I commend and congratulate all those involved with children's panels but we need more volunteers to help improve the lives of children in Scotland."

The four week recruitment campaign for the children's panel will include radio, print and digital advertisements. Around 550 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 2006-07, over 56,000 children were referred to the Children's Reporter. Only a small percentage of these cases go on to a Children's Hearing.

A public consultation on proposals to reform and streamline Scotland's Children's Hearings system, to improve the support given to vulnerable young people and create a more integrated system were announced by the Scottish Government recently.

Related Information

http://www.infoscotland.com/childrenspanel/CCC_FirstPage.jsp

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/07/31104352

 

 

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