Western Isles Children's Panel
Background
Since 15 April 1971, Children’s Hearings have been making decisions about children and young people under the age of 16 who are in need of care and protection or who commit offences.
About the Children’s Panel
The Children’s Panel is a group of unpaid trained volunteers, appointed by Scottish Ministers, who come from all types of background and all walks of life.
All Panel Members are given extensive training before sitting on hearings. Panel Member training is of an exceptionally high standard and provides Panel Members with many skills which will also be of benefit to them outwith the hearing system.
Three Panel Members sit on each Children’s Hearing. With the help of reports from professionals, such as Social Workers, and discussions with the child and family the hearing considers what has caused the child to be at risk and what must be done to reduce or prevent that risk from recurring in the future.
Hearings are normally held during the day. Preparatory work in advance of each Hearing is vital and Panel Members must also attend ongoing training which is sometimes held on the mainland over a weekend. Local training is also arranged by the Children’s Panel raining Organiser and the Children’s Panel Chairman and this type of training is normally held on weekday evenings.
Application for Membership of the Western Isles Children’s Panel
Recruitment to the Western Isles Children’s Panel takes place each Autumn. The recruitment campaign for 2009 will be running from 7 September to 9 October 2009. During this time adverts will appear in both the local and national press, on national television and radio. The deadline for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 9 October 2009. Shortleeted candidates will then be invited to attend an interview at the beginning of November, following which the names of successful candidates will be forwarded to the Scottish Executive, for onward transmission to Scottish Ministers for their consideration.
If you are interested in the work of the Children’s Panel and would like to apply for membership, please download and complete an application form:
Contacts and Further Information
If you would like speak to somebody about joining the Western Isles Children’s Panel or would like to request an Information Pack please contact:
Either
| Address: | Shona Paton |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 01851 709401 |
| Email: | shona.paton@cne-siar.gov.uk |
or
call the national recruitment hotline on 0845 601 2770
General Information
More general information on the Children’s Hearings System can be found at:
http://www.childrens-hearings.co.uk/
