Call goes out for Children's Panel members in Highlands
Children’s Hearings Scotland is looking for more than 500 new volunteer Children’s Panel members.
They will play a crucial role in supporting infants, children and young people.
This new campaign aims to attract a diverse range of applicants, with an emphasis on recruiting more men and young people.
Children’s Hearings Scotland National Convener and Chief Executive, Boyd McAdam, said, “We are a listening organisation.
"What we are hearing loud and clear from children and young people attending hearings is that they want to see more diversity on the national Children’s Panel.
“Whilst the average age of Panel Members has fallen in recent years we know we need to do more. We also wish to increase diversity in terms of life experience that people across Scotland can bring to the role.”
Judie, a panel member in Inverness, said: “Children and families need to see themselves represented across the table.
"When I’m speaking to a 15 year old girl, I know part of her is thinking ‘What do you know about my life?’ And she’s partly right, of course I remember what it was like to be 15, but it’s not the same”
“We need more younger people with broad life experience – they have a lot to teach us other Panel Members, too, and will help create a more diverse, relatable Panel.”
Applications will close midnight on September 17. More info: www.childrenspanelscotland.org.