Compassionate volunteers sought to lend a listening ear at children's hearings in Lanarkshire

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is looking for compassionate and empathetic people who are good listeners to volunteer as panel members in Lanarkshire.More than 2500 volunteers serve in Scotland’s unique children’s hearings, which are legal meetings set up when there are concerns about the wellbeing or care of an infant, child or young person.CHS is responsible for recruiting and training panel members and has launched a campaign seeking new volunteers.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android At each hearing, three panel members listen and make legal decisions with and for the infant, child or young person.

The panel member’s role includes making sure that the young person is at the heart of the decisions made.Barbara Paterson, a panel member in South Lanarkshire, says the role has taught her that there is often a lot going on “behind the scenes” in a young person’s life.She said: “What presents itself as a reason for being at a hearing is often just a young person raising a hand and saying ‘I’ve got a problem’.“We look at needs and not deeds and treat all children and young people the same.”Serving panel members are helping to launch the campaign, which runs until October 3.

Adverts for volunteers will run in print, broadcast and social media, and feature qualities that have been identified as being