South Lanarkshire volunteers wanted to join children's panel

dailyrecord.co.uk:

South Lanarkshire residents are being asked to consider volunteering as children’s panel members to conduct legal hearings supporting the interests of young peopleChildren’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) has launched its annual recruitment campaign for new recruits to join more than 2200 existing trained volunteers who serve across Scotland to run the country’s “unique” hearings system.The meetings are set up because of concerns about the wellbeing or care of an infant, child or young person, and see three panel members make legal decisions with and for the young person, ensuring that they are at the heart of the outcome.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 Glenn Jamieson, a current South Lanarkshire volunteer, said: “Being a panel member is very rewarding, knowing that you are doing everything possible to help a child or young person and their families.”Volunteers receive comprehensive training before sitting on their first panel and are supported by CHS experts, including local area support teams, throughout the time of their appointments – initially made for a term of three years.

The current recruitment campaign runs until September 30, and has been shaped by young people with lived experience of the hearings system to focus on the qualities they want to see in new panel members.