If you are over 18 and interested in child welfare, you could play an important role in helping children and young people in North Lanarkshire by becoming a member of the Children’s Panel.

A national campaign is being launched next week (starting 29 August) to recruit new panel members. In North Lanarkshire, the campaign aims to attract 60 people from a wide range of backgrounds to help children and young people who may have experienced abuse or neglect or have offended.

Rosemary Connor, Chair of the North Lanarkshire Children’s Panel Advisory Committee, encourages more people to consider how they could help. She said:

"The children’s panel system depends on people who give their services voluntarily and who work together to make a difference to the life of a child at risk or in trouble. The children’s panel is a highly effective way of dealing with children who are facing a difficult time in their lives, and its success is as a result of the contribution of our voluntary panel members.

"We would like to hear from anyone who can give some time to helping some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities. You don’t need any particular experience or training, as we will provide a comprehensive training programme – it is more important that you can listen, understand and make a decision that will improve a child’s life."

The children’s panel is an independent hearing. Panel members are lay members of the public who are carefully selected and highly trained. They make decisions about children who have been referred to Children’s Hearings on what should be done in the best interests of the child and their families.

Newly appointed Children’s Panel members undertake a comprehensive Pre-Service Training course which involves seven training days held on a Saturday and a number of evening sessions held locally. After completing this course, members start serving on Children’s Hearings, with a period of further training at a later date.

You can also call the national campaign on 0845 601 2770 or at www.childrenshearingsscotland.gov.uk.