Children's Panel
Background
Since 1971 Children's Hearings have been making decisions about children who need care or protection. The Children's Panel is recognised as a statutory tribunal under the Tribunal and Enquiries Act 1992.
Children's Panels
Members of the Children's Panel volunteer to serve and come from a wide range of occupations, neighbourhoods and income groups. All have experience of and interest in children and the ability to communicate with them and their families. There is an approximate balance between men and women. Members are carefully prepared for their task through initial training programmes and have continuing opportunities during their period of service to develop their knowledge and skills and attend in-service training courses.
People are appointed or re-appointed to panels by the Scottish Ministers. The task of selection is the responsibility of the Children's Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC) for the local authority area. The selection procedure adopted by the CPAC involves application forms, interviews and group discussions.
What is a Children's Hearing?
The Children's Hearing is a lay tribunal composed of male and female members charged with making decisions on the needs of children. It receives a report on the child and their social background from the Social Work Department of the local authority and where appropriate, a report from the child's school. The problem is discussed openly, with everyone involved. The Hearing then decides the way forward in the best interests of the child.
What's the time commitment?
Hearings are held locally mostly during the day. Individual Hearings vary in length but a normal session of three cases will last a morning or afternoon. Panel members are usually expected to take part in one or two sessions a month.
Are there expenses?
Panel members can usually claim travel and some other expenses. A loss of earnings allowance, in accordance with Government guidelines is also payable.
Any Questions?
Contact Alan Doig or Fiona Anderson at Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar (01307) 476264 or 476266 who will be only too pleased to help.