This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Thousands apply - more needed
16/09/2005
Nearly 3,000 people have already expressed an interest in joining their local Children's Panel to help youngsters in their area as the recruitment campaign launched at the end of August continues.
Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown said it was important that more men should get involved as latest figures show 78 per cent of callers to the recruitment helpline - 0845 601 2770 - so far were women.
No special qualifications are necessary to volunteer for the panel, which helps address the needs of vulnerable children.
Current panel members come from all walks of life - from shop assistants and dentists to students and fire fighters - and range in age from 20 to 71.
Mr Brown said:
"It's great that nearly 3,000 people have responded to this year's recruitment campaign for the children's panel, but we want more.
"If you are thinking about signing up then I'd urge you to not just think about it but do it. If you can make good common sense decisions then you can make a difference to the lives of vulnerable youngsters.
"We are particularly looking for more men to come forward, as we need men and women on every panel and right now we have far more women volunteering."
The children's hearings system is unique to Scotland and was established in 1971 to address the needs and behaviour of children and young people who face serious problems in their lives.
These problems can include, for example, a child being abused, a child failing to attend school, the child's parents having difficulty looking after them or a child committing an offence.
A children's hearing is a lay tribunal of three panel members. The child, parents/carers and relevant professionals all normally attend the hearing and take part in the discussion. The children's hearing considers and makes decisions on the needs of the child or young person before them. The "needs" of the child include addressing any "deeds".
During 2003 - 2004, over 45,000 children were referred to the Children's Reporter. Around two thirds of the cases are on care and protection grounds.