Listen
Children's panel members awarded
30/04/2009
Children's panel member from across Scotland have been praised by Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram after scooping awards for their lengthy devotion to vulnerable young people in their area.
Eleven volunteers received Children's Panel Long Service Awards after more than 20 years of service.
Presenting the awards at a ceremony today, Mr Ingram said:
"Giving young people the help they need to work through difficult periods, circumstances and behaviour is vital to helping them achieve their potential and contribute to a more successful Scotland.
"That could mean supporting those who have been neglected, abused or even committed a crime and that's exactly what children's panels do for young people across the country each and every day.
"None of that would be possible without the commitment of volunteers, who give their time to young people in their community.
"I have been inspired by such dedication which has made a difference to the lives of countless children across Scotland and all those picking up long service awards can be immensely proud of what they have achieved."
Volunteers from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Perth and Kinross, Moray, Renfrewshire and South Ayrshire were given Long Service Awards at a ceremony in the George Hotel in Edinburgh today.
The awards, for panel members with 20 or more years of service, started in 2004 and so far almost 90 have been granted.