Alison Thewliss, SNP MP for Glasgow Central, today (Wednesday) joined forces with Children’s Hearings Scotland to launch their campaign to recruit new members of the Children’s Panel.
Children’s Panel members are lay tribunal members who play a vital role in the care and protection of vulnerable children across Scotland. Panel members sit in on children’s hearings, which operate on a rota basis, and make decisions about improving children’s lives.
The Children’s Hearings System was set up in 1971 to deal with children who had committed criminal offences or were in need of care and protection. Since its establishment the Children’s Panel has played an important role in upholding children’s rights and it now focuses on ensuring the protection of children who have experienced abuse and neglect or who are at serious risk of harm.
Commenting on the campaign, Alison Thewliss MP said:
“I’m delighted to give my support to the Children’s Hearings Scotland annual recruitment drive for Children’s Panel members.
“Children’s Panel members are trained volunteers who come from a wide range of backgrounds and sit on hearings in the local communities in which they live or work. Their dedication to securing positive results for children who are at risk of harm or exploitation is truly inspiring.
“Being a Children’s Panel member is a great opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable children in Glasgow. Children’s Hearings Scotland also provide valuable opportunities for training and personal development, including support towards a recognised qualification which is highly valued by employers.
“I encourage constituents across Glasgow Central to take advantage of this worthwhile experience and apply to join the Children’s Panel today.”