Children's Panel recruitment
The Children's Panel is a group of specially selected and trained volunteers who make decisions about children who have been referred to Children's Hearings. The children involved range from newborn babies to 17 year olds.
Panel Members try to resolve difficulties encountered by children:-
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who have offended;
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have been neglected or abused and may need care or protection;
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are out of the control of their parents;
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have been absent from school without reasonable excuse;
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have misused drugs or alcohol; or
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are in moral danger.
We operate with a panel of around 70 panel members in North Ayrshire.
What kind of people become panel members?
Panel members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and they range in age from 18 years upwards.
No formal academic qualifications are required but members are expected to show the following qualities:-
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A knowledge and understanding of children
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An ability to communicate with children and their parents about their problems
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The skills needed to make decisions
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The ability to understand reports
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The maturity to cope with what can sometimes be stressful situations
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The availability to undertake daytime hearings.
Certain occupations can present a conflict of interest and render individuals ineligible for appointment as panel members. These include:-
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Social workers working with children and families within North Ayrshire
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Those involved in referring children to hearings
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Serving police officers (including special constables)
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Those concerned with children on supervision (such as staff of residential schools or assessment centres)
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Justices of the Peace who serve in the District Court or are likely to be selected to do so.
Applicants for panel membership are also obliged on their application form to confirm details of any appearances which they or their immediate family (spouse/partner and children) have made before a Children's Hearing or a Court. Previous convictions do not however automatically exclude appointment since each case is considered on its merits.
How do I become a panel member?
A recruitment and selection campaign is launched annually by the Scottish Government around early September. This publicity provides a call centre number from which people can get an information pack. This pack includes details of an information evening and an invitation to attend. People who have already confirmed their interest at an earlier stage will automatically receive the information pack and invitation.
The evening allows a full briefing on the implications of panel membership and an opportunity to ask questions but it is not compulsory to attend.
Application forms will be issued to everyone who has confirmed an interest in proceeding. The Children's Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC) will then undertake a selection programme, with interviews held in November.
Following these interviews the CPAC will recommend applicants to the Scottish Ministers and they will advise successful applicants of their appointment to the North Ayrshire Children's Panel towards the end of December. New recruits will then begin their training in early January.
What training is provided?
All panel members receive training throughout the four-month period prior to their first hearing. This is a significant commitment involving 7 Saturday training sessions between January and April, as well as attendance at a number of local training evenings. Mid-week training can be offered to those panel members who are unable to attend on Saturdays. This training is provided by the Children's Hearings Training Unit at Glasgow University.
Panel members can only undertake Hearings once they have successfully completed all their Pre-Service training sessions.
Do panel members receive expenses?
Children's panel members are entitled to apply for expenses which can relate to their presence at a Children's Hearing or at training. Payments cover travelling expenses, subsistence and assistance towards loss of earnings where applicable.
Who decides that a child comes to a hearing?
The Children's Reporters Administration (SCRA) are the central officers within the system and they decide whether a child should come to a hearing.
What happens at a hearing and who is present?
Three panel members, not exclusively male or female members must sit on each hearing. They receive advance reports on the children that they are to see. The panel members use these reports to discuss the case with the child, his/her parents or carers and the professionals who have an interest in or a responsibility for the child. Decisions are then taken in the best interests of the child. The hearing may decide that compulsory measures are not required or that supervision is required at home or away from home, or that specialist reports are needed before a decision can be taken.
Panel members usually see three to four families at a sitting, each lasting about three-quarters of an hour although difficult cases can take longer.
When and Where are hearings held?
Most hearings are held during the day, in normal working hours with only a small number being held in the evenings and accordingly the ability of panel members to undertake daytime hearings is paramount.
Hearings are scheduled at different venues and frequencies throughout North Ayrshire. There are approximately 40 hearing sessions per month in North Ayrshire.
How long do panel member appointments last?
Panel members are appointed initially for three years and considered for subsequent reappointment at similar three-yearly intervals.
Is a panel member's performance assessed?
The Children's Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC) is responsible for monitoring the performance of panel members. Its membership comprises 3 appointments made by the Scottish Executive and 2 by North Ayrshire Council. It undertakes monitoring at hearings and will often speak to panel members to provide feedback and any support and advice which may be required. Their monitoring reports are then submitted to the CPAC who require to ensure overall that panel members are able to participate effectively in proceedings and that they are being supported in undertaking their role.
Where can I get more information?
Further information on the Children's Hearings System in Scotland can be secured by visiting the Scottish Government Website