Caithness volunteers urged to get involved in Children's Panel
A RALLYING call has been made for volunteers to get involved with the Children's Panel in Caithness.
An open evening is to take place in Thurso next week to allow those interested the chance to find out more about the panel system, and long-time volunteer Christine Stone is keen to encourage new faces to go along.
She explained that volunteers from all walks of life make decisions that create a difference in the lives of many in Caithness. A number of agencies work together with the Children’s Panel to deliver protection, care and support to families, children and young people. These include social work, police, education, the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration and Children’s Hearings Scotland.
Those who do become involved can expect comprehensive training before sitting at hearings.
Mrs Stone said: "For any new Caithness trainees, the training takes place in Inverness. Training provided to pre-service trainees is outstanding and delivers a comprehensive overview of the working process within the hearing system. Any concern regarding prior lack of knowledge is dispelled once the training days get under way.
"The lead trainer, along with group leaders, are experienced in ensuring that all trainees receive the best grounding possible prior to sitting on hearings for the first time. The training comes in the form of larger plenary groups and smaller group sessions, affording many opportunities for trainees to talk and work through tasks in order to gain further insight in terms of knowledge and understanding."
She added: "It has been a great privilege to serve as a volunteer on the Children’s Panel for over 19 years and there are others residing within Caithness who have served for more than 25 years.
Being a panel member is hugely rewarding. It is a great privilege to be able to help families, young people and children in crisis.
"Caithness Children’s Panel volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences – all walks of life make for a good blend. The Caithness panel is always in need of new volunteers and to that end we are inviting any interested persons to our open evening.
"Please consider coming along. This is an information evening where an overview of the voluntary work will be given, followed by a question-and-answer session. This is a great opportunity to find out more and to see if the Children’s Panel is for you.
"Being a panel member is hugely rewarding. It is a great privilege to be able to come alongside families, young people and children in crisis and help them move forward to a better future."
The open evening will take place at the Children’s Panel office at 23 Swanson Street, Thurso, on Wednesday, September 11, from 7pm to 9pm.
Anyone interested in applying to become a panel member can contact Christine Stone on 01847 821321 for further information or visit the Children’s Panel website, www.childrenspanelscotland.org