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An information evening in Thurso next week will give potential children’s hearings panel volunteers an insight into the service.
The Children's Hearings System in Scotland relies on volunteers from all walks of life who help make life-changing decisions that create a difference in the lives of children, young people and families.
New volunteers are now being recruited in Caithness and Sutherland, with applications being accepted until October 3.
A number of agencies work together with the Children’s Hearings System to deliver protection, care and support to families, children and young people. Panel members decide on what support should be put in place and ensure that those supports continue to be delivered, sustained and maintained to create better outcomes.
Christine Stone, panel representative for the north district covering Caithness and Sutherland, explained: “No new panel member begins sitting on hearings without thorough training being delivered beforehand. For any new Caithness and Sutherland trainees, the training usually takes place in Inverness with some training offered virtually.
“The level of training provided to pre-service trainees is outstanding, delivering a comprehensive overview of the working processes within the hearings system. Lead trainers and facilitators 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 converse and work through tasks in order to gain further insight in terms of knowledge and understanding.”
A brief, informal information evening will be held on Tuesday, September 19, at 7pm, at the Thurso Hearing Office on Swanson Street. It will give people an opportunity to ask any questions, clarify any outstanding queries and meet and chat with some current panel members.
For more information, visit www.chscotland.gov.uk or contact Mrs Stone on 01847 821321.
