The Moray Children’s Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC) is looking for a small number of volunteers to form a sub committee with the specific task of helping to monitor children’s hearings.

The CPAC has a remit to select children’s panel members and to monitor their performance in hearings. Three CPAC members in each area are appointed by Government ministers and two by the local authority, but the CPAC is able to appoint sub groups to help to carry out specific tasks where there is a need.

Children’s hearings are a uniquely Scottish system which addresses the needs of children who are in need of care and protection or children who have committed offences. Recognising that all these children are in need of help and support to change their lives, the task of a hearing is to meet the children and their parents or carers along with a social worker, teacher and other significant adults who will already have provided background reports. They must discuss openly with them what should be done in the best interests of the child, involving the child and parents in the discussion. The three panel members who have the very important task of making the final decision about each child clearly have a huge responsibility.

Panel members, like CPAC members are lay people who are volunteers, carefully selected from their community and are then highly trained. They have to meet the challenge of encouraging the participation of all those present at a hearing, particularly the child and parents or carers, but also ensuring that legal procedures are adhered to and the child’s rights are upheld. The CPAC is tasked with monitoring their performance.

The Moray CPAC is seeking to appoint a small number of volunteers who would help to make the present monitoring system more effective. Although some of the members of the group may be ex-panel members, the composition of the group should ideally reflect a cross section of the Moray community and some members of the group will have no previous experience of children’s hearings. Training will be provided and a member of the CPAC will chair the sub committee. Any interested  person who has an interest in children and the ability to offer sensitive and constructive support to those tasked with making important decisions about needy children  should contact Cynthia Carswell, Legal Sevices Department, The Moray Council, tel. 01343 563014.

Please Note: There is a closing date of the 21st May 2008 with interviews probably taking place between 26th - 30th May.