Children's Hearings Scotland recruits, trains and supports volunteer Panel Members who make legal decisions in children’s hearings. You may have heard us called the Children’s Panel too. The Children's Panel makes legal decisions on how to support infants, children, and young people who come to children's hearings. There were 3649 children's hearings held in the Lanarkshire, Dumfries and Galloway area (2023-24) At every children’s hearing there are always three volunteer, lay Panel Members and it is their role to: listen to the child or young person’s views, understand their circumstances, and ultimately make legal decisions about how to best protect and care for them. Our volunteers make sure that all Scotland’s infants, children and young people feel safe, loved, valued and respected. It’s an important role that is hugely rewarding, but we need more Panel Members. Panel Members are legally appointed for three years and are appointed for an initial three year period with the possibility of being re-appointed. You need to be 18 years or over to apply to become a Panel Member, there is no upper age limit. If you can show compassion, empathy, trust and are a good listener, could you join them?