A fresh call has been made for volunteers to play a part in children’s hearings in Aberdeen.
Children’s Hearings Scotland’s six-week recruitment drive got underway with a call for new volunteers in the city.
Local people are being urged to come forward and play a role in the panel which improves outcomes for troubled children and young people who are in care or who have offended.
The organisation said it hoped to fill 560 panel roles needed across the country for 2016.
There are currently 2,500 volunteer panel members in Scotland but new recruits are needed each year.
The organisation is looking for people who have compassion, the ability to listen and an interest in the welfare of children and young people within their community.
Men in particular are being urged to come forward, to ensure hearings have the right representation as the law requires men and woman to sit on each hearing.
Boyd McAdam, national convener and chief executive of Children’s Hearings Scotland said volunteers were essential to the system’s success.
He added: “Each hearing involves our volunteers making decisions which can help change the life of a child or young person who is in need of help.
“Although difficult at times, it can be hugely rewarding.
“We provide the training to help you have the skills – what we need is your time, your commitment and your compassion.”
Information evenings will be held at Robert Gordon University’s faculty of health and social care building at Garthdee from 7pm to 8.30pm this Thursday and also on September 7 and 15 and at Aberdeen Town House, on Broad Street, on August 26.
The deadline for applications in September 30. To find out more about becoming a panel member visit www.childrenspanelscotland.org