Children’s panel volunteers for the north and Moray are being sought through a new campaign which arrives in Inverness today.
It urges people to be part of the system to keep children from harm.
The tour will visit the Eastgate Shopping Centre, where panel members and staff will be on hand to explain what the role involves.
Scotland has a single national Children’s Panel, made up of 2,500 volunteer panel members who regularly attend hearings to address the needs and behaviour of young people who face a variety of problems in their lives.
Serious issues such as a child being abused, failing to attend school or committing an offence can lead to them being in front of a panel.
New volunteers are needed every year and this national tour is part of a three week recruitment drive, led by Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), to attract people from all different backgrounds to this unique role.
Susan Anderson, area convener of the Highland region, said: “I know from experience how valuable panel members are in helping vulnerable children. It’s a rewarding role and it gives you the chance to make a positive difference in a young person’s life.
“I’d advise anyone who might be thinking about it to come along to the tour stop so they can get all the information they need and find out how to become a member.”
Boyd McAdam, national convener and chief executive of CHS, said: “No two panel members are the same. We’re looking for both men and women of different ages and from different backgrounds. If you have empathy towards the issues some children and young people face, we want to hear from you.”
Information events will also be taking place at various Highland locations, including the Highland Council tonight between 5pm and 9pm and the Lochaber Council buildings from 7pm-9pm tomorrow.
They will then be at Dingwall Council offices on Monday from 6pm-9pm, Thurso High School between 7pm-9pm on Tuesday, Broadford Primary school from 7pm-9pm on Wednesday and Dornoch Academy from 7pm-9pm on Thursday.Applicants must be 18 or over and no qualifications are required.
The deadline for applications is Friday, September 26.