Two West Lothian volunteers who serve in Scotland's Children's Hearings System were honoured guests at the King's Garden Party in Edinburgh. Del Kaiser, from Armadale, and Caroline Storey, from Bathgate, were welcomed to the Palace of Holyroodhouse by the King and Queen after being nominated for their services to infants, children and young people.
Recognition for children's hearings volunteers
The pair were among 28 current and former children's hearings volunteers invited to the event. The group included Panel Members, who make decisions at children's hearings, and Panel Practice Advisers, who support quality assurance for hearings. Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS), the public body that recruits, trains and supports Panel Members, hosted a reception before the garden party for volunteers and their guests.
Mr Kaiser, a serving Panel Member in the Central Scotland region, said: “Being invited to the King’s Garden Party is a special honour, recognising the important role the Children’s Hearings System plays in supporting children, young people and families across Scotland. I have had the absolute privilege to serve as a Panel Member for over 12 years, helping to ensure children and young people remain at the heart of the process while making decisions in their best interest.”
How the Children's Hearings System works
Children's hearings are legal meetings set up because there are concerns about the wellbeing or care of an infant, child or young person. Three Panel Members sit at each hearing, where decisions are made in the best interests of the child. Across Scotland, more than 2,100 volunteer Panel Members sit on over 20,000 hearings each year, supported by around 150 Panel Practice Advisers.
Elliot Jackson, National Convener of Children’s Hearings Scotland, said: “I am incredibly proud of the volunteers who make decisions in the interests of Scotland’s children and uphold their rights within our welfare-based hearings system. It’s wonderful to see so many of our volunteers from across the country honoured today, and for us to come together for this special occasion, in recognition of the work they do to bring about positive outcomes for children and families.”
