AN AGE limit of 60 for new recruits to children’s panels is to be scrapped, ministers said yesterday.
And a rule requiring existing panel members to retire at 65 is also to be scrapped.
The moves were announced by Euan Robson, the Deputy Children’s Minister, as part a drive to recruit new members.
Last year 19 panel members had to retire because they reached the age limit.
Scrapping the age rules means that 27 people will be able to stay on as members this year, Mr Robson said.
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“This move, coupled with our annual publicity to attract new recruits, will help us achieve our target of 470 additional members,” he said at the launch of the recruiting drive.
“We know that is achievable — last year we signed up over 600 new members.
“No specialist background or knowledge is needed to join the panels. Ordinary folk have a great deal to offer and we are particularly keen to attract more men and minority ethnic representatives.”
The £200,000 recruitment campaign will include three weeks of press and radio advertising, supported by a recruitment hotline.
Scotland’s children’s panel system is said to be unique in that it combines both a welfare role and tackles offending behaviour.
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Mr Robson said: “Its success depends upon the calibre of the volunteers who give up their time to help our most vulnerable and troubled youngsters.
“The means being able to draw from the widest possible pool of volunteers, ensuring we have representatives from all parts of society.”