New volunteers for Child Youth and Community Tribunal panel

A GROUP of 12 new volunteers have been sworn in for the Child Youth and Community Tribunal.

The 12 new volunteers who have been appointed to the Child Youth and Community Tribunal panel. Left to right, back row: Carolyn Fysh, Toby Peatfield, Katie Robins, Alan Brown, Amanda Hibbs, David Wallace and deputy convenor James Ovenden. Left to right, front row: Jennifer Veillard, James Roberts, Lisa Wonnacott, Peter McGovern, Karen Gamble, Jane Hunter and Tim Bush. (Picture by Chris George)

After completing 55 hours of training, the new members will now begin to attend tribunals where they will making decisions for children and young people in need of protection, guidance and support.

‘It was clear from their training that they are all dedicated members of our community from a wide range of backgrounds, which is really important to what we do,’ said CYCT president Ashley Rawles.

Referrals can be made by anyone who considers a child to be in need of the service, but are most commonly made by law enforcement and Health & Social Care services.

Children and young people can be referred for a variety of reasons, including issues within the family or at school, substance misuse and displaying violent, dangerous or potentially criminal behaviour.

If the Office of the Children’s Convenor deems there to be a need for compulsory intervention, the case will be referred to the tribunal which will decide whether to make a legal order.

Each volunteer on the panel is offered an initial three-year term, which can be renewed following a review at the end of the period. There are currently 47 active members on the panel and an average of two tribunal hearings each month.

Ms Rawles said that new members would bring 'valuable life-experience' to the process, and help to improve the lives of young people across the Bailiwick.