How your voice can be heard...... Why was the Scottish Association of Children’s Panels formed? The SACP was formed because it had been clear for a long time that panel members throughout Scotland needed to share in the development of the Hearing System and to be able to communicate with each other through a recognised national body. A great deal of work and political support went into the formation of the SACP. A national consultation took place and the Constitution of the Association was adopted at an inaugural meeting held in Glasgow in May 1977.

Objectives

Our constitution states that our objectives are to promote the effectiveness of the Children’s Hearing System by:

1. Providing a means of communication between children’s panel members, local, national and international bodies.
2. Acting as a corporate voice for the views and needs of panel members in all aspects of the Hearing System.
3. Providing a forum for the exchange of views and experiences.
4. To promote a better understanding of the Children’s Hearing System nationally and internationally.
5. To organise events as appropriate to achieve any of the foregoing.

Our members

Our constitution gives membership to all local authority children’s panels and/or their equivalent sub-group. It gives proportional representation across the country and allows each panel area to send a representative to the Council of the SACP. The number of seats open to each authority is directly governed by the number of areas or districts in each authority. The representatives are nominated by their area. The Children’s Panel Chairmen’s Group may also send observers to SACP meetings.

When and where does SACP meet?

SACP meetings are held approximately 6 times a year, usually in Stirling. The meetings are held on a Saturday and representatives claim expenses from their local authority area. Representatives also attend conferences relevant to our role as panel members and write reports which can be read on the SACP website (www.sacp.org.uk) or requested from your local representative or from the SACP secretary. Recent issues discussed include: reform of the Hearing System; time off for panel members to attend hearings; training.

Are you interested in becoming a representative? Do you have an issue you feel is of relevance to panel members generally?

Contact us via our website (www.sacp.org.uk) or our secretary, Mrs. M. Easton, Fassiefern, Top Street, Conon Bridge IV7 8BH (margaret_easton2003@yahoo.co.uk).