Save in exceptional cases involving substantial risks to public safety, that principle remains the foundation of the system. The Children's Panel is a body of lay people appointed by Scottish Ministers on the recommendation of a local Advisory Committee. Panel members are selected to be reasonably representative of the community in terms of age, ethnicity and occupational background. They receive intensive training in the law as it relates to the Hearings System and in the skills required to make hearing work effectively. Training also strengthens members' understanding of the needs of children, building on their own knowledge and experience, and develops insight into the resources available to meet those needs.
Every Hearing involves three panel members and one of the chairs the proceedings.
Both genders must be represented. The decision to refer a child to a Hearing is taken by a Reporter, who is an official employed by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. The disposal is entirely a matter for the panel members, sitting on the Hearing. The Hearings System recognises that the need of both groups of children are often the same. In making their decision, the Hearing considers the views of children, families, social workers, teachers and other specialists.