Following last months announcement, the new volunteers for the Child Youth and Community Tribunal (CYCT) were sworn in at Guernsey’s Royal Court earlier today, Thursday 9th December.
Having completed the essential 55 hours of pre-service training, the volunteers will now be able to attend tribunals, helping to improve the lives of children and young people across the Bailiwick by making decisions for those in need of protection, guidance or support.
Children or young people are referred to the Office of the Children’s Convenor, an independent public office, which investigates the case. If the need for compulsory intervention remains, and the grounds for referral are accepted by the child and their family, a hearing is arranged, with the child/young person and their family or carers as central participants.
Cases are heard by a panel of three of the fully trained volunteers. They then decide what action is required in the best interests of the child, based on the facts and information presented. The members are required to make an informed and unbiased decision which is legally binding.
The non-adversarial system acts in the best interests of children and young people, guided by their views and experiences.
Members are requested to commit to a minimum of one hearing a month, with the average being two.
Their appointment is initially for three years and can be renewed following satisfactory monitoring of performance. The organisation currently has 47 members from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The new volunteers who have joined the Children’s Tribunal System are:
- Alan Brown
- Amanda Hibbs
- Caroline Fysh
- David Wallace
- James Roberts
- Jennifer Veillard
- Karen Gamble
- Katie Robins
- Lisa Wonnacott
- Peter McGovern
- Timothy Orton*
- Toby Peatfield
Ashley Rawles, President of the CYCT who organised and oversaw the training, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the 12 new volunteers. 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. They will all be able to bring their valuable life-experience to this process, as we continue to help improve the lives of children and young people across the Bailiwick.”
* Timothy Orton was unable to attend the Royal Court ceremony, and will be officially sworn in on Thursday 16th December
Main image shows (left to right):
- Back Row: Carolyn Fysh, Toby Peatfield, Katie Robins, Alan Brown, Amanda Hibbs, David Wallace & James Ovenden.
- Front Row: Jennifer Veillard, James Roberts, Lisa Wonnacott, Peter McGovern, Karen Gamble, Jane Hunter and Tim Bush.
