(1)For every local government area there shall be a children’s panel for the purposes of this Act, and any other enactment conferring powers on a children’s hearing (or on such a panel).
(2)Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the recruitment, appointment, training and expenses of members of a children’s panel and the establishment of Children’s Panel Advisory Committees and joint advisory committees.
(3)Sittings of members of the children’s panel (to be known as “children’s hearings”) shall be constituted from the panel in accordance with subsection (5) below.
(4)A children’s hearing shall be constituted for the performance of the functions given to such a hearing by or by virtue of—
(a)this Act; or
(b)any other enactment conferring powers on a children’s hearing.
(5)A children’s hearing shall consist of three members, one of whom shall act as chairman; and shall not consist solely of male, or solely of female, members.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 39(5) extended (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1996/3261, Rule 4(1)