Each year thousands of families are helped by the Children's Hearing System, Scotland's unique care and justice system for children and young people who are in trouble or at risk. At its core is the invaluable work of the Children's Panel. But what does the work entail, who are the panel members and what challenges do they face in today's Scotland ? There are currently over 16,000 children in care in Scotland. Many are looked after through foster care, as well as through children's homes and other units run by the local authorities.