Work started on Care Inquiry recommendations

Tuesday 31 October 2017

Ministers have published a status report on progress putting in place the recommendations of the recent £23m report into child abuse within the care system in Jersey.

The report says work has started on 19 of the 43 actions arising from the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, and completed another two: the creation of an advisory group and the publication of a law on the separation of powers.

The publication of the 66-page report marks the first phase of government’s plans to implement the inquiry’s recommendations.It lists the eight recommendation made in the report as well as the 43 actions arising from them and recommended changes which will be debated in the States Assembly on 12 December. 

Work has already started on half of them including the recruitment of a Children's Commissioner and the development of a plan to deliver a 'school-based participation strategy.'

Other items are still listed as pending, including a public consultation on Haut de la Garenne, which the Care inquiry report said should be knocked down, the review of the operating model of Greenfield Secure Residential Service and the creation of a Children's Rights Officer role. 

Senator Ian Gorst said: “Today marks a significant day for Jersey. The Inquiry identified  systemic failings and made eight main recommendations for the future  management of f our residential and foster homes, and all our services for children and young people. I made it clear in my initial response to the Care Inquiry that I accepted those recommendations. Responding to them will require sustained energy and commitment both now and in the future.

“I am determined that we will provide a safe and secure environment for the children in our care, and that we will continue to improve safeguarding for all our children and young people. This report marks a significant step in achieving this and I hope States Members will support the proposed plans.”

Among the proposals made in the report is the allocation of another £2.9 million to employ an extra 19 full-time staff to help meet the recommendations. This comes in addition to £5 million allocated from 2017-2019 to fund projects such as Baby Steps and Letting the Future In, and the £1.8 million that have been set aside to cover the cost of a Children’s Commissioner and associated staffing. A Children’s Plan with proposed costings will also be presented to the new Council of Ministers in June 2018.