A review by the Care of Children in Jersey panel has said the government is making significant progress in some areas – particularly around introducing legislation to protect and support children – but that there has been little tangible progress in some areas featured in the inquiry report.
The inquiry panel issued its damning review in 2017 and returned to the Island earlier this year to comment on the Island’s progress in the two years since.
One of the core recommendations was to address the negative connotations of ‘the Jersey Way’ – the perception that potentially damaging subjects are hidden or swept under the carpet. As part of that, the inquiry suggested that the dual role of the Bailiff be split, creating tangible separation between the courts and the States Assembly.
The Scrutiny panel, chaired by Deputy Rob Ward, found that there was a ‘pressing need’ to develop legislation defining the role of the ‘corporate parent’ in Jersey, to progress plans for a public memorial for survivors of abuse and address the additional concerns raised by the care inquiry panel within its own two-year review, which was presented in September 2019.
The Deputy said: ‘This review has once again highlighted that progress is being made addressing the issues set out by the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.
‘However, we are concerned that there is much more to do in order to address some of the bigger societal issues raised. The review panel itself is part of an ongoing process of much-needed change and we will continue to report back on the government’s progress, ensuring that the care inquiry recommendations are implemented correctly.’
