Chief Minister John Le Fondré, speaking at an Institute of Directors event on Thursday, outlined the Council of Ministers’ objectives and said that Jersey is starting from a ‘poor position’ in terms of improving its standards of child care.
He said that early initiatives to recruit social workers and foster carers had worked well but called for broader commitment within the Island to improve services, including from the business community.
‘One of the most significant and enduring legacies of this government will be meeting our commitment to put children first,’ he said.
‘It’s the first overarching priority within the Common Strategic Policy and it remains the most profound responsibility of government to never allow a repetition of the failings that led to our children in our care suffering unacceptable abuse.
‘We must meet that responsibility not just through words but through tangible actions. Although, we must all recognise
that we are starting from a very poor position.’
Earlier this week, the government launched the Children’s Pledge – encouraging Islanders to support the government in delivering its aims.
He added: ‘Last month our “Let’s be Honest” social worker recruitment campaign was recognised at a national level, winning the recruitment effectiveness award 2019 and perhaps most importantly is resulting in the recruitment of 22 new permanent social workers – that’s a massive boost in the capacity we have had in that department.
‘Our fostering and adoption campaign has seen a doubling in the number of applicants in the past year. Last year we launched an eight-point pledge to put children first in which ministers, Members and public sector leaders committed to being accountable for improving the care and rights of every child in the Island.
‘This campaign has ensured that children in our Island are cared for at the very highest standards. It’s a start but there’s so much more we can do.
‘Yesterday, as part of World Children’s Day, we launched a campaign to encourage all public servants and Islanders to support that pledge, because we all have a duty to our Island’s children and it’s not just government. I hope all of you today will give support to that pledge.’
The Chief Minister said that other legacies and challenges for his government would be dealing with Brexit and investing in public infrastructure after years of neglect.
