A LONG-awaited “roadmap” intended to help keep children away from crime – with a focus on prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation – is being released today [MONDAY 30 June].
The document, which was previously cited by ministers as part of efforts to support children in the youth justice system, was due to be published this morning.
It is expected to outline how the government plans to enforce youth justice and rehabilitate child offenders, as well as keeping them out of the criminal system where possible.
Initially planned for release in January, the roadmap’s publication comes just a few weeks after ministers said a “long-term solution” was being sought for children in the youth justice system, following revelations that part of La Moye prison had been designated as a young offenders institution.
The latter news was met with concern from Children’s Commissioner Carmel Corrigan, who described the situation as “very disappointing” and stressed that La Moye was “not the same as having a purpose-built facility to securely accommodate children”.
The JEP understands that the youth justice roadmap will be underpinned by a “children first” principle, to be implemented through a partnership approach between the States and honorary police, probation and youth service, as well as several other key stakeholders including the Justice and Home Affairs Department.
Its overall objectives will include reducing children’s potential involvement in crime and keeping them away from the criminal justice system with targeted interventions
before more formal involvement, such as a Parish Hall Enquiry.
Other objectives will include helping children to understand and take responsibility for their actions – including through peer mentoring programs – as well as identifying support for consistent offenders to turn their lives around.
This will include an emphasis on addressing factors that could contribute to ongoing criminal behaviours, such as poor housing, a lack of access or engagement with education and experience of abuse or neglect.
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert said: “Youth justice extends far beyond statistics; it touches lives, shapes futures, and defines the fabric of our island life.
“A child diverted from crime is not just a reduction in offending; it is a family strengthened, a victim restored, and a safer island.”
He continued: “This is about putting children’s rights at the centre of how we build a safer, more supportive Jersey.
“It’s not just about reducing crime – it’s about creating opportunities, restoring trust, and making sure every child has the chance to succeed, no matter what has happened in their past.”
SHADED BOX
It is not the first time that youth crime has made headlines in recent months.
In May, Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat revealed that children deliberately starting fires had contributed to a documented rise in arson incidents.
And in October 2024, police told the JEP that children had been suspects in over a third of all knife-related crimes that had been reported so far that year.
