CHILDREN in Jersey who need to be taken into care are being left without placements because the Island lacks suitable housing and foster carers, it has emerged.
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert yesterday told the States Assembly that there is an “effective crisis” in the number of beds available in the Island – and in situations of absolute necessity, children have to be temporarily placed in the UK.
He said: “I think every effort is made to to have the best possible outcomes for our children.
“There are many vulnerable children in our in our island. Unfortunately, the lack of the lack of housing and foster carers means that there are some children that perhaps should be brought into the care that were unable to do so at the moment.”
Mr Vibert added: “That is a situation that does worry me, and hence why in the Budget, we have asked for funding to rectify that.
“But I must say where there are undue concerns, then we will immediately act in respect of vulnerable children.”
The minister acknowledged an ongoing ambition to recruit more foster carers.
He explained that, while there have been some successful recruitment campaigns, the conversion rate – meaning the proportion of interested individuals who actually go on to become foster carers – remains “disappointingly” low.
Mr Vibert added that due to the shortfall in available foster carers, the government sometimes relies more heavily on residential homes for children, which are recognised as “not as good” as family-based placements.
“We are increasing the number of homes,” he said. “However, foster carers are the better option.
“I maintain my commitment to try and increase the number of foster carers in Jersey.”
The minister pointed to new approaches planned for 2026, including support networks among foster carers and targeted campaigns – including one aimed at government employees – to encourage more people to come forward.
Despite the concerns, Mr Vibert said he believed that “the situation is improving”.
“I think that the last inspection we had clearly said that there was progress in all areas,” she added.
“I think we’re much more aware of the need for early intervention, and I am certainly happy with the progress that we’ve made in the last two years.”
