PROCEEDS from the sale of a former residential home next to Haut de la Garenne could be used to establish a fund for care leavers to access learning opportunities, mental-health support and emergency assistance for unforeseen expenditure.
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert is asking the States Assembly to back his plans to create the Care Experienced Fund as a ring-fenced States Fund under the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2019.
If approved, the fund will be created using proceeds from the sale of the Aviemore site – a commitment first agreed in principle in 2021 as part of the response to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.
The sum – expected to total approximately £2.25 million – would be invested and distributed over a ten-year period, equating to around £200,000 per year.
The scheme is specifically targeted at those aged 25 and over who were in care in Jersey. Current statutory support for care leavers ends at 25, but Mr Vibet said the new fund is designed to extend the government’s “corporate parenting” commitment beyond that age threshold.
“By addressing the unique challenges faced by this often-overlooked demographic, the fund aims to contribute to improved life outcomes and social inclusion,” he said.
The minister pointed to evidence which “consistently shows” that care-experienced adults face poorer outcomes in employment, housing, mental health and substance misuse, and are overrepresented in the prison population.
“The fund is designed to promote recipient wellbeing by helping to mitigate social, educational, physical, and economic inequalities,” added Mr Vibert.
The fund will focussing on improving mental-health and wellbeing through access to counselling and psychological support; enabling lifelong learning and qualifications, including help with tuition, materials and travel costs not covered elsewhere; and providing emergency grants for urgent hardships such as medical bills, food shortages or essential travel.
The report acknowledged that many care-experienced adults lack the “familial support networks that many others have” and may struggle to navigate financial challenges alone.
Alongside crisis payments, the fund could also offer access to budgeting advice and basic bank accounts regardless of credit rating.
In a bid to remove stigma, applications will be handled through a “neutral front door” by independent administrators, rather than directly by government departments.
Mr Vibert’s report outlines the “potential risks” with establishing the fund – including potential mismanagement, overdependence on financial assistance, and the danger that too much funding could be absorbed by administration rather than frontline support.
However, the “numerous benefits” include improved wellbeing, increased educational and career opportunities, and financial stability.
It is estimated that between 100 and 140 Islanders could be eligible to apply for the Care Experienced Fund.
