Ministers seek £7.6m for children's services

Officials said rising demand and complex cases were putting unprecedented pressure on services

Ministers are urging the States Assembly to approve a £7.6m investment over the next four years to protect vulnerable young people.

Jersey's government is warning that children's services are at a "critical turning point".

Despite increased funding and reforms following the 2017 Independent Care Inquiry, which exposed serious failings in the care system, officials said rising demand and complex cases were putting unprecedented pressure on services.

Ministers cautioned that, without urgent action, the system risked failing the children it was meant to protect.

The proposed funding would be used to expand support for children living at home, address a shortage of foster families, and create more permanent homes for those in residential care, said the government.

Plans also included recruiting and retaining skilled staff through a new Social Work Academy and improved retention payments and improved training, it added.

The government said these changes would lead to safer outcomes for children, reduce reliance on agency staff, and create a more stable, skilled workforce.

"This is not just an investment in services; it is an investment in the future of Jersey's children and families," a spokesperson said.