Report calls for new council for care leavers

Richard Vibert said children's services are working more closely with police to support vulnerable Jersey children who regularly run away

A report into children's services in Jersey has recommended a new council is needed to support young people who are leaving care.

The Jersey Care Commission wants the government to create a Children in Care and Care Leavers Council, allowing young islanders to have a say on changes that are needed and to raise issues.

The minister for children and families, Constable Richard Vibert, said the aim was to address legal barriers in the services and improve communication.

He said: "The legal barriers are more a case of not recognising that children in care, under the legislation, are a special case.

"So, whereas the legislation might be considered for somebody whose, you know, had a family life and the outcome is a specific outcome.

"A person who’s been a care leaver then there are different considerations and that’s what’s lacking in some cases."

The report also said children's social care services were working more closely with the police to support vulnerable Jersey children who regularly run away.

Mr Vibert said: “We already had work ongoing and that has evolved into a new partnership agreement with the police which is working very effectively. So we’re not looking to criminalise children. We’re looking to remove them from that situation where they can be exploited and groomed for various types of activity.

“The police role is often to locate the children although the staff from children’s services actively take part in that even outside of office hours.

"I think that’s perhaps a newer development and it shows the new partnership we have with the police. “