​​​​​​Latest Updates

16 December 2015

​​

The people of Jersey have until the end of this month (31 December 2015) to help shape the future of care services for the island's children.

With public hearings now ending for this year, all islanders have the chance to suggest ways in which the care system can be overhauled for future generations.

Opinions are being sought as the Inquiry prepares to move into the final phase of its work.

Inquiry Chair, Frances Oldham QC says: "Improving the way in which vulnerable children and young people are looked after on the island is something that concerns everyone. The third phase of our work gives an opportunity for people to offer their ideas and opinions. As well as investigating what has gone wrong in the past, the Inquiry is committed to making recommendations so that Jersey has a world class care system it can be proud of."

Views can be given either online via our website or in writing. 

All submissions relevant to the Inquiry's terms of reference will be published. Anonymous submissions won't be considered, but names can be withheld from the website on request.

The Panel has also sought a wide range of views from experts, meeting around 50 staff from more than 30 organisations who work with or support work with children.

Phase 3, which has been running in parallel with hearings and preparation for several months, has five strands.

Phase 3a: understanding the context of child care in Jersey and exploring developments in research, policy and practice.

Phase 3b: evidence from expert witnesses.

Phase 3c: public consultation.

Phase 3d: contributions from organisations in and beyond Jersey who have expertise in the care of children and those within Jersey who provide services for children and young people. These concern three areas:

  • current and anticipated future trends in the areas of work/ expertise that should influence policy and practice
  • challenges which will face services for children in Jersey in the coming decade
  • aspirations for services for children in Jersey and how they can be met

Written submissions should be received by​ 29 January 2016. Representatives of some of the organisations will be invited to discuss their views with the Panel, in person or via video-link. These stakeholder meetings will be open to the public and will take place during February 2016. Transcripts for these sessions will be made available on the website.

Phase 3e: Interested Parties and Counsel to the Inquiry will be invited to make submissions in writing by 4pm on Wednesday 16 March. There will be time to submit and exchange brief responses to the other parties' submissions before the Panel hears oral submissions  during the week commencing 16 May 2016.​

The next public hearing will take place in the New Year on 12 January - details tba.


In this section