Jersey social worker shortage blamed on historical abuse claims

A struggle to recruit social workers in Jersey is being blamed on the island’s history of child abuse.

It includes claims surrounding the former children's home, Haut de la Garenne, and the now infamous investigation into what happened there - which made headlines worldwide.

There are currently 20 vacancies for social workers in Children's Services, currently being covered by agency staff.

Jersey States’ Children's Services spent £1.9 million on agency staff last year.

The department's budget is set to be increased by £7m a year over the next three years, if politicians agree the government's financial plan in September.

Susan Devlin, who joined the service from the UK last year, admits she was wary of the abuse headlines.