States of Jersey begin recruitment for children's commissioner
The States of Jersey have announced they will appoint a children's commissioner to ensure young people are being properly cared for in the island.
It comes after promises of a radical shakeup in the protection of children in the wake of the damning Care Inquiry report.
Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, signed the order this morning and hopes recruitment will start next week for the role.
He says the Children’s Commissioner’s prime function will be to "protect and promote the rights of all children and young people in Jersey".
It is envisaged that this will include:
reviewing our laws, our policy and our operational practices to ensure they uphold the rights of children
providing an independent complaints and investigation service
ensuring children can access, and participate in, all aspects of Jersey’s society
bringing to our attention any matter they believe is relevant
The Chief Minister says the appointment of the Children’s Commissioner "will hold us to account for hearing children’s voices".
He added: "As suggested by the Inquiry it would also be the responsibility of the Children’s Commissioner to invite the Inquiry Panel back to Jersey to review our progress. I fully support that invitation."