Concerns the 'Jersey Way' culture remains in government, says Deputy Ward
The 'Jersey Way' remains a huge problem according to the politicians responsible for monitoring the progress of the Jersey Care Inquiry recommendations.
The Care of Children in Jersey Review Panel says Jersey's failure to scrap the role of the Bailiff, which heads up both the makers and enforcers of the law, further strengthens the perception of 'The Jersey Way', which the inquiry defined as ‘a failure to establish a culture of openness and transparency, leading to a perception at least, of collusion and cover up.’
The Panel's review focuses on the final four recommendations from the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry: legislation for children and young people, the role of the States Assembly as Corporate Parent and the actions that have been undertaken so far to address the 'Jersey Way' and legacy issues.
The panel also says plans for a public memorial for abuse survivors must be fast tracked. They recommend that money for the project be given to the Children's Minister, Senator Sam Mézec rather than the Treasury, in order for it to be completed by the first ever Children's Day on 20 November 2020.
While the report praises the progress being made in overhauling Children's laws and reforming the Youth Justice System, it says there are many other areas which need attention.
There is still no law to define the government's role and responsibilities as a corporate parent to children in care, and the report recommends the Children's Minister introduce legislation by the end of next year.
It also states money needs to be set aside in the 2021 government plan to bring the former care home, Haut de Garenne, up to modern standards.
The report points out abuse survivors should be given more support in terms of psychological therapy and advocacy services for dealing with government departments.
The panel has already presented its findings on the implementation of the first four recommendations of the IJCI.