Jersey's Children's Commissioner calls for change to youth justice system
Jersey's Children's Commissioner is calling for changes to improve how young people are treated within the island's youth justice system.
They include carrying out a review of the Parish Hall Enquiry system and raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
Currently children aged 10 can be held accountable for their actions.
The commissioner wants that raised to 14 in line with international standards.
It follows a recommendation in the Jersey Care Inquiry that the youth justice system should always treat young offenders as children first and offenders second and that the Youth Justice system move from a court based, punitive system to a welfare-based approach.
The Commissioner for Children and Young People recommends that:
Priority be given to raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility
The journey of children in all areas of law, at all stages of procedures, and in all capacities and circumstances should be mapped from start to end, identifying which rights of the child exist at each stage and using this child rights-based approach to inform strategic planning.
An analysis of youth offending data be undertaken to ensure that children’s rights are being respected, protected, and fulfilled.
Children and young people should be consulted with regards to any proposed changes to legislation and policy and their views taken seriously.
An independent review of Parish Hall Enquiry system should be undertaken.
A child friendly feedback mechanism should be established involving children and young people to establish their experiences, what worked well and where improvements could be made.
Ongoing detention of children in Greenfields must be addressed as a priority.