33 recommendations after review finds 'gaps' in Jersey's care system

The Independent Children's Homes Association (ICHA) reviewed the service during August and September 2020. Credit: PA Images

Staff need more training and one of Jersey's children's homes should be scheduled for closure.

Those are just two of the recommendations from a review into the island's care system - the results of which have been published today (7 May).

The Independent Children's Homes Association (ICHA) reviewed the service during August and September 2020.

All eight children's homes and two short-break homes were visited, and young people, parents, staff and partner agencies were given the opportunity to share their views.

In its findings, published today, five key issues were identified:

  • The purpose of children's homes, secure children’s homes and supported accommodation is not articulated clearly enough and understood in practice

  • The available resources are not sufficient, incoherent, and inefficiently deployed

  • Roles and responsibilities and lines of accountability lack clarity

  • Staff do not always feel valued and need more learning and development opportunities

  • There are gaps in the services

33 recommendations were made in total - which officials say they are already beginning to implement.

The Assistant Minister for Children and Education has welcomed the review, saying the island has "been on a journey" since the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.