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24 Strategic 27 Plan
R.139/2024
INTRODUCTION
My name is Carmel Corrigan, and I am delighted to strategies, policies and legislation; and advice from our
have been made Children s Commissioner for Jersey. own advisory panels.
I took up this post in March 2024. This consultation and consideration of other sources has
My job, and the job of everyone who works in the Office identified six thematic areas and groups that we will focus
of the Children s Commissioner for Jersey (OCCJ), is to on in the next four years (see pages 4-5). These are:
In everything we do, the Office of the Children s Commissioner for Jersey (OCCJ) will strive to
promote and protect the human rights of children and
uphold and demonstrate the following values: particular groups of young people up to the age of Educational inequality
25. This is no small task, as it involves a large number Children experiencing poverty
of rights under several international conventions, Play and leisure
Children and young people are at the centre of all that we do. We will, at all times, seek to act including the International Covenant on Economic, Mental health and wellbeing
in the best interest of the child. As part of achieving this, we will seek their views and their Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant Children in care
participation in our work. on Civil and Political Rights, and the European
Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Children in the youth justice system
We are open, honest and responsible in everything we do. Fundamental Freedoms. The OCCJ has already been active on a number of these
We will act with integrity at all times. Without doubt, though, the most significant international issues and this work will continue to be developed. Some
agreement for our work is the United Nations Convention of these areas, however, will present new opportunities
on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This was extended to and challenges for us in engaging with children and young Jersey in 2014 and provides all children under the age of people, organisations and the Government of Jersey.
We treat everyone with respect, dignity and compassion. We will counter discrimination 18 with over 40 substantive rights. These include survival, I am still learning about children s and young people s lives of any kind in our work. development, protection, and participation rights. in Jersey and about how their rights are upheld through
This plan sets out our priorities for the coming four years. services, policy and the law. I know that there is much
This does not mean that we will work on nothing else or more to learn, and I am looking forward to meeting and Wtherebe will alway building and enhancing respect for ys seek to be informed, confident and the authority trustworthy in of the OCCJ.our views and opinions, that we will not take up other opportunities or challenges talking to children, adults, professionals, organisations,
to promote and defend children s rights or address new and the Government, each of whom have a role in
and emerging issues. It simply means that this is where we making children s and young people s rights a reality.
expect a good deal of our resources will be directed. To paraphrase the famous words of the American writer Wyoung people in Jerseye will use our powers and functions , accepting the difficulties and challenges invto protect and promote the rights olved.of children and informed bwhich took place betwy our consultation een April and June 2024. In with children and adults this Children s Commissioner is to keep learning, keep listening
The thematic areas that we will focus on have been Maya Angelou, only when you know better, can you do better. My commitment during these first years of my term as
and keep working, in order to do the best job I can for
We will be constructively critical in our work for children and young people, and welcoming consultation, 800 children and 300 adults aged 18 and Your Island, Your Rights, we heard from over about what over Jersey s children and the young adults under my remit.
of constructive challenges to our work. This will promote a solutions-focussed, reflective
is important to them and what they think we should focus
and continuous improvement approach in ourselves and others. on. We also met with over 300 children in schools around
the Island. We are grateful to those who took part for
sharing their views and ideas with us. We will publish the We will champion children s rights in all circumstances. We will not be unduly influenced detailed results of this consultation shortly. We could not
by people in power, through politics, the media, or any other setting. create individual priorities for every issue that was raised
but we hope that, by working on the priorities below, we
will have a positive impact on many children and young
people and how they experience their rights in Jersey.
This Strategic Plan is also informed by a range of other sources. These include the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child issued to the UK State Party, including Jersey, in 2023; the Concluding
Observations of the UN Committee on Human Rights issued to the UK State Party, including Jersey, in 2024; our Carmel Corrigan
previous casework and the issues that have come up there; Children s Commissioner for Jersey consultation with key stakeholder organisations; previous,
ongoing and forthcoming Government of Jersey plans,
"focuson how to improve " Price s of everything its "unaccessible education." "students facing racism, even living standardsand financial to much for parents." if the people being racist just
costs on the island." think it's banter or whatever."
"Why are so many
neurodivergent children of
"I would make sure that everyone that CHILDREN "Address poverty for school age not accessing EDUCATIONAL
all children and young people in poverty EXPERIENCING families, housing." education in Jersey. This is INEQUALITY "students being able would be helped and have a nice home to POVERTY so wrong!" to access laptops for
live in and have nice food to eat without exams and classwork"
worrying if they have enough money to
pay for bills."
Survival Rights Development Rights
" for us teenagers there is really
These include children's right to life, These include the right to an nothing to do. We can go in shops
good food, water, and healthcare. education, time to relax and play in town but then get accused of "Suicide and panic attacks These rights are important and and develop talents and abilities. stealing or followed around shops
they don't seem to be cared relevant to the thematic areas by the workers when all we want
about often." ideinntpifioevde ratbyoavnedi nmcelundtianl gh echalitldh r. en to do is shop peacefully."
CHILDREN'S
RIGHTS AND
imp"cmoornetansnitdate lt rhheeadanml tshcohrbeoe ol." HEALMENTTH AL AND THE UNCRC PLAY AND t"hpcieninogepsm lseuaacroher artesh mteaoamrvcbianadgpefa.u"rnk,
WELLBEING Protection Rights Participation Rights LEISURE
Children have the right to have Some of the rights included here
their best interest considered in all are that children must be given
decisions about their lives, to be safe the opportunity to express their
from all forms of harm, including views, be listened to, and taken "Better facilities for families "Quicker access to mental abuse, the effects of war and seriously, as well as to information to go to in wet weatherto
health support for children discrimination in the justice system. to help children form a view and suit all ages and something for especially at senior school level" to associate with their peers. everyone to get involved in."
"Children in care need to know
fao"dArdcdihtdiiorldensraesl nt nhbeeeewidnsagia taninsdsgemstismeendet soa lf support them to best understand "Thtoe yd no e t ehda tp dlaocne' st tcoo gst o mano dn ethy!in" gs
their rights and their adults need to
health issues." their rights and entitlements." placing children "We should stop off
island for their care."
CHILDREN IN CARE
CHILDREN IN THE YOUTH JUSTICE SYSTEM
"If involved with the care system, "Young people in care get forgotten about.
then have a consistent staff The focus is on kids that are in care now but "Staying safe, too many children are out on the streets member that doesn't change all the forget about the ones that aged out and are through the night which opens them up to be potential
time and who is contactable." approaching 25 with no help at all." victims of child criminal and sexual exploitation."
CHILDREN S RIGHTS AND THE UNCRC
Children s rights are the commitments that the world s governments have made to children. Children under 18 PILLAR THREE: Protecting children s rights PILLAR FIVE: Progressing incorporation of have a special set of rights in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The United the UNCRC
Nations is made up of 193 countries from across the world. Every year the OCCJ receives requests for information
and advice in cases where either a child themselves or As set out in the introduction to this Plan, the Government The Children s Commissioner s work is rooted in the UNCRC. This convention was first open for signatures in 1989, and, an adult is concerned that a child s rights have not been of Jersey has committed to gradually incorporating the
since then, 196 countries have ratified it (so-called State Parties) and one has signed it. The UNCRC was extended to Jersey upheld. In all cases we offer advice and information, UNCRC into Jersey law. This is an important commitment in 2014 and the Island has become part of the UK State Party. This means that Jersey has committed to respect, protect while some complex cases need further attention and and one that the OCCJ is keen to see progress on. This will and fulfil children s rights to survive and thrive, learn and grow, make their voices heard and reach their full potential. longer involvement. Over the life of this Strategic Plan, involve both proactive and reactive work by the Office.
All children have the same rights. All rights are interconnected and of equal importance. The rights in the UNCRC can be we will prioritise building awareness of our casework Under this pillar, we will:
grouped into four categories survival, development, participation and protection rights. The UNCRC and the General function and facilitating early, effective and
Comments from the Committee on the Rights of the Child also provide guidance on how governments should and collaborative resolutions where possible. Identify priority areas of legislation to be progressed must work to implement the UNCRC, and how organisations like the OCCJ can hold them to account. To increase awareness of our information, advice over the four years of this Plan that give effect to
the UNCRC.
All children experience their rights in different ways in their everyday lives. They live their rights at home, in school and in and casework function to support children, young
their communities through their family lives, their friends, and a wide range of education, care, health and other services. people and adults to raise rights-based concerns to Support commencement of the next phases of the Some of the main places and services where children live their rights every day are reflected in the thematic areas we will the OCCJ. Children (Convention Rights) (Jersey) Law 2022.
focus on in the coming years. To seek, promote and support early resolution Continue to provide high-quality advice to the
of concerns raised by, or on behalf of, children Government on policy and legislative proposals.
or young people.
OUR STRATEGIC PILLARS To use the full range of our powers to address
complex cases where early resolution is not possible PILLAR SIX: Engaging at international level rPILLARights anONEdth :e P OroCmCJo ting awareness of children s bPILLARest pra TWOctice :i nD tehme oinn vstorlavtei mnge nant do fp crhoimldoret ning or appropriate. The UNCRC is the most widely ratified international
To work collaboratively, where appropriate, with all agreement. A consequence of this is that there is a wealth All children and young people should be able to enjoy A fundamental right for any child is to have their views key stakeholders to secure best practice and outcomes of international knowledge and expertise which Jersey
all of their rights, but some find this more difficult than heard and considered in decisions that affect them. This in relation to upholding children s and young and the OCCJ can draw on, and contribute to, in the
oakobntf,hooaeuwnrtssdt, t hafhoetatrirtea nrt ivhtgaiehoryitnesht,tayonv , oo erft i r grhieghaahtvsstio nsinn,gastan.h Tnde h aas edelsaruevcl ti ikcnieoncslf ut auhdnne eddi r n e sl oyirfsstet tk aewnnmhodoswin ign g iaNcshtoiisnltcdhaerlevol neoa rdliy,nubstlytphshseaueirrprewepcoooorrfmtkt.shfAeoerdrivrtdialciibetvilseoe sa nw,n aidinltly hca,l tuongdro oiktnvnageol lr iwncnhmhtihloedewnriert n t floea kvmi nne oilv. lyw o ,l v e PILLAR FOUR: Monitoring and advising Government human rights systems, including in the treaties reporting people s rights. pursuit of children s rights. In addition, it is essential that
we continue to participate in the relevant international
that support them. Raising awareness of, and providing how to access the OCCJ to have their views heard. We will mechanisms, as a means of holding the Government of education on, human rights is one of our statutory address this by: As an independent human rights institution, one of our Jersey to account. We will:
functions is to monitor how well children s and young
functions, and our first strategic pillar is to continue to Ensuring that we are accessible to children and young people s rights are respected and protected in Jersey. Actively contribute to the shared learning and activities build on our work in this area. To achieve this, we will: people by providing appropriate resources, space and We do this by holding different organisations, including of our UK and Irish colleagues through the British
Continue to build children s and young people s opportunities to engage with us, both in person and Irish Network of Ombudsmen and Children s
the Government, to account for how their services,
awareness and understanding of their rights and of and online. Commissioners, as well as working collaboratively
policies, regulations and laws operate for children and
the OCCJ through a variety of means and initiatives. Undertaking and/or commissioning consultations with with our European counterparts through the European
young people. In this Strategic Plan we will:
Engage with parents, carers and professionals to groups for children and young people to highlight their Continue to monitor the achievement of children s and Network of Ombudspersons for Children.
increase their understanding of children s and young views and experiences. young people s human rights in Jersey through review Engage with the relevant international human
people s human rights, how they can be applied every Further developing our Youth Advisory Group as child and analysis of relevant Government of Jersey policies, rights systems.
day, and to hear their concerns. rights advocates. regulations and legislation. Contribute to international awareness, discussions Collaborate with key stakeholder organisations to raise Creating opportunities for children and young people Identify and consider, in particular, opportunities to and debate on the progression of children s rights awareness of children s rights among their staff. to speak directly to decision-makers. influence services, policy and legislation in relation to through international conferences, events and Promote a greater awareness of children s and young Working collaboratively with other stakeholders the thematic areas and groups identified through the publications as appropriate.
people s rights through events and activities that will to promote and support the involvement of children consultations and review that informed this Plan.
engage the general public. in relevant decision-making processes.
Use a wide range of media to raise awareness of, debate and discuss children s and young people s rights.
THE OFFICE OF THE CHILDREN S COMMISSIONER FOR JERSEY
PILLAR SEVEN: Being an effective and efficient Delivering on the strategy The OCCJ is an independent human rights institution created by the Commissioner for Children and Young independent human rights institution in Jersey Each of the pillars of work identified above will be People (Jersey) Law 2019.
The OCCJ is Jersey s only human rights institution. While underpinned by a detailed implementation plan. This The main role of the Children s Commissioner is to promote and protect the rights of all children under the age
we are independent of Government, we are accountable will identify the key pieces of work to be delivered to of 18, and those of all young people under the age of 25 if they have care experience, have a disability or have been to the States Assembly and to the public. It is important meet the objectives set out above and will include a in contact with the youth justice system.
that we are effective, efficient and accountable, and that timeframe for each piece of work, key milestones and The Functions, Duties and Powers of the OCCJ Powers
our internal processes support this. It is also important relevant performance indicators, who we aim to work
that we continue to grow our knowledge and skills in with and the anticipated opportunities and challenges. The OCCJ has a wide range of functions, duties and powers. When the rights of children and young people are not order to deliver on our functions. To do this, we will: This implementation plan will help us track our progress Functions or may not be upheld, the Children s Commissioner has
Ensure that we are meeting our regulatory and on delivering on this strategy. the power to:
To make sure children, young people and adults
statutory responsibilities under relevant legislation, know about and understand the rights of children Provide children and young people with information including the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018, and young people. about their rights.
Freedom of Information Law (2011), as well as our Support children and young people to complain to safeguarding duties. To ensure that people in power and with influence the relevant organisation.
in Jersey respect, protect and fulfil the rights of
Use the experience and expertise of our Audit children and young people. Bring concerns and complaints to the attention of
and Risk Advisory Panel to make sure that we are people and organisations who provide services to financially compliant and that we have a regularly Timproo provvide advice ements to laws and policies to the Government to enhance of Jersey on the children, request relevant information and seek to
reviewed and appropriate register of our risks. realisation of children s and young people s rights. help them to solve any problems or complaints.
Review our existing internal processes and develop Investigate cases where the rights of children and
new ones to ensure that we are transparent in our To encourage adults to listen to and consider young people have not or might not have been strategic decision-making. children are made s and that affect young people their lives. s views when decisions upheld and make recommendations about how
things could be improved.
Review with stakeholders the options available to To monitor how Jersey laws comply with the UNCRC
ensure and enhance the independence of the OCCJ and other international human rights treaties and Take legal cases to court on behalf of children and young people or, in certain circumstances, support
in line with international standards. conventions, and to make recommendations that children and young people who are going to court.
Constantly strive for improvement and development bring Jersey laws into line with them.
through the creation of a self-reflective and learning To encourage the Government of Jersey to sign and Publishing an annual report every year that sets out
what we have done to promote and protect the environment for staff of the OCCJ. implement any treaties or conventions other European that will protect or international the rights rights of children and young people.
of children and young people. A range of factors must be considered before the Commissioner exercises many of these powers. When
Duties considering the most appropriate approach, the
Using the UNCRC and other relevant human rights Commissioner also takes advice from their staff, their
instruments, including those already signed up to advisory panels and, where necessary, legal advice.
by Jersey, as the basis for their work. While aiming to serve the best interest of the child and
Involving children and young people and the people afford due process to all involved, the OCCJ seeks to
who work with them in the work of the OCCJ. support local, early resolution of concerns brought to it.
Publishing a strategic plan explaining the work of
the OCCJ at least every four years.
Making sure children and young people know about
the role of the Children s Commissioner and how to contact the OCCJ.
Publishing an annual report every year that sets out
what we have done to promote and protect the rights of children and young people.
HIGH LEVEL SURVEY RESULTS
For a ten-week period, between 22 April and 30 June 2024, we asked Islanders what they felt we should focus on in our next strategic plan. We grouped the responses into three broad age brackets: under-13; 13-17; over-18.
Our engagement took place online and in person, giving children and adults the chance to volunteer their views on the issues that affect children and young people the most in our Island.
Some high-level results from our online survey of children, young people and adults are briefly presented here. We will publish more details from the online survey, along with a child-friendly version of our Strategic Plan, in Autumn 2024.
MOR, E THA N UCNHIDLEDRR E N Y AE GA ER DS YOAUGNEGD PEOPLE OAEmotional and VDEUR LTSs SURVEY RESPONDENTS. The natural environment OVandERtheRclimateESPONSES Access %OF RtoES healthcarePONDENTS %mental health OF RESPONDENTS
WHAT ISSUES
WHAT DO YOU Opportunities for play, Emotional and ARE STILL
UNDER s: LIKE ABOUT leisure and activities mental health IMPORTANT Play
LIFE IN JERSEY? OVER RESPONSES % OF RESPONDENTS TO YOU/ % OF RESPONDENTS
CHILDREN?
How easy it is Poverty Education
to get around
s: OVER RESPONSES % OF RESPONDENTS % OF RESPONDENTS
Lack of opportunities for Education/school Education/school play, leisure and activities
OVER RESPONSES RESPONSES OVER s: OVER RESPONSES
WHAT DON'T WHAT OTHER
The environment and weather YOU LIKE Health/mental health ISSUES ARE Health/mental health OVER RESPONSES ABOUT LIFE ALMOST RESPONSES IMPORTANT ALMOST RESPONSES
IN JERSEY? TO YOU?
How expensive it
is to live in Jersey Cost of living/poverty The environment OVER RESPONSES RESPONSES
OVER RESPONSES
VISITED
More play and Improved leisure
leisure facilities facilities/opportunities Education
OVER RESPONSES APPROX RESPONSES MORE THAN RESPONSES
SCHOOLS, HEARING IF YOU WERE
FROM MORE THAN WHAT WOULD Reduce the cost Education COMMISSIONER, Improved leisure YOU LIKE TO of living in Jersey WHAT WOULD facilities/opportunities
CHANGE? OVER RESPONSES OVER RESPONSES YOU CHANGE? ALMOST RESPONSES
CHILDREN AND Better education on, and
YOUNG PEOPLE. School awareness of, children s rights Social media/online safety OVER RESPONSES RESPONSES
OVER RESPONSES
10 11
For advice, resources and information on all Children s Commissioner for Jersey aspects of our work and on child rights more generally, Brunel House, 3 Old Street visit our website or follow us on social media. St Helier JE2 3RG
Tel: 01534 867310 Email: advice@occj.org.je
12 www.childcomjersey.org.je