Office of the Children's Commissioner Annual Report 2024

2Annual R02eport 4

R.60/2025

CONTENTS

FOREWORD 3

OF CHILDREN

TION IN JERSEYU

FOREWORD

Writing the foreword to an annual report can feel a little bit like that classic New Year s Eve moment, when you find yourself poised between the year that has just been and the one that lies ahead. It is an opportunity to celebrate successes, and a chance to learn from challenges faced, as we equip ourselves for the work of 2025.

The first major project for 2024 was to develop a new four-year Strategic Plan for the Office of the Children s Commissioner for Jersey (OCCJ). This meant that I was plunged straight into the part of this job that never gets old: hearing from children themselves about the things that really matter to them.

Many of these views and opinions came to us through the online surveys we ran in the first months after I took up post as Children s Commissioner; however, a sizeable chunk (around 300) was also delivered in person, by the children and young people I met in the Island s schools. These visits took me to 16 schools in total not quite the full complement I had in mind but a good, insightful and energising start.

The resulting Strategic Plan has brought clarity and focus to the work of the OCCJ, and the ensuing business plan has already proved itself as a worthy framework for current and future work streams. One such project, Together@10 Our rights, your actions (the event that we organised with our Youth Advisory Group to celebrate World Children s Day), was a wonderful culminating moment in a busy year.

Representing Jersey s children and young people at a session of the UN Human Rights Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and securing a recommendation specific to the Island about raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, was another 2024 highlight.

However, as is only to be expected, last year had its share of challenging moments too. Not least among these was the somewhat daunting (for a Jersey newbie) job of learning about the way Island life functions, from the fascinating aspects of geography, history and culture, through to the sometimes-baffling landscape of local law and policymaking, not to mention a whole new system of governance and administration to adjust to.

Needless to say, time was not always on my side. As I mentioned above, my initial plans had been to visit every school on the Island, and yet I finished up the year having only set foot in 16. Competing priorities, introductory meetings and unforeseen events all took time. Still, on the bright side, I have at least another 25 school visits and meeting with hundreds more young Islanders to look forward to.

In 2025, I will still be learning about the Island and its children and young people and how best to serve them. I fully expect it to be another busy year and look forward to meeting many more Islanders who will help me climb that learning curve.

Dr Carmel Corrigan

INTRODUCTION

Background

The Office of the Children s Commissioner Jersey (OCCJ) was established under the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2019. As an independent statutory body and Jersey s only human rights institution, the OCCJ s role is to protect and promote children s rights in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The OCCJ s main functions, duties and powers are:

Functions  Publishing an annual report every year that sets

To make sure children, young people and  out what we have done to promote and protect adults know about and understand the rights  the rights of children and young people.

of children and young people.

Powers

To ensure that people in power and with

influence in Jersey respect, protect and fulfil  Provide children and young people with

the rights of children and young people.  information about their rights.

To provide advice to the Government of Jersey on improvements to laws and policies to enhance the realisation of children s and young people s rights.

To encourage adults to listen to and consider children s and young people s views when decisions are made that affect their lives.

Support children and young people to complain to the relevant organisation.

Bring concerns and complaints to the attention of people and organisations who provide services to children, request relevant information and seek to help them to solve any problems or complaints.

To monitor how Jersey laws comply with  Investigate cases where the rights of children the UNCRC and other international human  and young people have not or might not have rights treaties and conventions, and to make  been upheld and make recommendations recommendations that bring Jersey laws into  about how things could be improved.

line with them.  Take legal cases to court on behalf of children To encourage the Government of Jersey to  and young people or, in certain circumstances,

sign and implement any other European or  support children and young people who are international treaties or conventions that will  going to court.

protect the rights of children and young people.

A range of factors must be considered before Duties  the Commissioner exercises many of these

powers. When considering the most appropriate Using the UNCRC and other relevant human  approach, the Commissioner also takes advice

rights instruments, including those already  from their staff, their advisory panels and, where

signed up to by Jersey, as the basis for  necessary, legal advice. While aiming to serve the their work.  best interest of the child and afford due process

Involving children and young people and the  to all involved, the OCCJ seeks to support local, people who work with them in the work of  early resolution of concerns brought to it.

the OCCJ.

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.

OUR VALUES

In 2024, the OCCJ set out its core organisational values. These are not only a reflection of the Office s statutory obligations but also of the standards to which the OCCJ aspires in the delivery of all work and services.

In everything it does, the Office of the Children s Commissioner for Jersey (OCCJ) will strive to uphold and demonstrate the following values:

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2024: THE APPOINTMENT  OF A NEW COMMISSIONER

Following an extensive and transparent recruitment  process, Dr. Carmel Corrigan assumed the role of  Children s Commissioner on March 4, 2024.

Recruitment Process

The search for a new Commissioner began in 2023  

with a widely advertised recruitment campaign,  

attracting applications from a range of highly  

qualified candidates. The selection process was  Dr Carmel Corrigan rigorous and designed to ensure that the successful  Dr Carmel Corrigan has spent much

candidate possessed the necessary expertise, vision

and commitment to champion the rights of children  of her career advrights and welfare. ocating for children Originally from  s and young people in Jersey. County Louth, Ireland, she pursued

a Bachelor s and Master s degree in

Ia comprehensivn November 20e interview process. 23, shortlisted candidThe selection ates underwent  Sociology at the National University

of Ireland, Maynooth, followed by a panel included representatives from the Government  Postgraduate Diploma in Child and

of Jersey, local experts on children s rights and  Family Law from the Irish Law Society. services, and a former Children s Commissioner for  She later earned a Ph.D. in Social Work England. A critical component of the process was the  and Social Policy from Trinity College involvement of young people, ensuring that their  Dublin, focusing on children s rights, perspectives were also central to the selection, with  protection and participation in family all candidates being interviewed by a panel of  court proceedings.

children. This participatory approach reflected a  Dr Corrigan was a key member of the commitment to empowering children and young  Ombudsman for Children s Office people in key decision-making processes and  in Ireland for 13 years, initially as a informing the work of the Office. complaints investigator and then

as Head of Participation and Rights Following the interviews, Dr Corrigan was nominated  Education. In these positions, she

for the position in November 2023. Her appointment  worked to embed children s rights

was subsequently approved by the States Assembly in  in government policies and practice, December 2023, confirming her as the new Children s  ensuring that young people s voices Commissioner for Jersey. were heard in decision-making.

She engaged with national and international bodies, including the

UN Committee on the Rights of

the Child, advocating for stronger protections and participatory practices.

Her work emphasised the importance of children s involvement in shaping policies that affect them. Through extensive collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations, she championed the implementation of children s rights at

 both national and international levels.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2024-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN

Following the appointment of the new Commissioner, the OCCJ needed to devise and publish a new Strategic Plan for the coming four-year period. This was the Office s first major project of 2024.

In developing the Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, the OCCJ conducted a comprehensive consultation (Your Island, Your Rights) between April and June 2024. This process engaged approximately 1,100 children and young people, and more than 200 adults, across Jersey, gathering insights into the issues they deemed most pressing (see p11 Consulting with young people).

The consultation employed various methods to ensure inclusivity and genuine representation of young voices. Views were gathered through surveys, focus groups and interactive sessions, allowing participants to express their views on matters affecting their lives. The findings from this extensive engagement directly informed the OCCJ s strategic priorities.

Other sources that fed into the final draft of the Strategic Plan included 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; the OCCJ s previous casework; consultation with key stakeholder organisations; previous, ongoing and forthcoming Government of Jersey plans, strategies, policies and legislation; and input from the OCCJ s advisory panels.

Based on the consultation outcomes from the sources listed above, the OCCJ identified six strategic priorities:

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More information on the findings of our consultation, as well as the Plan itself, are published on our website.

The Strategic Plan is structured around seven key pillars , which have at their root the core duties and functions of the Office. In undertaking this work, the OCCJ's focus will be on the six themes identified above. These pillars underscore the Commissioner s commitment to addressing the challenges children and young people face. Detailed implementation plans are being developed for each pillar, outlining actions, timelines and collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders. We have also used the seven pillars to organise the content of this report. They are:

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1. PROMOTING AWARENESS OF CHILDREN S RIGHTS AND THE OCCJ

All children and young people should be able to enjoy all their rights, but some find this more difficult than others, for a variety of reasons. These include not knowing about their rights, not having an adult in their life who knows that they have rights, and a lack of understanding of, and attention to, rights in the services and systems that support them. Raising awareness of, and providing education on, human rights is one of our statutory functions, and our first strategic pillar is to continue to build on our work in this area.

UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools  What is Rights Respecting Schools?

During 2024, the OCCJ was involved in the evaluation  The Rights Respecting Schools Award and registration of five schools, with two of those schools  is a UNICEF initiative that aims to put going on to receive the Silver Award and a third receiving children s rights at the heart of schools.

the Gold Award.  It embeds children s rights in daily school In December 2024, after six years of investing in  life and empowers children to grow into

responsible, active global citizens.

and promoting the Rights Respecting Schools (RRS)

programme (see box What is Rights Respecting  The programme involves working with Schools?), the OCCJ transferred responsibility for the  schools to create safe and inspiring scheme to the Children, Young People, Education and  prelaspceesc tteodl,etahrnei,r w tahleernet sc ha ir led  rneunr t aurree d, and

Skills (CYPES) Department. they are able to thrive.

The RRS programme has created a strong foundation for  The Award recognises the achievement children s rights education across the Island s primary and  of a school in putting the United secondary schools. Every one of the Island s schools has  Nations Convention on the Rights of been involved with the programme during the past six  the Child into practice within the school years, which puts Jersey in a minority of jurisdictions to  and beyond.

have embedded the scheme so comprehensively.  There are three stages to the award:

The OCCJ supported CYPES in the transition of the    Bronze: Rights Committed .

scheme and will continue to reinforce the work of the    Silver: Rights Aware .

RRS programme in all its future projects involving the    Gold: Rights Respecting .

Island s schools and students.

Promoting children s rights in the media and online On social media, the Office continued to Throughout 2024, the work of the Commissioner and  develop its presence, with a particular

her team at the OCCJ was reported in print and broadcast emphasis on platforms most commonly media outlets. These included front page news stories  used by children and young people (notably in the Jersey Evening Post, television interviews on ITV TikTok, which saw a steady rise in followers News Channel TV and BBC Channel Islands News, as well in 2024, reaching more than 3,800 by the

as appearances and interviews on BBC Radio Jersey and end of the year).

Channel 103. The OOCJ also invited members of its

The Commissioner also began a regular series of monthly Youth Advisory Group (YAG) to organise

columns in the Jersey Evening Post, in which she has  and deliver a media takeover for the

addressed issues such as child poverty, mental health  Together@10 event (see p11). This involved

and education reform. establishing a media sub-group and liaising

with BBC Channel Islands News television Throughout the year, the OCCJ s website had 5,300  and radio journalists to create content for

unique visitors, with the most noticeable spike in traffic  and about the event. The young people

occurring during the public consultation for the Strategic interviewed key attendees and were, in

Plan 2024-27 (see p7). In the autumn of 2024, work  turn, interviewed themselves for the final

began to scope a comprehensive redesign of the website broadcast package. They also posted across

to make this a better source of information on human  the OCCJ s social media platforms.

rights and the OCCJ for a variety of audiences. 9

Meetings and events

The flagship event for the OCCJ in 2024 was Together@10, which gave young Islanders the chance to talk directly with decision-makers about the issues that affect their lives. This came towards the end of the year, to mark World Children s Day in November, and is discussed elsewhere in this report (see p11).

Aside from this main event, and other

project- or case-specific meetings, a key part

of the Commissioner s role in promoting and protecting children s rights is to meet with a range of professionals and service-providers from relevant organisations in the Island. In-person meetings are key to the OCCJ s awareness-raising and influencing work, and with 2024 marking her appointment as the new post-holder, the Commissioner was particularly keen to meet

as many Islanders as possible whose work and volunteering puts them in contact with the lives of children.

In March, the OCCJ was invited to meet

a visiting delegation of officials from the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development in the Cayman Islands. The delegation was visiting the Island on a fact-finding mission to learn about Jersey s approach to child safeguarding. The OCCJ was delighted to be able to share a presentation with the delegation about its role of promoting and protecting children s rights

in Jersey.

In November, the OCCJ attended the Reel Life Conference hosted by the Safeguarding Partnership Board and NSPCC Jersey. The event launched a new online safety campaign, addressing the significant rise in self-generated child sexual abuse material online. OCCJ team members took part in the panel discussion, exploring the challenges and opportunities for addressing online harms in Jersey.

To that end, between taking up her post in  Pause for Play

March and the end of 2024, the Commissioner The Pause for Play programme was established attended more organisations and individuals in Jerseythan 140 meetings with , ranging in Nothe OCCJ and vember 2021 bthe Govy agreement betwernor of HMP La Moeen ye,

from politicians, Government officials and with funding support from Andium Homes. It representatives of the States of Jersey Police is a family play programme based at HMP La through to heads of services for children and Moye, with sessions offered every fortnight young people, mental health professionals and throughout 2024 to prisoners and their families. third sector bodies, and of course, schools and

youth groups. The Commissioner also met with Many prisoners at HMP La Moye have family the Council of Ministers, where she presented members under the age of 18. The Pause for Play her new Strategic Plan and the key themes that programme provides opportunities for children to the OCCJ will be focusing on over the next four engage in meaningful, nurturing play with parents years. It was agreed that the Commissioner or other family members who are in prison.

should meet with the Council of Minsters two to Work began in 2024 to explore the possibility three times a year. of transferring the programme to another

As well as representing the OCCJ at international organisation better placed to deliver the kind events and conferences in 2024 (see p20), the of play activities and family connections that Commissioner and her team also engaged with it aims to deliver.

official visitors to the Island and participated in

events and conferences that were held in Jersey.

Examples of these kinds of engagements are:

2. DEMONSTRATING AND PROMOTING BEST PRACTICE IN THE INVOLVEMENT OF CHILDREN

A fundamental right of every child is to have their views heard and considered in decisions that affect them. This is in every sphere of their lives, including in their family, at school, by support services and at government level. Not all adults are comfortable with or know how to involve children in their work. Additionally, not all children know how to access the OCCJ or other avenues to have their views heard.

There are two ways in which the OCCJ promotes best practice; first is in the projects we generate ourselves, second is in advising others.

Consulting with young people In total, over 800 children (319 under-13s; 516 Youth Advisory Group (YAG) aged 13-17) and 230 young people and adults

(aged 18+) completed the online surveys; over As with the OCCJ s two other statutory advisory

panels (see p24), the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) 3(i0n0cl uchdiilndgretneninp1ri6msacrhyosoclhsoaorolsuannddt shiex Isselacnond dary is fundamental to the Children s Commissioner s  schools) were consulted with during visits by the

work. They are the cornerstone of the Office s  Commissioner.

participation function, and although they are only

required to meet five times a year, in practice, the  Together@10: A World Children s Day event schedule is much more frequent.

2024 marked the 10th anniversary of Jersey s Membership of the YAG is comprised of children commitment to the United Nations Convention and young people between the ages of 8 and 18.  on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and

In 2024, the group s membership changed, with  to commemorate the occasion, the OCCJ

some long-standing members ageing out and  orchestrated a landmark event. Designed and some new members joining. In total, there were  delivered with a group of young advisers,

10 permanent members.  Together@10 put local young people and

The YAG provided insight, advice, ideas,  decision-makers in a room together for a day inspiration, knowledge, feedback and experience  of structured discussion, presentations and across a range of issues. Much of the group s work  speeches. A report detailing the planning,

execution and outcomes of this impactful

odvevere ltohpemcoeunrts aenodf tdheeli vyeerayr owfa Tsofgoectuhseerd@o1n0t h  e  event can be found here.

(see p11).  Recognising the need for a child-led approach,

the OCCJ worked closely with its existing Strategic Plan Youth Advisory Group (YAG), as well as

The OCCJ gathered views and opinions on the  inviting additional children on board who issues facing children and young people in Jersey were interested in this project. This expanded through three carefully designed online surveys,  YAG played a central role in shaping the event, tailored to the following age groups: children  ensuring it remained for children, by children.

aged under 13; young people aged 13-17; adults  The initial workstream, #My10Words,

aged 18 and over.  encouraged children and young people to

These surveys were hosted on the OCCJ s website express their experiences in ten words one

for a ten-week period between 22 April and  for each year since Jersey ratified the UNCRC. 30 June 2024, supported by a promotional  Contributions were gathered through social campaign (#YourIslandYourRights) across the  media, school visits and community outreach. OCCJ s social media channels, interviews in the  The responses were later displayed at the event broadcast and print media, as well as more  and on public hoardings in partnership with targeted awareness-raising communications via  Andium Homes.

email and in-person visits to schools and various

youth groups, The Office also placed posters in

key locations around the island.

Young People s Presentations

A core element of the event was the series  Youth engagement strategies

of presentations delivered by young people,  When planning began for the Together@10 focusing on rights in the UNCRC. Under the  event in March 2024, the OCCJ devised a two- guidance of Daniel Austin, Director of the  part strategy to recruit additional children and Jersey Arts Centre, the YAG members refined  young people to work alongside its existing their speeches and gained confidence in public  Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in the design and speaking. Their compelling presentations  delivery of the event.

addressed the issues of disability rights,  Firstly, YAG members scripted and voiced a education, mental health, having a voice,  radio advert for Channel 103, which aired for play and leisure, and housing.  two weeks, calling for young people to come

and join the discussion about children s human The Journey Film Screening rights and air their views on the issues that

The event featured a screening of The Journey, a  mattered most to them.

short film created by students from La Passerelle  Secondly, the OCCJ devised an advertising Film School, which explores the impact of social  campaign, with the same call to action, which media on young people. The film s success  ran for six weeks as a series of colourful posters extended beyond Jersey, receiving a nomination  on some of the Island s major bus routes,

from UK Film School. Following the screening, a  including two of the most frequently used Q&A session with the film s student producers  school buses.

provided further insight into the creative process  Neither one of these campaigns resulted in

and the issues the film sought to highlight. any direct contacts with the OOCJ, which was

both unexpected and disappointing, and has Art Projects provided an opportunity to reflect on what YAG members collaborated on two significant  future tactics might be more effective.

art projects:

Children s Human Rights Canvas  Jersey Family Justice Council (JFJC)

A visual representation of the concerns  Established in 2024, the Jersey Family Justice and experiences of young people in Jersey,  Council (JFJC) has the stated aim of bringing illustrating key rights and challenges. together the most senior leaders working in Tree of Change An interactive piece inviting  the family justice system, government and attendees to write commitments toward  other stakeholders to improve the experience improving children s rights. The handwritten  of children involved in or impacted by the responses overwhelmingly emphasised the  administration of family justice .

importance of listening to children, ensuring  At the first meeting of the JFJC, the Children s inclusivity, and enhancing education. Commissioner raised the issue of consultation

with children and how it might play a significant Social media and media takeover part in the ongoing work of the JFJC. This

To amplify the event s reach, young people  suggestion was supported by many of those took charge of social media content creation,  present, resulting in the establishment of a particularly on TikTok. Additionally, BBC Jersey Working Group on Children s Voice, which journalists trained YAG members for a media  includes the Children s Commissioner. The takeover, enabling them to report on the event  Group held three meetings in 2024, with a through television and radio. view to establishing a framework and action More broadly, the event received extensive  plan for consultation with children who have local coverage through print, radio and social  experienced either private or public family law media, amplifying its key messages. The success proceedings.

of Together@10 has set a strong precedent for future engagement, with the OCCJ committing to hosting another child-led event for World Children s Day 2025.

3. PROTECTING CHILDREN S RIGHTS

Every year the OCCJ receives requests for information and advice in cases where either a child themselves or an adult is concerned that a child s rights have not been upheld. In all cases we offer advice and information, while some complex cases need further attention and longer involvement.

Advice and Information overview

In 2024, the Office of the Children s Commissioner (OCCJ) continued to provide advice and guidance to children, young people, parents, carers, and professionals on children s rights. This included supporting families in understanding and navigating formal complaints and resolution processes.

During the year, the OCCJ received 74 enquires. Many of these were one-off contacts where information or advice was provided, while some reflect more sustained contact and action by the OCCJ. In some instances, more than one enquiry was raised in relation to the same child. There has been a reduction

in the number of enquiries from previous years. This trend reflects the experience of Children s Commissioners offices across the UK, as they mature and children s rights approaches become

more embedded in their jurisdictions.

Advice and Information enquiries

Advice and Information enquiries between 2018 and 2024

Year  Enquiries

96%Adults made

of enquiries on behalf of children.

Most enquiries were made by adults parents, family members, carers, professionals or other concerned adults on behalf of a child. Children and young people themselves made 4% of direct enquiries. This distribution is comparable to other jurisdictions.

For the OCCJ, the top three areas of concern raised through our Advice and Information Service in 2024 were:

Children s Social Care

Education

Interactions with the police and youth justice system

Other issues raised included housing, work, private family law, income support, mental health and safeguarding. More detail of specific issues raised with us are shown in the table below.

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Secure accommodation the last quarter of 2024, resulting in the facility The deprivation of a child s liberty is one of  increasing its registered capacity from three

the most serious measures that can potentially  to six places by the end of the year. The OCCJ impact the achievement of their human rights.  was made aware that HMP La Moye and the UK As such, the OCCJ pays particular attention to  secure estate may be used if additional places children in these circumstances. Greenfields  were required while Greenfields was at full

is Jersey s only secure children s home,  capacity. The OCCJ expressed serious concerns accommodating children for welfare and youth  regarding the implications for the human rights justice reasons. The OCCJ is notified whenever a of children who might find themselves in these child is admitted to Greenfields.  alternative settings.

In 2024, the OCCJ received 14 notifications  Over the course of the year, the OCCJ made nine of secure placements, with a small number of  visits to Greenfields, including two by the children being placed in Greenfields on more  Commissioner. Some of these involved checks than one occasion. The pattern of admissions  on individual children, some were to meet with shifted throughout the year, with placements  staff and be available to meet with children, earlier in the year being predominantly for  should they want to. One visit was part of the welfare reasons, whereas later in the year, they  OCCJ s consultation process for the Strategic were predominantly for youth justice cases.  Plan 2024-2027.

Demand for places significantly increased in

Off-Island placements Strategic litigation toolkit

The OCCJ s remit includes the promotion and  Following on from joint work with the University protection of the rights of children who are  of Nottingham Human Rights Law Centre in placed off-Island for their care or treatment.  2023, the OCCJ foresaw the completion of a Throughout 2024, the Office was notified  strategic litigation toolkit as a scheduled piece by carers, parents and Government officials  of work for 2024. In summary, the purpose

of applications for off-Island placements for  of developing a strategic litigation toolkit is

to guide practitioners in using legal action to children. In 2024, placed offthe -IslaOCCJ made ndto ensurone visit etheir rigto a child hts were b eing drivguide systemic change. Such a ance on case selection, advtoolkit proocacy, comvides munity

usupportedpheld.Thi bs yis thein a OCCJ,dditio prontovidedlegal toreptheres echildntat ion,  engagement and follow-uplitigation as a tool to influence public , and aims discourse, to support through a UK-based lawyer. reform policy, and achieve long-term human

rights outcomes.

This theme of off-Island placements was

also addressed through the OCCJ's policy and  However, with the arrival of a new Children s legislative work. Commissioner and the subsequent development

of a new four-year strategic plan in 2024,

Both the Commissioner and Senior Policy  strategic litigation became less of a priority focus, Officer were engaged in ongoing discussions  although it remains one of the powers available with the Government of Jersey throughout the  to the OCCJ, should it be necessary. It was not year as to how the legislative, policy and practice  considered necessary to press on and develop a frameworks could be strengthened to ensure  toolkit for wider publication; however, following that the legal status of children in off-Island  a meeting with the University of Nottingham placements is clear and that their rights are  Human Rights Law Centre in December 2024, properly considered and fulfilled in the planning  content for the toolkit was agreed and the OCCJ and delivery of their care whilst outside of Jersey.  undertook to trial it, where applicable, internally This issue was raised by the Committee on the  in the first instance. Subsequent to this, the OCCJ Rights of the Child in its Concluding Observations  will make this more widely available in the future. in 2023, in which it recommended that Jersey

develops a legislative framework for ensuring

a child rights-based approach to the support of

children in off-Island placements and that such

placements take place only as a measure of

last resort.

The OCCJ provided advice to the Government of Jersey as to proposed legislative provisions required in the UK regarding reciprocal recognition of recovery orders in England and Wales. The OCCJ welcomed these developments and recognised that these measures form an important part of the legislative framework; however, the Office clarified that further consideration should be given to strengthening the domestic legal framework and procedures in this space, and it will continue to advocate for this in 2025.

4. MONITORING AND ADVISING GOVERNMENT

As an independent human rights institution, one of the OCCJ s main functions is to monitor how well children s and young people s rights are respected and protected in Jersey. We do this by holding different organisations, including the Government, to account for how their services, policies, regulations and laws operate for children and young people.

Throughout 2024, the OCCJ was actively engaged in providing expert advice and feedback on

a range of legislative and policy initiatives in the Island. The Office s contributions have been instrumental in shaping and refining policy and propositions from a child rights perspective.

Much of our work and correspondence to influence policy and legislation goes on behind the scenes and involves multiple meetings with Ministers, Government officials and other stakeholders. Often, the OCCJ s policy work results in written submissions and formal advice on issues. There are some examples from 2024 in this section, as well as a selection of other issues on which advice was given in a less formal capacity.

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Overnight detention of children

The OCCJ has been engaged in ongoing policy discussions with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs and the Minister for Children and Families with the aim of reducing the use of overnight detention of children in police custody, whilst awaiting a first court appearance. A number of proposed amendments to the law have been agreed which will strengthen the legal framework in this area. The amendments should be brought to the States Assembly for debate in early 2025.

 Other issues on which the OCCJ also provided advice:

Proposition P28/2024: Youth Service Provision

The Government of Jersey s draft Youth Justice Strategy Reciprocal care arrangements for off-Island placements

Draft Remission and Temporary Release Legislation

A submission to the CEHA Scrutiny panel on the draft GoJ Budget

5. PROGRESSING INCORPORATION OF THE UNCRC

The Government of Jersey has committed to gradually incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Jersey law. This is an important commitment and one that the OCCJ is keen to see progress on. It involves both proactive and reactive work by the Office.

Before describing the OCCJ s efforts to  What is a CRIA?

work against this strategic objective, we  In January 2024, the Government of Jersey introduced need to first understand what is meant by  mandatory child rights impact assessments (CRIAs)

 incorporation of the UNCRC . Simply put,  for all legislators and policymakers in the Island.

this term describes the embedding of the  A CRIA is a report that needs to accompany any new Convention s principles into Jersey law, either  piece of policy or legislation, setting out what the directly (making it legally enforceable) or  potential impact of that policy or law might be on the indirectly (requiring authorities to consider  rights of Jersey s children.

children s rights in policymaking and decision- Despite the fact that they are among the main

making processes). recipients and beneficiaries of government services,

children have traditionally been largely invisible in the While both approaches share the same  process of public decision-making. Children are among

fundamental aim, they differ in terms of the  those with the least political power, making them degree of interpretation they allow and the  especially vulnerable to poor decision-making by the legal recourse they offer to individuals. governments and adults on whom they depend.

The fact that Jersey included a provision for

Direct incorporation integrates the UNCRC s  mandatory CRIAs in the Children (Convention Rights) provisions into domestic legislation, making  (Jersey) Law places the Island at the forefront of a them legally enforceable in national courts.  growing international community of governments

This allows individuals to invoke UNCRC rights that are taking concrete action to ensure that major directly in legal proceedings. Countries like  policies and legislative decisions do not adversely Norway and Spain have adopted this method,  affect children, either directly or indirectly.

granting the UNCRC significant legal authority If the mission statement of the Children (Convention within their jurisdictions.  Rights) (Jersey) Law is to act on the principal ambition

to achieve significant culture change in relation to the Indirect incorporation involves aligning  policies, laws and day-to-day practices which affect

national laws and policies with the principles  Jersey s children , then the CRIA is, to date, its most

of the UNCRC without making the Convention  significant delivery mechanism.

itself part of domestic law. It may include

obligations for public authorities to consider

children s rights in decision-making processes.  CRIA Case Study

impact assessments, which were introduced  Idonev Mcerri amtyh,ie naa apglirseoe op tfoh1sei8tpi.o eGnrisvwoennaast llh ouedsengaoetdfucsraeeneonkfiantbhgies t fopor ro ppeoosiptlieo n, An example of this would be child rights

by the Government of Jersey at the beginning  the OCCJ reviewed it and the corresponding CRIA. This of 2024 (see p18).  caused the OCCJ some concern in relation to children s

rights and the potential of creating what is called a Children s Rights Impact  status offence . This is when something is deemed to Assessments (CRIAs) be legal for one portion of the population and illegal

A total of 155 CRIAs were completed by  for another, not by virtue of the action itself, but

based on a particular personal characteristic (in this Government during 2024 on a diverse range  case, age). Status offences mainly apply to children.

of subjects, from modern languages in schools  The OCCJ wrote to the Deputy who had lodged the through to the legalisation of cannabis.  proposition and asked if they would meet with the

On several occasions, officials have sought  OCCJ s Senior Policy Officer to discuss these concerns. assistance from the OCCJ when approaching  A meeting was arranged, at which recommendations the task of completing a CRIA, and the Office  were made as to how the proposition and the CRIA continues to offer that support as the practice  could be amended to mitigate the negative impact on becomes embedded in the culture of the  children s rights. The OCCJ was happy to see that those

recommendations were incorporated into the final public sector.  draft of the proposition and CRIA.

Measuring the Island s progress

Aside from the OCCJ s regular engagement with UN treaty bodies and representative organisations at an international level (see p20), it is also necessary for the Office to have clear, Jersey-specific guidelines or benchmarks against which it can measure compliance with the UNCRC and other human rights treaties.

In 2024, our primary benchmarks when providing advice to Government were the Concluding Observations of United Nations treaty bodies (see p21 What are Concluding Observations?) and the Legislative Gap Analysis (LGA) a comprehensive, independent analysis of the extent to which Jersey legislation complies with the UNCRC.

For example, the OCCJ drew on both the LGA and the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child s 2023 Concluding Observations in a submission to Scrutiny about an amendment to the Mental Health (Jersey) Law 2016 (see p16). References to the LGA and the 2023 Concluding Observations also featured in the OCCJ s feedback to Government on the draft Youth Justice Strategy (see p28), highlighting matters such as the need to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility (see p21, What is MACR?) and ensuring that children s voices are heard throughout their journey through the justice system, including during proceedings.

6. ENGAGING AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

The UNCRC is the most widely ratified international agreement in the world. A consequence of this is that there is a wealth of international knowledge and expertise which Jersey and the OCCJ can draw on, and contribute to, in the pursuit of children s rights. In addition, it is essential that the OCCJ continues to participate in the relevant international human rights systems, including in the treaties reporting mechanisms, as a means of holding the Government of Jersey to account. Engaging with these international bodies, and monitoring developments internationally, are crucial parts the OCCJ s policy work which, in turn, allows the Office to advise and influence the work of Government officials.

European Network of Ombudspersons  What is ENOC?

for Children (ENOC) The European Network of Ombudspersons for

The theme for ENOC s (see box What is ENOC?)  Children (ENOC) is a not-for-profit association

work in 2024 was the protection and promotion  that brings together independent children s rights

institutions (ICRIs) from across Europe. Established in of the rights of children in alternative care. The  1997 in Trondheim, Norway, with an initial gathering

OCCJ s Senior Policy officer was an active member  of ten institutions and UNICEF representatives, ENOC of the ENOC Working Group that developed  has expanded to include 44 institutions (including research on this theme, collaborating with  the Office of the Children s Commissioner Jersey) academics from the Tampere University in  across 34 countries within the Council of Europe. Finland to survey member states on legal, policy  Its primary mission is to promote and safeguard

and practice frameworks. This work informed  children s rights, facilitating the full implementation ENOC s Position Statement on Alternative Care,  of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of published at the conclusion of the ENOC 28th  the Child (UNCRC) throughout the region.

Annual Conference in Helsinki in September. ENOC serves as a collaborative platform for its

members, enabling the exchange of information,

The Commissioner and Senior Policy Officer  capacity building, and professional support. The attended the ENOC conference, where they  network actively engages in advocacy and policy engaged with experts and young care- work to ensure that European-wide bodies prioritise experienced advisors from across Europe.  children s rights in their activities, legislation, and Additionally, the OCCJ attended the ENOC  policies. A key aspect of ENOC s work is promoting Spring Seminar in Tallinn, Estonia, in June,  the active participation of children and young people which focussed on alternative care and  in decision-making processes that affect them,

the rights of children affected by parental  ensuring their voices are heard and respected. imprisonment. The seminar included

discussions on implementing the Council  ROCK conference

of Europe Recommendation on Children of  The OCCJ was invited to present at the 2024 Rights Imprisoned Parents. of the Child UK (ROCK) Coalition Conference in While the Office was unable to participate in the  Edinburgh. The theme explored how children s European Network of Young Advisors (ENYA)  rights were being progressed across Scotland, 2024 due to resource constraints, we recognise  England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Jersey. the value of this initiative in amplifying young  The OCCJ delivered a presentation on the people s voices.  implementation of the UNCRC Concluding

Observations in Jersey, highlighting both the

The OCCJ hopes to take a more active role in  progress made and the actions still required. ENYA in the coming years, when themes are  The OCCJ then took part in a Q&A which involved relevant to the work of the OCCJ and sufficient  answering questions submitted by children and resources are available. young people in Scotland.

British and Irish Network of Ombudsman  What are Concluding Observations?

and Children s Commissioners (BINOCC) A UN Concluding Observation is a formal BINOCC brings together children s  assessment issued by a United Nations treaty

commissioners and ombudsmen from Jersey,  body after reviewing a country s compliance with Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland  an international human rights treaty. It includes

and the Republic of Ireland. In 2024, the OCCJ  commendations, concerns and recommendations attended two formal meetings of BINOCC: for improvement. States are expected to address

Edinburgh (February 2024): Discussions  these observations to enhance their adherence to focused on UNCRC incorporation into  human rights standards.

domestic law, strengthening complaints  In the context of children s rights, the main treaty and investigations functions, and  body is the UN Committee on the Rights of the

consulting with children. Child (CRC). The CRC reviews tranches of countries London (June 2024): The OCCJ met with  in rotation, to make its workload manageable. Following the most recent review of the UK State

two Youth Ambassadors from the English  Party (which includes Jersey), the CRC published Commissioner s Office, who raised issues  its Concluding Observations in 2023, highlighting such as online safety, climate change,  some progress made in fulfilling the obligations inclusive education and the impact of  of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, poverty on children s health and learning. as well as some areas of concern. And while all the

These meetings provided valuable insights  recommendations the CRC makes are noteworthy and facilitated shared learning on key children s  and of direct relevance to the to the ongoing work rights issues across jurisdictions. to strengthen children s rights protections, it is of

particular interest that it issued two Concluding Contributions to UN and  Observations that specifically referenced Jersey.

International Reporting

As part of its advocacy work, the OCCJ  

submitted an alternative report to the  What is MACR?

UN Human Rights Committee under the  The minimum age of criminal responsibility International Covenant on Civil and Political  (MACR) is the lowest age at which a person can Rights (ICCPR). The submission urged the UK  be legally prosecuted and held responsible for State Party, including Jersey, to: a crime. Below this age, children are considered

raise the minimum age of criminal  incapable of understanding their actions responsibility (MACR) from 10 to 14,  consequences.

in line with international standards; There is a range of MACRs within Europe. develop and publish a Youth Justice  Examples of some of the variations are:

Strategy for Jersey.

The Human Rights Committee s Concluding  Country  MACR (yrs) Observations reflected the OCCJ's concerns,  England, Wales, N Ireland and Jersey10

recommending that Jersey raise the MACR.  Scotland 12 Following this, the OCCJ wrote to the Minister

Sweden, Finland, Norway 15

for Justice and Home Affairs and the Minister

for Children and Families to highlight these  Denmark 15 recommendations.  Germany 14

The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs  France 13 subsequently requested that a review of the  Spain, Italy 14

MACR be included in the proposed draft of the

Government s Youth Justice Strategy.  Netherlands 12

7. BEING AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTION IN JERSEY

As Jersey s only human rights institution, the OCCJ is independent of Government but accountable to the States Assembly and to the public. It is important that the Office is effective, efficient and accountable, and that its internal processes support this. It is also important that the OCCJ continues to grow its knowledge and skills to deliver on its functions.

In 2024, the Office of the Children s Commissioner for Jersey (OCCJ) undertook significant initiatives to enhance institutional effectiveness, focusing on governance, internal processes, data protection, staff development and stakeholder engagement.

Internal Process Improvements Data Protection Review

In its commitment to continuous improvement,  Recognising the paramount importance of the OCCJ implemented several internal process  safeguarding sensitive information, the OCCJ enhancements: initiated a comprehensive review of its data

New monthly activity reports: The OOCJ  protection policies and procedures at the end introduced a system of monthly reporting  of 2024. This initiative aims to ensure full

on key activities and projects for all staff.  compliance with statutory obligations and While the Office had traditionally maintained  the robust protection of all data collected and a register of engagements (meetings, seminars,  maintained. The review is set to continue into conferences attended, and so on), it did not  early 2025, encompassing updates to existing readily capture the richness of the day-to-day  protocols and the delivery of comprehensive work that the office undertakes. To provide a  training sessions to all staff members.

fuller record of the work of the office, Monthly

Activity Reports were introduced in April 2024. Staff Training and Development

Strengthened procurement policies: The  Professional development remained a cornerstone OOCJ introduced more robust procurement  of the OCCJ's institutional effectiveness strategy. checks and protocols, in line with States of  Staff members participated in a range of training Jersey best practice, to enhance financial  sessions and webinars aligned with the Office's transparency. In addition, the Government  strategic priorities:

of Jersey s Procurement Best Practice and

Procedures User Guide and Toolkit has  Children s Rights Impact Assessments (CRIA): been employed, with further advice, when  Staff attended webinars hosted by Public necessary, from Commercial Services on  Law Wales and the Children s Legal Centre tendering processes. While applied previously,  Wales, focusing on the Welsh Children s

the processes for procurement were  Measure and the application of CRIA in policy reinforced in 2024.  development.

Improved staff performance review and  Digital participation: Staff attended a series of appraisal system: While the OCCJ had previously  interactive sessions run by the Participation used an internal performance management  People, which focussed on the best methods template, this practice had lessened in recent  of seeking meaningful participation from years. A new Performance Management  children and young people in the OCCJ s work and Development Form was introduced in  programme. The sessions were jointly led by 2024, focussing on: key areas of work; tasks  the Participation People s young advisors.

associated with these; progress or the reasons  Impact of School Absence: The Nuffield

for lack of this; staff understanding of their role  Foundation s session provided insights into

and views on the OCCJ s performance; and staff  the long-term effects of school absenteeism on training and development.  child development and educational outcomes.

The OCCJ s new office will be on the second International Human Rights Frameworks:  floor of 13 Broad Street and will allow for full

Engagements with the Human Rights  disability access, provide meeting rooms and Consortium Scotland offered deeper  offer a much more team-friendly understanding of the International Covenant

on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights  working space.

(ICESCR) and its implications for children s

welfare.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and  Access to Justice: The Institute for Inspiring  Children s Futures at the University of  Strathclyde facilitated discussions on SDG  16, emphasising the importance of equitable  access to justice for children.

Domestic Abuse and the Courts: An in-person  training session equipped staff with the latest  methodologies and legal frameworks to  support children affected by domestic abuse  within the judicial system.

Office relocation

While the premises at Brunel House had served  

the OCCJ for several years, it was a less-than-ideal  Children s Commissioner for Jersey home for several reasons. Principal among these  2nd floor, 13 Broad Street, St Helier JE2 3RR was the lack of disability access and facilities  Tel: 01534 867310

for children and adults. For a human rights  Email: hello@occj.org.je

institution that takes non-discrimination values  www.childcomjersey.org.je

seriously, this was concerning. The premises also

lacked other facilities, such as meeting rooms. In

addition, with a small staff of eight being spread

across two floors, the premises did not lend itself

to strong team cohesion.

On both a strategic and operational level, it

is essential for the proper functioning of the OCCJ that its independence from Government interference and influence is clear. This meant that it would have been inappropriate for the OCCJ to move into the new Government of Jersey premises on Union Street. It also meant that, as the Union Street premises were a very prominent neighbour of the OCCJ s Brunel House premises, relocation became an even more pressing priority.

In June 2024, the OCCJ began looking for

more suitable premises, with the help of an estate agent. Having identified a suitable

space, and with support from Government

of Jersey Commercial Services and Jersey Property Holdings, the OCCJ tendered for the refurbishment of the space, and this work began in October 2024. A new tenant for Brunel House was also secured.

Advisory panels Adult Advisory Panel (AAP)

The OCCJ has three statutory advisory panels:  In accordance with the Commissioner for

the Adult Advisory Panel; The Audit and Risk  Children and Young People (Jersey) Law Advisory Panel; and the Youth Advisory Panel  2019, the role of this panel is to provide the (see p11). Commissioner with advice and assistance

relating to the discharge of his or her

Audit and Risk Advisory Panel (ARAP) functions generally.

In accordance with the Commissioner for

Children and Young People (Jersey) Law  As with the ARAP above, a review of the terms 2019, the role of this panel is to provide the  of reference for the AAP was also undertaken Commissioner with advice and assistance in  in 2024. The updated terms of reference can relation to the use of resources by the office,  be found here. At the start of 2024, there were the management of risk by the office, and the  six members of the AAP. During the year, two governance of the office.  of these members stood down due to work

commitments. In addition, following a review For the 2024 ARAP Non-Executive Members  and update of the terms of reference, two

Report, see p30 Appendix 2. further members stood down due to having ARAP met on five occasions during 2024.  served two three-year terms. This left the AAP The main topics addressed were:  with just two members at the end of the year.

the updating of the format and content of  It was resolved that the AAP s future

the OCCJ s risk register, to include inherent risk membership would be addressed in early 2025, and risk appetite, in addition to residual risk  with a recruitment process seeking expressions and risk trend;  of interest via the OCCJ s website and through

targeted approaches to appropriate institutions the terms of reference for the Panel, which  and individuals.

were updated in consultation with the Chief

Minister, as required and agreed with the  The AAP is important in ensuring that the OCCJ Panel (see here);  has access to a wide range of expertise from budget constraints and internal accounting  Jersey and beyond. In 2024, the advice of the processes;  Panel was sought on matters such as:

a self-assessment tool for Panel members to ensure that the Panel and the OCCJ are acting in line with their purpose and terms

of reference;

review and updating of OCCJ policies in line with statutory requirements and best practice.

In addition, one member of ARAP sat on the steering group overseeing a proposed restructure of the OCCJ.

the functioning of the Panel and its input to the work of the office;

individual publications, including the priorities for the Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and the development of an implementation plan for this;

relevant research and activities in the human rights field, both in Jersey and other parts of the United Kingdom.

In addition, one member of AAP sat on the steering group overseeing a proposed restructure of the OCCJ.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND RISK

The end-of-year accounts for 2024 are provided in Appendix 1. These show an underspend of £39,381. It was anticipated that this could be accrued towards relocation and renovation costs, but this was not the case.

The OCCJ s greatest and most important resource is its staff, and consequently, staff costs (salaries, social security, pension contributions, and so on) account for most of the Office s expenditure. Having properly qualified and experienced staff is vital if the OCCJ is to provide a high-quality service to the Island s children, whether through casework, influencing policy and law, direct engagement with children through YAG and school visits, sourcing the best possible advice from our advisory panels and other external experts or raising Jersey s profile in the international human rights space.

Risk

Insufficient resources to effectively deliver on its statutory remit and duties is the highest risk to the OCCJ. A range of additional risks to the operation and success of the Office are impacted by the financial risk but are broader in scope. At the end of 2024, a number of these risks remained high, with risk scores of 4, even after actions were taken by the OCCJ to reduce them. These risks, which will remain high until the Office can be assured that progress is being made

in addressing them, are set out in the following table.

MOST SIGNIFICANT RISKS OF 2024

COMMISSIONER S RECOMMENDATIONS 2024

Recommendations made to the Government are the result of research and analysis carried out by the Commissioner and the OCCJ staff. This work constitutes a considerable proportion of the Office s business as usual activity in any given year, and can sometimes be complex, time-consuming, ongoing over a period of time and involve many meetings with stakeholders.

gy: ng the

with ards d

rity. es.

on of for

th eir

use, l of  

to tion ere.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025 I know that there is much

more to learn, and I am

The OCCJ has identified a range of activities for 2025.  looking forward to meeting Key among these are: and talking to children, adults,

Restructure the OCCJ with a view to more efficiently  professionals, organisations, meeting demand on the various offerings of the Office. and the Government, each of

Continue to visit the Island s schools to raise awareness  whom have a role in making of children s human rights. children s and young people s

Clarify and publish our advice and information processes. rights a reality.

Review and reshape our children s rights education

offering for professionals. Dr Carmel Corrigan

Redesign our website to improve our provision of key human rights information to children and adults.

Make a submission to the UN Committee on the International Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights.

Recruit new members to our Adult Advisory Panel

and draw on their experience and expertise in informing our work.

Work with our Youth Advisory Group to design, plan and implement an event to mark World Children s Day.

Maintain a watching brief on Government activities in relation to our thematic priorities and engage both pro-actively and reactively as appropriate.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1

Non-Staff and Staff Expenditure 2024

Appendix 2

ARAP Non-Executive Members Report

The Audit and Risk Advisory Panel (ARAP) is appointed by the Children s Commissioner as required by the 2019 Law governing the Commissioner s Office. The panel currently comprises four members and its role is to advise on the management and governance of the Office. Specifically, ARAP provides the Commissioner with advice and assistance in relation to:

The management of risk by the Office; The governance of the Office; and

The use of resources by the Office.

The panel is not remunerated and does not act in an executive or managerial capacity.

2024 has been a significant year of change, with the Acting Commissioner Andrea Le Saint standing down from the role due to the appointment of the new permanent Commissioner

Dr Carmel Corrigan, who took up the post in March 2024 following a robust recruitment process, including an interview by a panel of young people. The Panel would like to thank Andrea, for the key role she played ensuring a smooth transition between permanent appointments and her

positive contribution.

Dr Corrigan joins the Office from her most recent role as Head of Participation and Rights Education at the Ombudsman for Children s Office in Ireland and we welcome her to the six-year role and are delighted to be working with someone of her calibre.

During the year, ARAP met five times. Three regular oversight meetings and two risk review meetings were held with the Commissioner. A separate meeting was also held with the Government s Finance Business Partner, to consider finances.

During 2024 a key area of focus was the review and management of risks facing the Office, ensuring concentration is given to the highest risks but that the direction of travel of overall risks are monitored, new or transitional risks are captured and clear mitigation measures are implemented

to reduce the risks faced. ARAP finally looked at residual risks remaining with consideration, in line with appetite, of how to address these.

ARAP also took the opportunity to review its terms of reference and made minor changes, while still adhering to legislative requirements.

The Panel gave input into discussion regarding the impact of 2025 and future budget cuts to the Government s funding to the Office. ARAP has raised concerns, shared with the Commissioner, regarding the Office s ability to fulfil its wide range of functions with ongoing budgetary cuts.

The Panel would like to record its thanks both to the Commissioner and also the wider OCCJ staff team, who work so diligently and with great care.

Appendix 3

Operational & Financial Capability Assessment

The Operational & Financial Capability Assessment for the OCCJ can be found here.

For further resources and information on all  Children s Commissioner for Jersey aspects of our work and on child rights more generally,  2nd floor, 13 Broad Street, visit our website or follow us on social media. St Helier JE2 3RR

Tel: 01534 867310 Email: hello@occj.org.je

32 www.childcomjersey.org.je