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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT AND CULTURE BY DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2012
Question
Will the Minister clarify what differences/changes in policy have been put in place with regard to reporting allegations of child abuse since the Victoria College incident and the subsequent Sharp Report and how does the policy both then and now comply with the Children (Jersey) Law 2002?
Answer
The ESC Department has a duty of care to children and young people in its care, and the Children's Service has a statutory duty to investigate all referrals relating to the possibility that a child is at risk of significant harm. Since 1990 investigations have been undertaken by the joint Children's Service and Police Family Protection Team, now known as the Public Protection Unit.
In addition, ESC has updated and developed its policies in this area in line with UK guidelines and best practice on safeguarding young people. These are regularly reviewed.
The policy requires all allegations to be reported to the Department, which takes a multi-agency approach and refers cases to the Children's Service where appropriate and if it is considered there is a risk to a young person.
The Senior Education Welfare Officer at the Department is the lead Child Protection Officer for the Service and each school has their own trained child protection co-ordinator. ESC abide by the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 and the Jersey Child Protection Committee procedures. We use the JCPC referral forms and thresholds.
All staff working with children and young people must have an awareness of child protection procedures. Training is in place in all schools and areas of the organisation and takes places regularly so that every employee understands their role and obligations in safeguarding young people in their care.