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2020.07.13
9 Deputy T. Pointon of St. John of the Minister for Health and Social Services
regarding Family Therapy Sessions: (OQ.187/2020)
Will the Minister advise what funding, if any, is available to pay for a private course in family therapy, as ordered by the courts, in the event that there is a waiting list to see a family therapist employed by the States of Jersey and the financial circumstances of the family concerned mean they cannot pay?
The Deputy of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services):
During family proceedings the court has a wide discretion to order expert assessments to assist the court to determine the outcome of a case. There is, however, a distinction between assessments and treatment. The courts cannot order a course of treatment, as I understand, and neither can it compel an individual to participate in the treatment if they have capacity and do not wish to do so. Assessments can be ordered and if treatment was to go ahead I can tell the Deputy there is no additional or separate government funding available to pay for a private course in therapy, which is requested as a result of an assessment. Within the public service, if a child is assessed by a clinician on behalf of the Minister as requiring treatment, the child will receive the appropriate treatment for their needs at no cost to the child or family. The child will be offered treatment according to urgency of need and does not simply join a waiting list. Those most in need will receive support before someone else with perhaps a less urgent need, although all need is acknowledged. Thank you.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Supplementary, Deputy ? I think your microphone might be off, we cannot hear you. We cannot hear you, Deputy . He does not seem to be able to hear me at all. If we can re-establish contact with him later on we will arrange for him to be able to ask his supplementary question of the Minister.