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Scrutiny Office
Senator Ian Gorst
Chief Minister
Cyril Le Marquand House, The Parade, St Helier JE4 8UL
26 January 2018
Our ref: 511/2/3 Dear Chief Minister,
Care of Children in Jersey Review Panel
I write to you in respect of the future of the Independent Visitors for Young People (IVYP).
The Review Panel met this morning with representatives of the IVYP in order to discuss its submission as part of the review. The Review Panel notes that a meeting took place on Monday 15th January between members of the IVYP and yourself, where concerns were raised over the lack of clarity in relation to the interim and future role of the IVYP. It is the understanding of the Panel that clarification over this matter has yet to be provided. This is a very serious issue, and I would ask that clarification is given to the IVYP about their current and future role as a matter of urgency.
As you will be aware, the Review Panel has met with the Care Commissioner and has been given a broad understanding of the planned inspection process, however, the information received from the IVYP raises concerns about the arrangements in the interim period. If the voice of the child is to be listened to, then it is vital that structures which promote this are utilised to full effect, especially in the absence of a formal inspection process. I would therefore ask that consideration is given to the role that the IVYP could play within the inspection process.
Members of the Review Panel intend to speak on this issue during the in-committee debate and I would therefore ask for a response outlining any actions prior to Tuesday 30th January.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy S.Y. Mézec
Chairman, Care of Children in Jersey Review Panel
