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Review Panel – Care of Children in Jersey
Record of Meeting
Date: 19th January 2018
Present | Deputy S.Y. Mézec , Chairman Deputy T.A. Vallois, Vice-Chairman Senator S.C. Ferguson, Deputy M.R. Higgins |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Ms D. McMillan, Children's Commissioner Mr A. Harris , Scrutiny Officer |
Ref Back | Agenda matter | Action |
511/2/3/1 | 1. Meeting with Children's Commissioner The Review Panel received Ms D. McMillan, the recently appointed Children's Commissioner for an introductory meeting regarding her role, and to inform her of its role. Ms D. McMillan explained that she had been in the Island for two weeks and during that time had met with a wide range of stakeholders, departments and young people. She noted that she had been warmly received and had held frank discussions about the changes that needed to be brought forward to ensure children and young people were listened to in Jersey. It was noted that she had spoken with departments within the States of Jersey, some of whom required significant changes in order to better understand the needs of children. It was explained that challenging culture would be an important part of her role, but she would be working in partnership with the Chief Minister and Chief Executive of the States in order to drive changes. The Review Panel explained its role in relation to the Recommendations contained within the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, and discussed the role it could play in relation to informing children and young people. The Review Panel recalled that Scrutiny Panels used to visit local schools and engage with young people, although this had not happened for some time. Mrs D. McMillan explained that the current culture in Jersey focussed on dealing with symptoms that may include substance abuse, mental health issues and domestic violence. It was noted that these issues had a significant effect on children and young people and resources needed to be targeted at an early stage to prevent future issues from developing. It was also noted that this would involve building resilience in children and young people with a cross-departmental and multi-agency approach. |
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| The Review Panel thanked Mrs D. McMillan for attending and agreed that it would arrange a further meeting after the in-committee debate on P.108/2017 Independent Jersey Care Inquiry Report: implementation of recommendations' had been held on 30th January 2018. | AH |