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Deborah McMillan, a former teacher, police officer, and director of UK children's services, has been meeting with kids all over the island to learn more about their needs and experiences.
It's part of her role as Jersey's new Children's Commissioner, a role she took on in January to champion children's rights in the wake of the publication of the Care Inquiry.
Having learned a lot about the island already within her first six months on the job, she told Express the five things she would change about Jersey...
In my first five months as Children’s Commissioner for Jersey, I have learnt so much about the lives of children on our island. I am working on behalf of all children and young people in Jersey to promote and protect their rights. I want all children to understand that they have rights, to know what those rights are, and to know what to do if their rights are not being upheld.
Pictured: Mrs McMillan would like to see the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child fully implemented in Jersey.
I would like to see a Jersey where the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is fully implemented, not just by government, but by all those whose decisions have an impact in children’s lives. I am pleased that the States of Jersey have made the commitment to establish my role in legislation so that I can influence and shape government policy and legislation so that it delivers for children’s rights.
In my time listening to children, young people and their families, I keep hearing over and over again just how hard it is for families to get the support that they need when things are difficult for them. We know that often families need to reach crisis point before they can get help.
Pictured: Families should be able to get help before they reach crisis point.
The concept of early help - or early intervention as it is sometimes known - reflects the widespread recognition that it is better to identify and deal with problems early rather than to respond when difficulties have become harder and demand action by more expensive services. Let’s make sure that we build a child-friendly island, helping families at the earliest point, improving children and young people’s life chances and reducing demand for crisis services.
Our island has a richness that transcends money – it is the diversity of Jersey. Let’s celebrate the cultural diversity of people around us, and find out more about what we have in common, rather than what separates us.
Pictured: Jersey's richness lies in its diversity.
Relationships are improved by our appreciation for diversity and rejection of stereotypes. We should have more opportunities to experience and learn about each other’s culture.
I would like to be able to attend a wider range of live concerts and other cultural events. It would be great if Jersey had a world-class conference and concert venue. Why can’t Jersey become a leading international destination for business?
Pictured: A world class conference and concert venue, that would be a winner for Jersey.
In order to compete in a highly competitive international market, we should consider a convention centre – a world-class venue to allow us to capitalise on Jersey’s growing reputation as a destination for events.
I cycle to work when I can and in the main I find drivers to be courteous on the road. I would like to see traffic free days when St. Helier can only be accessed through more sustainable transport - for example, the bus or bicycles. A commuter hub where we can leave our bikes, get showered and changed and head off for work would encourage more people to ride to work.
Pictured: Traffic free days and more encouragement for people to cycle into town are on Mrs McMillan's Wishlist.
I would like to see more support for children to cycle and walk safely to school by creating safe routes to school. How about a short duration bike hire scheme such as seen in cities around the world?
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not Bailiwick Express.
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