Review highlights more needs to be done to keep vulnerable Islanders safe

Thursday 14 August 2014

Domestic abuse is blighting the lives of too many children and adults and Jersey needs a proper strategy to protect them, according to a new report.

The Safeguarding Partnership Board’s latest findings highlight a lack of immediate support for children and families to protect them from significant harm and the need for intervention later on.

The group was set up early last year to enable agencies  - the police, probation, social services and other departments - to work better together to protect the Island’s most vulnerable people. Their report calls for an improvement in the way cases of child sexual abuse are dealt with and highlights a lack of expertise in identifying and diagnosing cases.

The number of children and young people who go missing and are vulnerable to abuse and sexual exploitation and the rise of young people committing suicide and self harming and the pressure it puts on services have also been singled out as challenges for the board.

One of the their priorities for the next two years is the development of a multi-agency Child Sexual Exploitation strategy. It will also be developing a new website and increasing awareness about what the board does.

Chair of the SPB Glenys Johnston said: “Effective safeguarding is dependent on the quality and co-ordination of those people who are in direct contact with children, young people, adults, families and carers and I have been impressed by the commitment of everyone I have worked with here. Safeguarding is ‘Everyone’s Business’. Whether you are a professional, a parent, a carer or a neighbour, you must refer any concerns you have about the protection and safeguarding of children and adults.

“I believe that people in Jersey are better safeguarded than they were and, through the work of the SPB and, with the support of the Chief Minister’s department, politicians and all organisations, this improvement will continue.”

Assistant Chief Minister Senator Paul Routier said: “I am confident that with the support and guidance of the Safeguarding Partnership Board, States departments and our partner agencies can continue to work together to tackle all the concerns raised by Mrs Johnston. We will provide every support we can to continue to improve the safeguarding of Islanders.”