Howard League Report on Jersey

Updated

I do not have a full copy of the report yet, but will share what I have learned.

• The report says Jersey’s juvenile custody rate is unacceptable given the size of the island and the low amount of inner-city problems. It also said that custody should only be used as a last resort.

• Children were placed alongside adults in the island's only prison, La Moye, and called for this practice to cease.

• Jersey needs to ensure protection for whistleblowers and allow independent inspection of children’s services.

• Former Greenfields residents reported highly credible evidence of "abusive" experiences including practices relating to isolation, single-separation, or solitary confinement that could be regarded as abusive.

• The report confirmed that the use of solitary confinement under an "unlawful" system known as grand prix had ceased.

• The Howard League called for Jersey to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Simon Bellwood said, "It is great to finally read a truly independent report which considers not only the systemic failures but also the issues faced by vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in Jersey."

Bellwood also hopes the Leagues findings will lead to the suspensions and resignations within Jersey’s civil service.

Jim Perchard, Assistant Health and Social Services Minister, said all the recommendations have been accepted.

More to follow when I get a hold of the full report.

Community Care

Update

The full Howard League Report