The panel, which will be chaired by Deputy Sam Mézec, aims to ensure that the eight core recommendations of the inquiry are ‘implemented correctly’ and to examine proposals put forward to achieve them.
The eight recommendations of the inquiry, which investigated failings in Jersey’s child-care system post-1945, include creating a commissioner for children, inspection of services and tackling the negative perception of the ‘Jersey Way’.
Among the conclusions of the inquiry panel’s report, published in July, were that there had been a lack of openness and transparency about child-care services over the decades and that children could still be at risk.
Following the report’s publication, Chief Minister Ian Gorst announced that he would form an advisory panel made up of several politicians to help put into practice the recommendations.
Deputy Mézec was invited to join but declined, stating in an open letter to Senator Gorst that he believed he could make a ‘more positive contribution’ outside the panel and offered independent scrutiny.
He also said that he was concerned that he could be ‘complicit’ in any ‘innocent mistakes’ made by the advisory panel.
Commenting on the formation of the new review panel, Deputy Mézec said: ‘Making sure that the recommendations put forward in the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry are implemented correctly is a major priority for both current and future States Assemblies.
‘The review panel will examine policy, legislation and other actions of the Council of Ministers as a result of the recommendations to make certain that what is being proposed is fit for purpose and helps to improve the care of children in Jersey.’
The panel will also include vice-chairwoman Deputy Tracy Vallois, and members Deputy Jackie Hilton and Senator Sarah Ferguson.
The panel’s objectives are to:
- Examine the policy of the Council of Ministers in relation to the eight core recommendations made by the inquiry.
- Consider the individual recommendations contributed to the inquiry by members of the public and stakeholder organisations and examine the policy of the Council of Ministers relating to those matters.
- Scrutinise all legislation arising from the recommendations made by the inquiry.
