Life on the Rock.

Children's Commissioner Deborah McMillan.

Press Release from Children's Minister Deborah McMillan.

"I am pleased to share with you our latest research’ Our Life on the Rock.’  This tells the stories of 21 very different young islanders whose collective experiences cover everything from traditional, carefree upbringings to those clouded by poverty, racism, bullying or abuse. 

It is a multi-faceted, in-depth insight into what it is like to grow up in Jersey – childhood explored from every angle, through all kinds of people’s real and unvarnished experiences.

 

What we have set out to do with this project is to engage a cross section of young Islanders in a meaningful way. This means giving them the opportunity to speak and the means to be heard, even if their words paint a difficult or challenging picture. 

 

The study is grouped into different themes, from concrete topics like health, housing or education through to more elusive concepts such as staying safe or bullying and social media. And in line with my mandate to allow the real, unedited views of children and young people to remain at the centre of our work and research, we adopted something known as the ‘Lundy model of participation’ to guide us through this project.

 

We stepped back and let children and young people determine the themes, methodology and interpretation of the study, with minimal interference from the adults involved.

 

A first step in achieving this was to establish children’s advisory groups – thanks to Haute Vallee, Mont A Labbe, Janvrin and Beaulieu schools.  These groups were central in designing what the study should look like (everything from choosing its name through to what themes it should tackle), as well as taking part in the discussion and analysis of ‘life history interviews’ (more on those in a moment), and the secondary analysis of data from our survey of 1,700 local children and young people.

 

The life history interviews were conducted with 21 different children and young people, who range in age from nine to 18 years old, and who come from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Interviews were conducted face to face and spanned a period of several weeks, and those taking part were given a guarantee of anonymity and of special precautions to ensure that, in a small community like Jersey, they would not be identifiable.

 

With our thanks to the wonderful team at the Centre for Children’s Rights, Queens University Belfast – Prof Laura Lundy, Dr Mary-Louise Corr, Dr Amy Hanna, Dr Katrina Lloyd and Dr Michelle Templeton.

 

https://www.childcomjersey.org.je/life-on-the-rock/

 

When I first set up my office, the vision for our collective future was written by children, who expressed the following hope: 'Jersey is a place where the rights of children are realised and respected, and their voices shape their lives.'

Life on the Rock is part of our ongoing work to try to make that a reality.

 

Regards Deborah

 

Deborah McMillan

Commissioner for Children and Young People Jersey"

Children's Commissioner, Deborah McMillan, Open Letter to Chief Minister John Le Fondre.

 

Children's Commissioner Deborah McMillan

Dear Chief Minister                                                                                          

12 May 2021

Ref: Minister for Children and Education

I am writing with regard to the role of Minister for Children and Education and seeking reassurance of a commitment to appoint a ‘full time’ Minister as soon as possible following the announcement of temporary arrangements.

On 24^th January I received a call from Charlie Parker who said that you had asked him to speak to me regarding your plan to split the Ministerial roles for Housing and Children and to form a combined role for Children and Education.  I provided my advice and followed this up with a letter. My advice was to form a new Ministerial role with responsibility for all aspects of children’s lives that mirrors the new Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department.  In effect, a children’s rights minister with a cross-cutting role to reflect the breadth of children’s rights. This would mean that the Minister would be able to focus on joining up legislation, policy and practice development that seeks to ensure children’s needs are understood and met, and the best interests of children are paramount. I offered to work with the appointee to provide training and guidance on children’s rights as part of any induction, as well as an ongoing close working relationship with the Minister.

Former(?) Education/Children's Minister Jeremy Macon

On 9^th February Deputy Maçon was elected Minister for Children and Education, and on 1^st March he appointed two Assistant Ministers: Deputy Pointon for CAMHS; and Deputy Wickenden to assist with the education portfolio.

On 24^th March it was announced that, as Chief Minister, you had removed Deputy Maçon from these duties and that you would hold the portfolio for Children and Education until further notice. Deputy Wickenden took on additional responsibilities at that time.

I know that you have valued having dedicated Ministers for the roles of Education and Children, and I valued having a close working relationship with the previous post holders, which gave me the opportunity to spend time with them to provide guidance and advice.  However, since January 2021 I have had little engagement with either Deputy Maçon or Wickenden. My first meeting with Deputy Wickenden was on 22^nd April (at my insistence) to discuss an urgent issue at Victoria College.

Deputy Scott Wickenden

We agreed to hold regular catchup meetings so that I could go through key children’s rights issues with him; however, Deputy Wickenden failed to turn up to the first of those meetings, with no apology or explanation given. 

I appreciate that both Deputies hold wide portfolios and have a number of competing pressures, but I am concerned that the temporary arrangements that you have put in place have now resulted in a lack of ministerial oversight with regard to children and all aspects of their lives. I strongly recommend that you appoint a permanent role as a matter of urgency. The draft Children and Young people Mental Health Strategy, the Jersey Children’s Social Care Services Plan, and the Children’s Plan all set out a compelling vision and require committed, strong political leadership, particularly as we move into a recovery phase following the pandemic.

I would be pleased to discuss this further with you.

Yours sincerely

Deborah McMillan

Children’s Commissioner for Jersey (END)