Law change will “greatly improve the wellbeing… for children”

Tuesday 23 August 2022

Children involved in the family care and justice system should benefit from a proposed change in the Children’s Law.

The Committee for Health & Social Care has submitted proposed changes to the family care and justice system.

The policy letter proposes changes to the Children’s Law, 2008, which guides state intervention in the lives of children and their families.

“The changes being proposed to the Children Law and the processes involved should greatly improve the wellbeing and outcomes for children involved in the family care and justice system,” said Vice-President of HSC, Deputy Tina Bury.

“We know that children involved in the family care and justice system are amongst the most vulnerable in our society, so it’s vital that the Children Law and processes work as smoothly as possible so that children and their families are given the care and support they need at the right time.”

Pictured: Deputy Bury.

The proposals stem from the Children & Young People’s Board, which was established within the Government Work Plan to develop changes in how children are protected in Guernsey.

Deputy Sue Aldwell is a board member of the CYP and said it has been a pleasure to be a part of the board.

“In my capacity as representative on the Board for the Committee for Home Affairs, it has been invaluable to work collaboratively across government and agencies on this important aspect of our justice system,” she said.

The policy letter was published alongside the Outcomes Report, which is the most recent independent review of the Children Law.

Express will be publishing a deep-dive into the report shortly. You can read HSC’s policy letter in full HERE.