The States of Jersey has a statutory duty to safeguard children for whom there is a risk of harm or neglect. For children and young people who are looked after by the States we are already acting as a de facto corporate parent, despite there being no legislation covering the role of corporate parent in Jersey.
The States of Jersey as a corporate parent
The policy framework proposes that under new legislation, when a child comes into care, the state will become that child's corporate parent. This responsibility continues to apply to those young people as they leave care and the States' formalised, statutory responsibilities should extend to those who have left care up to their 25th birthday. Of course, as with all good parents, the States' should remain interested and supportive of those care experienced adults for the rest of their life.
Corporate parenting responsibilities are underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and are closely linked in with the obligations set out in Part 1 (Rights of Children) of the Act. All corporate parents should, therefore, have a good understanding of the UNCRC, and what it means for them.
Our vision
It is our vision that we, as corporate parents, will put children at the centre of our thinking and will do everything we can to create a nurturing environment. We will support our children to enjoy and benefit from loving, strong and dependable relationships, wherever possible within families, so that, regardless of their start in life, they can go on to enjoy positive and fulfilling relationships, flourish and fulfil the promise of a bright future.
Corporate Parenting Policy Framework
The Corporate Parenting Policy Framework will assist the development of our approach to Corporate Parenting in Jersey ahead of future legislation.
Corporate Parenting Policy Framework
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