08 May 2009
The Minister for Health and Social Services has issued the following statement about the planned closure of Brig y Don:
“I was saddened to hear of the Brig y Don Committee’s decision to close its children’s home after serving the community for nearly 85 years. The home has rightly occupied a respected place in the affections of the public and the many individuals and families who have benefited from its excellent care.
“The Brig y Don Committees’ decision to notify closure was consistent with good practice, in that they needed to ensure their ability to meet their obligations to staff under Employment Law. To stay open longer, without the guarantee of funding, would have threatened their ability to fulfil these obligations. I recognise that the delay to the decision on funding the Williamson Plan was likely to be influential in their decision.
“Following extensive discussions between the Brig y Don Trustees and my Department, a plan is now in place to carefully manage the process of closure. My paramount concern is the best interests and long term welfare of the children who are resident at the home. A plan is in place to ensure their needs are met. I am pleased to confirm that an agreement has also been reached whereby continuing employment within H&SS children’s care services will be offered to those Brig y Don staff who wish to continue their careers in this area.
“I will visit the home and meet with the Patron, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor in the coming days. I am reassured that the closure of the home will not be the end of the Brig y Don tradition of improving children’s lives. In the future, the Trustees intend to establish a Trust for the benefit of children in Jersey as the original benefactors Mr and Mrs Trevor Matthews, and all subsequent contributors to the Brig y Don Trust would have wished. “
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