08 February 2018
A ten-week public consultation on the future of the former Haut de La Garenne children’s home has been launched.
The Island-wide consultation, which will run from 8 February to 22 April 2018, invites Islanders to have their say about the future of the building.
In a statement today, Jersey’s Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst said “Today’s launch of the Haut de la Garenne consultation marks the start of an important further step in our response to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.
“Recommendation 8c of the Care Inquiry challenged us to consider carefully how the site of the former Haut de la Garenne children’s home should be 'redeemed'. I fully acknowledge and apologise for the history of abuse and neglect perpetrated against children living at the home. This should never happen again.
“Before we determine the future of this building, it is vital that all members of our community have the opportunity to share their views. Understandably, many Islanders already have a clear view about what we should do.
“I would like to encourage every member of the community to actively engage with this process and to listen to one another, respecting the sensitivities associated with the site, its history and current use as a hostel and outdoor activity centre. I therefore welcome the launch of this public consultation, which will ensure that every voice, however quiet, is heard and afforded the attention it deserves.
“We have asked that the consultation report should be presented to the new Council of Ministers at the start of their term of office, so that a final decision can be reached later this year.”
Representatives of survivors of abuse and care leavers were contacted before the consultation to inform them of the process.
The Island-wide consultation will involve several drop-in sessions at public venues across the Island, as well as two open afternoons at the Haut de la Garenne site in St Martin.
An information booklet on the background to the Haut de la Garenne site has been designed to help with the consultation questionnaire, which is available either online or in a print format.
Historical Context
In 2007, Haut de la Garenne was publicly identified as a site of significant interest during Operation Rectangle, the initial States of Jersey Police inquiry into historic abuse. By the end of 2010, more than 300 offences were reported as having been committed at the former children’s home.
On 3 July 2017 the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (IJCI), chaired by Frances Oldham QC, published their final report.
In Recommendation 8c, ‘Redeeming the Haut de la Garenne site’, the IJCI Panel set out their view that the States of Jersey should consider demolishing the former children’s home.
Before making a decision on whether or not the building should be demolished, the Council of Ministers have agreed to consult the people of Jersey.
Outline of Consultation Process
The former Haut de la Garenne site is currently the base for the Jersey Accommodation and Activity Centre (JAAC), which offers hostel accommodation, camping, a wide range of outdoor activities and room hire for events and meetings. Visiting school groups from France make significant use of the JAAC with groups of up to 100 teachers and children travelling to Jersey. Between 2012 and 2017, the JAAC recorded more than 35,500 bed-nights.
Any future planning application that might be made to demolish the former Haut de la Garenne building would need to be considered by the Environment Minister in the context of both the Island Plan 2011 and the building’s listing as a site of historic and architectural interest.
An information booklet on the background to the site has been designed to help with the consultation questionnaire, which is available either online or in a print format.
Drop-in sessions
Drop-in sessions will be held in venues across the Island including Parish Halls and Jersey Library. Everyone is welcome.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Thursday 15 February | 9:30 - 12.30 | St Clement’s Parish Hall |
| Friday 23 February | 9.00 - 11.00 | St Peter's Parish Hall |
| Monday 26 February | 8:45 - 13:00 | St Martin’s Public Hall |
| Thursday 1 March | 9:00 - 12:00 | St Ouen’s Parish Hall |
| Thursday 1 March | 13:00 - 16:00 | St Brelade’s Parish Hall |
| Wednesday 21 March | 10:30 - 12:30 | Trinity Parish Hall |
| Wednesday 21 March | 14:00 - 18:00 | St John’s Parish Hall |
| Saturday 24 March | 10:00 - 14:00 | Jersey Library |
| Thursday 29 March | 14:00 - 16:30 | St Martin’s Public Hall |
The Jersey Accommodation and Activity Centre will be holding two open afternoons between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 17 February and Sunday 18 February. All are welcome.
Support Available
Anyone who has been affected by any of the issues raised by this consultation or the Jersey Care Inquiry who would like to speak to someone, a dedicated Freephone helpline is available between 9am and 5pm on weekdays by calling 0800 735 1000.
Email support is available from InquirySupport2@gov.je
Victim Support Jersey can be contacted by calling +44 (0) 1534 440496 or by emailing victimsupport@gov.je
Contact
For more information about the consultation contact:
Haut de la Garenne Public Consultation, Community and Constitutional Affairs, 5th Floor, Cyril Le Marquand House, PO Box 140, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8QT
Email the Haut de la Garenne consultation
gov.je