Off island looked after children returning as adults (FOI)

​Request

A

Please advise what facilities are available for islanders who will be returning to the island once they are deemed adults after being cared for off island as children? 

B

Regarding those children who are currently below the age of 18 and in healthcare facilities; will they continue into adult health care in the UK or abroad, or will they then return to Jersey?  For the children who require specialist facilities and multiple carers around the clock, are there facilities and staff in Jersey who will then be able to take over this care requirement once the child turns 18 and returns to Jersey?  If not, will adult long-term care be paid for off island? 

C

If not, are there facilities being planned or built for returning islanders and are there enough teams of health care workers trained and available to work in such a facility given some returning islands may need round the clock shift caring?  Would a child be brought back without sufficient measure in place to offer the same level of care they receive in off-island facilities?

Response

A

As adults over the age of 18 years, the majority of care leavers do not require ongoing intervention from adult health and social services. However, where there is an on-going care need such as a mental health need or a learning disability the young person will be assessed by adult services In Jersey (in advance of becoming adults), and this will determine what service(s) are provided both on or off-island. These needs will be continually reviewed and plans updated accordingly. When a return to Jersey is indicated, a plan will be put in place to support their assessed needs. They are able to access social housing through Andium homes, their social worker and personal advisor will work together to support their application. If a young person is not ready for independent living  they can access Thomas House or Field view as supported accommodation options.

​B

For children in healthcare facilities, the decision to maintain them in adult health care off island will depend upon their ongoing clinical needs. Some young people transition into adult services within the UK. For example, an adolescent turning 18 who is detained under Mental Health Law and still requires treatment in a specialist facility will be transferred to an adult mental health unit in the UK, and responsibility for their care will move from Jersey children’s services to Jersey adult mental health services. At the point that they are ready to leave hospital and return to Jersey, an assessment of their specific needs will be undertaken and an individual plan of care put in place.    

C

Where 24 hour care is provided, this often can be provided in Jersey (depending upon the specific needs of the individual), however again will be based upon individual assessment and planning. The service would not seek to return a child (or adult) to Jersey without a clear plan about meeting their assessed needs.​