06 August 2020
A
new online directory that includes more than 70 services that help children and families has been created on the Government of Jersey website.
Currently, there are over 70 services in the Directory and new services will continue to be added.
The new directory was designed based on research carried out with Jersey parents to meet their needs. It’s built to be user friendly on mobile devices and designed to meet accessibility standards so that people with cognitive and physical disabilities will find it easy to use. It has a search function so that people can search for familiar terms to find the services relevant to them all in one place.
In addition to searching the directory, the webpage also provides other ways that families can seek help and support from the Children and Families Hub by phone, email or completing the online request for advice form.
Children’s Minister Senator Sam Mézec said: “The purpose of the new directory is to empower families to quickly find the support they need. There is strong evidence to show that ensuring families get help early with a problem, improves long-term outcomes for children, young people and their families, enabling them to move on from difficulty and lead happier and healthier lives.”
The Directory follows the launch of the new Children and Families Hub, which was set up during the Coronavirus pandemic to make sure families receive the right help, at the right time.
The Children and Families Hub receives around 55 queries per week. Of these, around 16% of queries are from members of the public with the remainder coming from partner agencies requesting support for children and families.
Queries range from concerns from parents about how to manage their child’s behaviour to how to access services. Safeguarding concerns are also raised to the Hub by professionals, the public or the child and their family.
There are also enquiries from schools and other professionals raising concerns that a child or family may need some extra support over the summer holidays.