22 September 2022
Hundreds of children, young people and those who work with them have been invited to help shape how they will be involved in future decisions made by the Government of Jersey.
As part of the 100 days of Government the Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, and Children and Education Minister, Deputy Inna Gardiner, pledged to bring forward plans to involve young people in decision making.
To achieve this, the Government is asking children, young people, and those who work with them including headteachers, carers, charities and services, to help create the first Participation Standards for Jersey.
A survey has been launched today to explain Participation Standards and how children and young people can help to create the first set for Jersey.
Many countries have agreed national Participation Standards for children and young people. These Standards detail how Governments ensure that when they engage with young people, they do so effectively and ensure that their views are heard and respected.
The Participation Standards for Jersey will be co-produced during a series of workshops on Friday, 30 September at the Radisson Hotel.
Schools, charities and community groups are being invited directly to take part in the event, which will include a networking session and separate workshops for children, young people, staff, and partners.
Young people have already taken a lead in the creation of the Standards. On Friday 19 August, 20 Government interns took part in a workshop to agree what good participation looks like, how the Government can achieve it, and how best to convey the message to the public.
Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: “Good participation of children and young people goes beyond just giving them a voice. It involves children and young people being actively listened to and supported to express their views. It is a process that included children and young people from start to finish.
“The creation of Participation Standards is built on the good work that is already being developed by the Jersey Youth Service, Children’s Social Care, Best Start Partnership and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner to involve young people.
“Once these participation standards are agreed, it means that any area of Government as well as charities and services, that wants to involve children and young people will have the tools to do so effectively and meaningfully.”
“I am looking forward to meeting children and young people and all those who work with them at the workshops next week and hearing from them how we can work together to make sure that they are included in Government decisions and policies that affect their lives.”
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