Jersey team aims to step in earlier to support vulnerable teenagers
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new specialist team has been established in Jersey to provide earlier support to vulnerable teenagers facing challenges including exploitation, going missing, family difficulties and mental health concerns.
The dedicated Adolescent Team will work with young people to build trusted relationships, improve their wellbeing and confidence, and strengthen links with their families, schools and local communities.
The government says the initiative will also bring services closer together, with youth workers, health professionals, education services and police working more closely to spot warning signs sooner.
By sharing information more effectively and coordinating support, the aim is to intervene before difficulties become more serious.
One teenager who received support from the team this summer described how the help had encouraged them to reconnect with activities they enjoyed.
“I remembered I love being up early and being out in the sea. I don’t want to be sleeping all day,” they said in anonymous feedback.
Their mother said the support had made a significant difference to the family.
“The support they received has helped more than you can imagine,” she said.
Donna Marriott, Director of Children, Young People and Families Services, said the experience showed the impact that early intervention could have.
“Behind every story is a young person with their own hopes, worries and ambitions,” she said.
“Our focus is on understanding what matters to them and building the trusted relationships that can help them through difficult periods in their lives.”
Mark Capern, Associate Director of Young People’s Services, said the team wanted every teenager it worked with to feel safe, valued and supported.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help create brighter futures for young people and their families,” he said.
Children and Families Minister Constable Richard Vibert said bringing services together would help identify risks at an earlier stage.
“By bringing services together and intervening earlier, we can identify risks sooner and provide the right support at the right time,” he said.
He added that the approach was already helping vulnerable young people in Jersey stay safe, build resilience and achieve better outcomes.
Where to get help
Anyone concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person can seek support.
Immediate danger: Call 999.
Non-emergency police concerns: States of Jersey Police – 01534 612612.
Safeguarding or child protection concerns: Children and Families Hub – 01534 519000.
Youth Enquiry Service (YES): Confidential advice and mental health support – 01534 280530.
NSPCC Jersey: Specialist support for children and families affected by sexual abuse or harm – 01534 760800.
Childline: Available 24 hours a day on 0800 1111.
NSPCC Adult Helpline: Advice for parents and carers – 0808 800 5000.
