Ministers Request £7.6m to Support Children's Services

Ministers are urging the States Assembly to back a £7.6m investment over the next four years to safeguard vulnerable children.

Jersey’s government has warned that children’s services are at a “critical turning point.”

Although additional funding and reforms followed the 2017 Independent Care Inquiry – which uncovered serious failings in the island’s care system – officials said rising demand and increasingly complex cases are now placing unprecedented strain on services.

Ministers cautioned that without urgent action, the system could again fail the children it is designed to protect.

The proposed funding would strengthen support for children living at home, ease the shortage of foster families, and create more permanent homes for those in residential care.

Plans also include recruiting and retaining skilled staff through a new Social Work Academy, improved training, and enhanced retention payments.

The government said these measures would deliver safer outcomes for children, cut reliance on agency workers, and build a more stable, skilled workforce.

“This is not just an investment in services; it is an investment in the future of Jersey’s children and families,” a spokesperson said.