Recent developments: Ministerial powers and responsibilities in relation to children in Jersey

In recent years, there has been increasing attention in Jersey on how Ministers exercise their powers and duties in relation to children, particularly in the areas of safeguarding, online safety, and care provision.

A key area of focus has been the issue of online safety.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, scrutiny panels and media reports have raised concerns that Jersey lacks a comprehensive strategy to protect children from online harms. These include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and risks associated with social media use. In response, Ministers have been called to hearings and asked to explain gaps in legislation and enforcement. There have also been discussions about introducing stronger regulatory measures, including requiring harmful content to be removed more quickly and considering restrictions on smartphone and social media use for under-16s. These developments signal a shift in how Ministerial powers are being applied—extending beyond traditional safeguarding into the digital environment.

Another recurring theme in recent reporting is criticism of government performance. Scrutiny panels have, at times, been highly critical, with claims that the government has failed to adequately protect children in certain areas, particularly online. These criticisms reflect the high level of accountability placed on Ministers, who are legally and politically responsible for ensuring children’s welfare is safeguarded. The media coverage demonstrates that, even where powers exist in law, their effectiveness depends heavily on how they are implemented in practice.

There has also been continued emphasis on learning from past failures, particularly in light of the historic Care Inquiry, which exposed serious shortcomings in Jersey’s child protection system. Recent reports suggest that not all lessons have been fully implemented, with ongoing gaps identified in safeguarding arrangements. This has led to renewed calls for clearer legal frameworks, stronger oversight, and better coordination between departments.

In terms of practical responsibilities, Ministers continue to exercise their role as “corporate parents” for children in care. This includes overseeing residential facilities such as secure units and other residential homes for children in care, and ensuring that children receive appropriate care, accommodation, and support. Recent investment in facilities and infrastructure reflects an effort to improve standards and outcomes for children in Jersey who are under the care of the Minister for Children and Families.

A further development is the move toward more coordinated, system-wide safeguarding. Rather than child protection being confined to a single department, there is increasing recognition that effective safeguarding requires collaboration across various departments such as health and education.

Recent developments in Jersey show that while the legal duties such as safeguarding, welfare and providing care remain central, the way these powers are exercised is evolving.  

That is important in the modern world where online risks continue to present perhaps an even greater danger.

For more information head to: https://statesassembly.je/publications/assembly-reports/2025/r-113-2025