Independent Safeguarding and Standards (ISS) has responsibilities for anyone below the age of 18 who is:
felt to be at risk of suffering physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect
in a children's home, foster care or are being looked after in another way by the States
The ISS also investigates allegations of professional or organised abuse which may not relate to a particular child or family.
For children / young people who are at risk
If anyone under the age of 18 is felt to be at risk, ISS will:
- arrange and chair a conference to determine whether they are at risk or suffering harm
- establish a child protection plan for those children who are thought to be at risk
- add their name to Jersey’s child protection register
- monitor the individuals and agencies who are implementing their child protection plan to ensure it is being followed
For looked-after children
If anyone under the age of 18 is being cared for by the States of Jersey, ISS will:
- review their care arrangements and decide on the plans for their future
- monitor the individuals and agencies who are implementing their plan to ensure that it is being followed
Background
Following a 2007 review of Jersey’s child protection processes, the agency was established to provide a level of independent oversight to the planning and reviews. ISS staff include:
- a manager
- independent reviewing officers, who monitor looked-after children
- child protection advisers, who monitor children with a child protection plan
- administration staff
ISS's manager is the custodian of Jersey’s child protection register.