​The Children’s Policy Group want Jersey to be a great place to live, somewhere all children and young people have the best possible opportunities in life. That is why we are creating a Children and Young People’s Strategic Framework. It will set out what we must do to ensure that all children and young people - including those who face disadvantage or disability - reach their full potential and lead happy, healthy lives. This consultation document is designed to establish an overall outline of what that Strategic Framework should be. It is a starting point, defining the vision, development focus and principles.

Once this framework is agreed fully costed implementation plans will be developed by the Children’s Policy Group. The implementation plans will outline in detail, who will do what, when and how. This will include, where necessary, the redesign of policies, services, budgets and working practices to improve opportunities for our children and young people without increasing the burden on existing and future taxpayers. We hope to achieve this within the resources approved for the coming years by making better informed, collective decisions about the services we provide and re-directing funding if required. The Strategic Framework proposes the establishment of a decision making, commissioning and delivery structure that will lead this work.

The structure will work across the boundaries of States Departments and include external agencies and service providers as equal partners. It will promote a new culture of joint working and commissioning which is essential if we are to deliver effective, affordable seamless services that follow children on their journey into adulthood. This document describes a framework around which services can be developed. It does not set out a detailed account of what we are going to do or how, but instead aims to identify key issues and set out what we want to achieve and why. The Strategic Framework has not been produced in isolation. Children, young people, parents, teachers, social workers, health care and charity professionals have already helped shape it. We would now like more input to ensure that it meets the needs of all children and young people. Are the outcomes and development focus correct? Are there any omissions? Do you support the principles? How can we ensure that investment in early intervention really can make a difference? Should our youth justice system focus on the needs of children, rather than on their deeds? Should we create joint decision making structures?

We are determined to work together to improve outcomes for all the Island’s children and young people and with your help we believe that this Strategic Framework can help us achieve that goal. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in developing this consultation document and to everyone who will be involved over the coming years to help us deliver a bright future for all Jersey’s children and young people.