24 May 2012
Islanders are being asked whether they could spare a few hours a month to help support children and young people in care by becoming a member of the Board of Visitors.
The Board of Visitors is a group of independent volunteers who visit Jersey’s residential care homes and secure units. They listen to concerns, tackle problems and help children’s and young people’s voices to be heard.
On Tuesday 29 May, an open evening is being held so interested people can hear about what is involved being a member of the Board of Visitors and hopefully get volunteering.
Sheila Warren, who chairs the Board of Visitors, said “The Board of Visitors is made up of volunteers who visit open and secure residential units in Jersey to meet with the children and young people. We do so in order to monitor aspects of their life in care, such as living conditions, and access to educational and recreational opportunities. We also check that standards are maintained, identify concerns, deal with issues raised by young people and staff.”
“We currently have around 8 members, who are different ages and come from different cultures and backgrounds - but we’d like more. Having more members will help ensure that we can always make regular visits and that we can spend more time to with the children and young people, both on a group and individual basis. That’s important if we are to satisfy ourselves that they are living in a caring environment and that the right support is in place to prepare them for their future life, or their release if they are in the secure unit.”
No special qualifications are required and ongoing training is provided.
The open evening is being held at the Education Centre on the ground floor of the General Hospital, in Gloucester Street, from 7pm to 8.30pm.
If you would like to attend the open evening, but are not able to, you can call +44 (0) 1534 442891 for an application form or you can download one from the 'Children in residential care - Board of Visitors' page.
gov.je