New independent advocates for children and young people in Jersey

2nd February 2025

Image: Juliette Byrne

The 2025 regulations introduce a significant shift in Jersey law by establishing the role of independent advocates for children and young people. While the Children (Jersey) Law 2002 and the Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2022 already recognised the rights of children and young people, they lacked a formal provision for independent advocacy.

The new regulations fill this gap by ensuring that children and young people have access to independent advocates who can represent their interests in matters related to their welfare, care, or legal proceedings.

The regulations define clear standards for the qualifications, training, and impartiality of these advocates, ensuring that they are fully equipped to represent the best interests of the children. They also outline the process for delivering the advocacy services and impose duties on relevant authorities to guarantee that children and young people can access this support throughout legal proceedings.

In summary, the 2025 regulations provide a new layer of crucial support for children in Jersey, empowering them with access to independent advocacy and establishing a structured framework for advocacy services that was not previously explicitly required or detailed in the law.

Written by Juliette Byrne, Paralegal

If you want more information or advice in relation to this please e-mail enquiries@corbettlequesne.com or call 733030. We offer FREE 30 minute information sessions.