About the Advice & Information Service
The Office of the Children's Commissioner for Jersey promotes and protects the rights of children and young people in Jersey.
Our Advice & Information Service is often the first place people turn when they are worried that a child’s rights may not have been respected.
Children, young people, parents, carers and professionals can contact us to ask questions, raise concerns or seek guidance about children’s rights.
We provide clear, impartial information to help people understand their options and the steps that may be available to address a concern.
Our role is to help people understand children’s rights, responsibilities and the systems designed to protect them.
What we can help with
We can:
- explain children’s rights and how they apply to your situation;
- help you understand which organisation or service is responsible for addressing your concern;
- provide guidance about the options available to resolve an issue;
- signpost or refer you to the most appropriate organisation;
- provide information about complaints procedures and next steps; and
- consider whether the Commissioner may take further action where there are wider concerns about children’s rights.
In many cases, concerns can be resolved by helping people understand the correct process or by directing them to the organisation responsible for dealing with the issue.
What we cannot do
There are some things the OCCJ cannot do.
We cannot:
- replace existing complaints processes run by public services or organisations;
- investigate or resolve every individual dispute;
- act as a court or tribunal; or
- make legally binding decisions.
Where another organisation is responsible for resolving the issue, we will explain this clearly and help you understand the best way to raise your concern.
What happens when you contact us
When you contact the Advice & Information Service or submit the form:
- We will review the information you provide.
- We may contact you if we need more information or clarification.
- We will explain the options available and the steps you may wish to consider.
- Where appropriate, we may help you identify the organisation responsible for addressing the issue.
- We will explain what happens next.
Every situation is different, and we will aim to provide clear information to help you decide how to proceed.
Who can contact us
Anyone can contact the Advice & Information Service, including:
- children and young people
- parents and carers
- professionals working with children
- members of the public
You do not need to be certain that a child’s rights have been breached to get in touch – if you are unsure, we can help you understand the situation and the options available.
Safeguarding and urgent concerns
If the information you provide suggests that a child may be at risk of harm, safeguarding procedures may apply and the matter will be treated as a priority.
However, if you believe a child is in immediate danger or risk, you should contact emergency services or the relevant safeguarding authority straight away.
The emergency services can be contacted on 999. The Children and Families Hub can be reached on (01534) 519000.
Contact the Advice & Information Service
Before submitting your enquiry, please read the guidance document provided. This sets out the information we need to properly consider your enquiry.
To make an enquiry, please email the requested information to us at advice@occj.org.je using the link below.
Your email should include the relevant details outlined in the guidance. Enquiries that do not provide sufficient information may not be able to be progressed.
You can contact us if:
- You are worried about a child
- You need advice
- You have questions
We can help by:
- Explaining rights
- Giving guidance
- Showing you which service might be right for you
We cannot:
- Make legal decisions
- Replace other services