The Children’s Convenor (The Convenor) is a legally qualified independent holder of public office who is appointed by the Convenor and Tribunal Board. All children who may need compulsory measures must be referred to the Convenor. Anyone, including members of the public, may refer a child to the Convenor, although the majority of referrals are from the police and the Committee for Health and Social Care.
When the Convenor gets a referral, she must make an initial investigation before deciding what action, if any, is necessary in the child’s interests. The Convenor will normally request reports and information from any agencies that are involved with the child and family. The Convenor will then decide whether one or more of the grounds for referral are satisfied and compulsory intervention may be needed
Three independent public offices make up the Children’s Tribunal Service for Guernsey and Alderney:
- Child, Youth and Community Tribunal
- Office of the Children’s Convenor
- Children’s Convenor and Tribunal Board
Our purpose is to make decisions that help improve the lives of children and young people in Guernsey and Alderney and to:
- Provide a single point of referral for all concerns about children and young people at risk
- Ensure that enquiries into children and young people’s circumstances take place
- Make important legal decisions to ensure that children and young people receive the support and services that they need to be safe, loved, respected and responsible
- Uphold the rights of children, young people & their families
- Recruit, train and support members of the Child, Youth and Community Tribunal
- Influence change and drive improvements in the broader landscape of child protection, welfare and rights.
