Children's home to be reopened in Jersey

The children's home will reopen after a £650,000 refurbishment

The Brig-y-Don children's home, run by a charity in Jersey, is to reopen following a refurbishment, the health minister has said.

The centre, in St Clement, was shut in 2009 due to a lack of States funding.

The minister, Deputy Anne Pryke, said the States signed a lease for the property from the charity, which will become the Brig-y-Don Children's Trust.

She said enabling the charity to reopen the home would allow the States to carry out recommendations by a report.

The Williamson Report was compiled in 2008 into child protection provisions in the island, and made 11 recommendations including creating a minister for children and developing a staff whistle-blowing policy.

'Uncertain future'

A Health and Social Services department spokesman said plans are being drawn up for a £650,000 refurbishment of the home.

The plans considered include providing a home for children with varying needs, and enable siblings to live together - meeting the recommendations.

Deputy Pryke said: "It is pleasing that the care provision, highlighted in the Williamson recommendations, is coming to fruition."

Susie Pinel, chairman of Brig-y-Don, said: "We hope that now the process is underway to revive Brig-y-Don as a home for the care of children that it will happen as quickly as possible.

"It is good for the future of Brig-y-Don, which was uncertain for so long, that plans are now under way to ensure that the building is fit for purpose for modern day childcare."