Child Youth and Community Tribunal appoints New President

The Royal Court has appointed Mrs Ashley Rawles as the new President of The Child Youth and Community Tribunal (the “CYCT”), succeeding David Raines who had held the position for three years from December 2015.

Having been a serving CYCT member since 2012, Ashley brings a wealth of experience to the role.  Together with the Children’s Convenor and the Convenor and Tribunal Board she will be responsible for ensuring that the service works efficiently and effectively with our partners to support vulnerable and at risk children and young people in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.   

Since the introduction of the Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law, 2008 in January 2010, the CYCT has been making decisions on children and young people in need or in trouble.  

The Children’s Tribunal system is made up of three independent parts: The CYCT, the Office of the Children’s Convenor and the Convenor and Tribunal Board.

The CYCT deals with the majority of cases where some steps need to be taken to ensure that children and young people are protected from harm and receive adequate care, guidance and control.

Cases are heard by a panel of three CYCT members, who, on the basis of the facts and information presented, decide what action is required in the best interests of the child. The members are required to make an informed and unbiased decision which is legally binding.

CYCT members are volunteers who undergo a rigorous training programme and are required to demonstrate a wide range of competencies and skills. They are carefully selected from a cross section of the community and are appointed by the Royal Court.

The President of the CYCT’s main responsibilities includes managing the work of the Tribunal and monitoring and developing the performance of the members.

“It is an honour and a pleasure to have the opportunity to lead the CYCT over the next three years and I am committed to helping Tribunal members to continue to deliver the highest level of service to children and young people in the Bailiwick of Guernsey”, said Mrs Rawles.  “I would like to thank former Presidents David Raines and Richard Hamilton and Deputy President, Jane Betley for their support”, continued Mrs Rawles and added that she was looking forward to working with the Convenor Service staff and the CYCT members who she described as “a great team”.

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