Significant progress is being achieved across the Isle of Man Government to improve the quality of life for children, young people and families at risk.
A range of actions have been implemented or are being developed in response to the recommendations in three separate reviews.
The Combined Children and Young People Action Plan will be laid before the July sitting of Tynwald to provide an update on the cross-department initiatives, which are coordinated by the Council of Ministers Social Policy and Children’s Sub-Committee.
The report, which combines three previously separate action plans, is part of the Programme for Government objective of promoting a caring and inclusive society.
A number of key areas are addressed, including improvements in the immediate response to children who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. Actions to enhance early intervention and support for children, young people and their families are also highlighted, along with the work taking place in respect of staff performance, training, complaints and partnerships with parents.
Chris Thomas MHK, Chair of the Social Policy and Children’s Committee, said:
‘Departments are working together to respond positively to the challenges that have been identified. The progress report being presented to Tynwald shows the many steps that have been taken.’
He added: ‘The committee I chair has reviewed the progress of this action plan every month since it was prepared in December 2017. That is the forum where cross-departmental issues are unpicked and tackled. An update will be in Tynwald in July next year, by which time all the actions should have been completed.’
The three action plans - now combined in one document - are:
- Government response to the comments in the 2016 Care Inspectorate of Scotland progress review into services for children and young people in the Isle of Man
- Action plan to comply with the recommendations of the report of an investigation, on behalf of Tynwald, into allegations relating to the management of case files and relationships with service users in the Department of Health and Social Care, Children and Families Services
- Social Affairs Policy Review Committee report for the session 2015-16 (May 2016), Children and Families Services
