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Constructive discussions over children's services

Monday, 5 January 2015

The Department of Health and Social Care held constructive discussions last week with both the Isle of Man Children's Centre and St Christopher's Isle of Man over changes as a result of the awarding of new contracts.

The meeting agreed, in principle, the process for continuity of care for youngsters when the residential service is transferred from the Children's Centre to St Christopher's in February 2015.

It was also clarified that around 38 Children's Centre staff could be affected by the changes but that 21 job opportunities would be ring-fenced for them to express an interest in with either St Christopher's or the Department.

Minister Howard Quayle MHK said:

'The primary principle for the Department in awarding contracts is to secure services that are of the highest quality for the children we care for, and which offer good value for the public's money. On this basis St Christopher's were evaluated as the strongest bid.

'The Department understands the disappointment felt by the Children's Centre, which as a result of this competitive process will now cease to provide any residential service for us. In line with the procurement process we have now given written feedback to them on their unsuccessful bid.

'However, we are continuing to work with the Children's Centre on the other substantial contracted services they provide to the Department, namely fostering and adoption, supervised contact, and continuing family support – contracts worth £2.2 million a year.'

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