The views of the local community are being sought on the Island’s adoption process as part of a review by the Department of Health and Social Care.
It’s been some time since adoption practices in the Isle of Man were reviewed and feedback from the public is being invited as the Department considers whether changes are required and, if so, what form these might take.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said: “Supporting parents to care for their children is an important priority for the Isle of Man Government. We believe that strong families make strong communities. But we must always put a child’s best interests before anyone else’s. When children can’t live with their birth families, a range of care options are available, including adoption.
“The process of adoption has lifelong consequences, so it is vital that we get it right for everyone, but particularly so for children. The Department has commissioned Jane O’Rourke, a local consultant, to independently facilitate this review and we would welcome input and comment from anyone with a viewpoint on this important subject.”
A public meeting is being held on Wednesday 4 May at 5.00 pm in Seminar Room 1 at the Manx Museum, Douglas to provide a forum for the community. Everyone is welcome to attend such as those who have been adopted; a family member affected by adoption; a teacher or professional working in the field of child safeguarding; a foster carer; or simply someone who has a view to share.
In the Isle of Man there are relatively few adoptions but each one is a hugely significant event, forever affecting the world of the child, their birth and adoptive parents and grandparents, wider family, friendship and community groups.
Member for Children and Families’ Social Care Services, Ray Harmer MHK, said: “Every child has a right to a family and adoption is sometimes the best way to secure a permanent, safe family for a child. The Department believes it’s important that the process and the life-long outcomes are as good as they can be.”
Debbie Brayshaw, Director of Children and Families’ Social Care Service, said: “Without listening to the views of the community, we can’t establish a complete picture of the Island’s ‘ideal’ adoption process.
“Whilst our service has experienced professionals, the opinions that matter most are the children and their families and the members of the community who are touched by adoption.
“We are asking them to share their own experiences with us at this meeting. Knowing what works well and what could be improved is invaluable in developing services for some of the Island’s most vulnerable children.”
Those who are unable to attend the public meeting or instead wish to share their comments in writing can email manxadoption@gmail.com or write to Jane O’Rourke, c/o Adoption Review, 3rd Floor, Murray House, Douglas, IM1 2SF.
