Chris Thomas MHK has been confirmed as the Island’s new Children’s Champion, following his appointment by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK.
As Children’s Champion, Mr Thomas will act as a dedicated advocate for children and young people in care as well as for care leavers. This role includes a duty to champion the rights, views and welfare of children in care, and to support their transition into adulthood after leaving care.
Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:
‘I am pleased to appoint Chris Thomas MHK as the new Children’s Champion. His experience and strong understanding of policy will be invaluable in continuing the important work of supporting and amplifying the voices of young people across the Island.’
The appointment follows the tenure of Kerry Sharpe, who played a key role in strengthening children’s rights on the Island, including the establishment of Tynwald’s Youth Select Committee and raising awareness of the Government’s role as a corporate parent.
The Government set out a commitment in the Island Plan to develop a Child First Policy, which is expected to be published in the coming weeks. It will provide a framework for ensuring that children’s needs and rights are at the heart of Government activity. This, along with other policies, such as increasing financial support for childcare, an increase in child benefit rates in this year’s Budget, and raising the child benefit threshold to those who earn up to £90,000 a year demonstrate the Government’s commitment to supporting the Island’s children and young people.
Chris Thomas MHK added:
‘I am pleased to accept the Chief Minister’s invitation to serve as Children’s Champion to build on valuable contributions from predecessors. Government continues to develop its policies and understanding as to how best ensure children and young people in, and leaving, care are kept safe and enabled to fulfil their potential, and the Children’s Champion role includes giving those directly affected a voice in that - ‘nothing about us without us’ - something which has always been important to me.’
The opportunity has been taken to review the terms of reference for the role of the Children’s Champion, providing a clear focus on looked after children.
