48 children taken into care for reasons including abuse and neglect

Health minister reveals figures as part of written Tynwald answer

48 children have been taken into care for reasons including physical and sexual abuse, neglect and bereavement, since May 2018.

The health minister made the revelation whilst responding to a written question by Garff member Daphne Caine.

Lawrie Hooper says the figure includes a high number of teenages whom have become estranged from parents.

It also includes young people whom have been in care for a short period of time and returned home.

Not all children are subject to care orders, for various reasons:

• "The young person is a teenager and the parent has asked for the young person to be looked after whilst there is work done with the young person and parents around relationships.
• "Teenagers who are estranged from parents and need to be looked after in a semi-independent setting whilst they are equipped to live independently.
• "The period in care will be short-term and the parents are in agreement to place the child in terms of s25 voluntary accommodation."

Mr Hooper insists each case is discussed with legal representatives to determine whether a 'threshold' for a care order is met.