Children's Champion: Services need to be 'good enough for one's own child'

Six of seven recommendations rejected or amended by CoMin

The Children's Champion says the provision of services across the Island need to be 'good enough for one's own child'.

Kerry Sharpe's second annual report, covering the period of April 2023-24, is set to be debated in Tynwald this week.

Within it, she makes seven recommendations; largely focussed on children with complex needs, young carers, and looked after children.

You can read more here.

COMPLEX NEEDS

Last year, Mrs Sharpe firmly set out her stall for the following 12 months.

She stated her priority for the upcoming year was children with complex and additional needs.

And her new report is the culmination of that work.

She told Siobhán Fletcher there are still numerous 'really big gaps' in services on the Island for both our children, and their parents or carers:

MANX MENCAP

To compile her report, Mrs Sharpe heard from a variety of people and organisations representing our Island's most vulnerable children.

One of those charities was Manx Mencap.

Health Coordinator Andy Hodkin told Siobhán the community they support can often be overlooked, but 'they have the most beautiful voices on the Isle of Man' - and the charity's job is to 'be their microphone':

COMIN RESPONSE

Since Manx Radio spoke to the Children's Champion, the Council of Ministers' response to the report has been published on the Tynwald Register of Business.

Of the seven recommendations made by Mrs Sharpe, only one has been accepted unamended.

Three have been amended by CoMin and three outright rejected.

In the foreword of the response, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan says: "Unfortunately, we cannot accept in full the recommendations outlined in Mrs Sharpe’s report. 

"Some recommendations require amending to align with our current objectives, strategies and budgetary commitments.

"Nevertheless, we remain committed to fulfilling our role as Corporate Parent and ensuring that children who are looked after receive the particular support and care that they need and have the same opportunities that we wish for all of our children.

"Together, we will continue to strive towards a future where every child can thrive and reach their full potential."

'DISAPPOINTED'

Manx Radio invited the Chief Minister to interview; that offer was declined.

But Andy from Manx Mencap gave Siobhán his thoughts:

For Kerry Sharpe, the message is clear - we need to provide services on the Island that are 'good enough for one's own child':

The second annual Children's Champion report will be put before Tynwald at the February sitting.

It can be found in full here and the Council of Ministers response can be found here.

You can hear more from both Kerry and Andy in our latest Newscast, available now.