There's no law for Grandparents' rights

Senior police officer gives evidence to Tynwald committee

A Tynwald scrutiny body has been told there's "very little research about the impact upon relationships between children and grandparents" in times of crisis.

The Social Affairs Policy Review Committee continued its investigation into grandparents' rights today, as it heard evidence from a senior police officer.

Cathryn Bradley is the Chief Inspector in the 'protected services' section of Isle of Man Constabulary, which means she has responsibility for vulnerability and risk management - she's been in the role for around two years.

The committee is investigating following a petition for redress of grievance submitted to parliament on Tynwald Day last year.

The petitioners want to see 'proper legislation' brought in for a number of things relating to grandparents, including to enable mutual access rights with grandchildren when it's deemed to be in their best interests.

The committee's chair, Julie Edge MHK, asked Chief Inspector Bradley about what happens when a child needs to be removed from a potentially harmful situation - whether the first port of call is to place them with family, and how police determine whether the family member is suitable to take the child:

Under questioning from another member of the panel, Martyn Perkins MHK, Cathryn Bradley explained that grandparents aren't given any more or less consideration than other family members:

Chief Inspector Bradley also confirmed there's currently no legislation on the topic - either on the Isle of Man or elsewhere:

You can listen to the hearing in full on the Tynwald website.