What's Happening?
The Isle of Man Safeguarding Board has released its annual review, highlighting a significant increase in child referrals for safeguarding, which rose by 52 to a total of 133 between April 2024 and March
2025. The report indicates that while services for vulnerable adults have improved, the situation for young people remains concerning. Lesley Walker, the independent chair of the board, emphasized the need for enhanced safeguarding systems for children, noting that the number of re-referrals is higher than expected and exceeds the UK national average. The board has been tasked with auditing these re-referrals and making recommendations. Walker also pointed out that many children at risk have additional needs stemming from neurodiversity, which affects their ability to process information and increases their vulnerability to exploitation. Parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the support received from statutory agencies, reinforcing the need for a clear multi-agency intervention pathway.
Why It's Important?
The findings of the Isle of Man Safeguarding Board are crucial as they underscore the urgent need for systemic improvements in child protection. The increase in referrals and re-referrals suggests that current measures are insufficient, potentially leaving children vulnerable to exploitation and harm. The report's emphasis on early intervention and multi-agency collaboration highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to address these issues. The dissatisfaction expressed by parents indicates a gap in the support system that needs to be addressed to build trust and ensure the safety of at-risk children. The board's focus on creating a robust response to self-neglect among adults also points to broader safeguarding challenges that require attention.
What's Next?
The Isle of Man Safeguarding Board plans to conduct an audit of re-referrals to better understand the underlying issues and develop recommendations for improvement. The Community Safety Partnership, under the Criminal Justice Board, is expected to play a leading role in implementing a multi-agency intervention pathway. Additionally, the board is working on providing guidance to professionals to improve understanding and handling of consent in safeguarding cases. These steps are aimed at strengthening the overall safeguarding framework and ensuring that both children and vulnerable adults receive the necessary protection and support.
