It's report notes (para 14) that there are 'long-term adverse consequences' to 'stressful and traumatic child protection investigations' and acknowledges that these can even lead to parents attempting to 'kill their children and themselves' when notified of an investigation.

   

The Committee report also notes that much of children and families social work is 'hidden from view'. Its report calls for them to 'aspire to the highest standards' and makes recommendations  to improve working practices, law, transparency and governance.

   

This report comes in the wake of a UK National Audit Office report which found that over three quarters of English child protection services are below the required standard.

 

It also comes in the wake of a landmark UK Supreme Court judgment on Human Rights and child social policy.

   

To help understand and disentangle these complex issues PAG has invited social worker, solicitor, university lecturer and child protection expert Allan Norman to speak at its  October public meeting.

Mr Norman describes himself: "There are really three strands to my work. I still act as an advocate to help the vulnerable when they have a complaint about their social worker. Having a background in law and social work gives weight behind the help that I give them. I also act for social workers, defending them when they face challenges, disciplinary or regulatory action because of an action they have taken. Finally, I teach and lecture the next generation of social workers at a number of universities."

 

In 2013 he acted for parents in the landmark Haringey judgement. The High Court judgement was instrumental in changing social services practises across the UK

 

The PAG meeting is of key interest to all parents, all Tynwald members and all those working in safeguarding