OFSTED report finds impact of substance misuse on children a 'significant concern'

Tue, 10 Oct 2023

An independent review of the Isle of Man’s Health and Social Care system has been undertaken and one of the key findings was that the “impact of substance misuse on children is of significant concern”.

Part one of the OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education) published report focused on the Isle of Man’s 11 children’s homes and one secure children’s home. The inspection for children’s homes took place in late April 2023 (24-28).

The report highlighted several issues under the ‘safety of children’ including on one occasion where ‘a child told staff that they had been having sex for money to enable them to buy drugs’.

The investigation found that records in this particular case are not clear whether this concern was escalated, professional curiosity pursued, or additional safeguards put into place.

It mentioned the use of restraints, and how conversations with children by staff about their feelings after restraint do not routinely take place and that ‘agency staff do not always undertake the same restraint training as employed staff’.

The report states that one short-term home is not effective and the ‘inspector could not ascertain whether risks for children were understood or professionally managed in this home due to the poor practice’.

It used an example that known high risks for children, such as substance misuse, child sexual exploitation and going missing, were evident and children were not safeguarded effectively.

Other issues include: when children sustain bruising, the process for exploring whether such injuries are of concern is poor and that 'children cannot share their concerns or views for poor practice independently as the lead for managing allegations is also the head of service'.

The inspection found that the routine locking of doors throughout the homes gives an 'institutional feel' and that this dated practice was 'not based on any individual assessment of risk'.

Headlines findings include:

• Children do not have access to independent advocacy;
• There are insufficient opportunities for children to be heard and seen as there is a lack of effective independent oversight and scrutiny of children’s care. This means that the child’s voice is lost;
• For many children who are subject to voluntary care arrangements, it is not clear who is exercising legal parental responsibility for these children to ensure that their rights are upheld, and appropriate decisions are made;
• Too many children do not have access to the appropriate education, training or employment.

In Manx Care's response to the findings it states: “It is important to note that that a number of the findings and gaps in the Service had already been identified and shared in the self-assessment presented to OFSTED.

“These were being responded to prior to this visit; none of the findings were a surprise to the Service and therefore accepted.”

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