Government training in how to 'put children first'

Children took part in focus groups and consultations to form the policy

Government ministers and public service staff are to be trained in children's rights and "how to incorporate them into making decisions and policy".

It comes after a plan to put "young people at the heart of government decision-making" was received by Tynwald.

The Child First Strategy, which applies to all areas of government, aims to "protect and promote" children's rights, including those in care and those with complex needs or disabilities.

Bringing it forward, Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford said it was a "starting framework" and work was needed to make sure it was "embedded across government".

The strategy was created following feedback and focus group work with children across the island, several of whom watched the discussion from Tynwald's public gallery.

Although a number of MHKs raised concerns the document was too broad and lacked detail of how the policy would be monitored and enforced, it was received by members unanimously.

Ashford said the policy aligned with the United Nations convention on the Rights of a Child, which stated that "every child who is capable of forming their own views has the right to express those views in matters affecting them".

He said the policy was a "clear demonstration of our dedication to protecting and promoting the rights of all children".

'Respected, safe, included'

Ashford said: "This policy encourages all departments to listen to children when making decisions that effect them ensuring their voices will continue to be heard in the future."

"Children told us they wanted more opportunities to play and take part in activities and they wanted more support for their parents and carers in tough times," he added.

Aims within the strategy include the continuation of a number of schemes already in place, including the Smile of Mann tooth brushing programme.

It also included work to improve access to mental health services for young people, and a youth service strategy offering children "somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to".

St Ninian's High School student Anastacia was involved in the consultations used to form the strategy

St Ninian's High School student Anastacia, 17, was one of the young people that took part in the evidence gathering stages.

Having only moved to the island a year ago, she said she had joined a youth programme and volunteered at youth clubs.

She said some of the the biggest priorities for young people were around mental health and "getting children the help they need".

Having spaces for young children to "be themselves, not get into any trouble, and having a nice social space so everyone can be included", was also important, she said.

'Long way to go'

But while the strategy was welcomed across the board, some Tynwald members were concerned about how effective it would be as the policy was not statutory.

Speaking in Tynwald, MLC Kirstie Morphet said it was important there was "true participation" across the public service and it was "not just a tick box exercise".

And Douglas Central member Joney Faragher voiced concerns that it was too broad, as saying a policy applies to everyone was "all too often the same as it applies to no one".

But the document was welcomed by Education Minister Daphne Caine for setting out the vision and ambition "to put children at the heart of all our thinking".

She said she had personally "hugely benefited" from hearing from the children that had participated during the consultation process, and from her previous role as children's champion.

Ashford agreed there was "a long way to go" in implementing the ambitions, but said the document provided "the starting framework".

The "real work of ensuring it is embedded as standard across government and actually results in something" would now begin, he said.