Subject: Freedom of Information Request - Referrals to Children's Soci

Authority	Manx Care
Date received	2025-06-24
Outcome	Some information sent but not all held
Outcome date	2025-07-23
Case ID	4749473

Summary

A request was made for five years of data regarding referrals to Children's Social Services, including breakdowns by contact method and outcomes. Manx Care provided total referral counts and contact method statistics but withheld data on anonymous sources and specific intervention outcomes, citing that such information would require creating new data.

Key Facts

The request covered the period from 2020 to 2024.
Total referrals peaked in 2023 with 1,704 cases.
The 'Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form' was the most common contact method across all years.
Information on anonymous referrals and specific outcomes (e.g., Child Protection Plans) was not provided.
The authority cited Section 11(3)(b) of the FOI Act 2015 to refuse creating derived information.

Data Disclosed

2020: 1234 referrals
2021: 1083 referrals
2022: 1163 referrals
2023: 1704 referrals
2024: 1476 referrals
2020 Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form: 652
2023 Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form: 1014
2020 Telephone: 344
2023 Telephone: 464
Reference number: 4749473
Date received: 2025-06-24
Outcome date: 2025-07-23

Exemptions Cited

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Isle of Man)

Original Request

To: Department of Health and Social Care Belgravia House Circular Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2QZ --- Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Isle of Man). Please provide the following information for the past five calendar years (or a shorter period if preferred due to resource limitations): 1. The total number of referrals received by Children's Social Services concerning children who may be at risk of harm or in need of social work intervention. 2. A breakdown of how these referrals were received, such as: By phone (including anonymous calls) By email In person Via schools, health professionals, police, or other agencies 3. The number of referrals that were anonymous or from unidentified sources. 4. The number of referrals that resulted in: No further action An initial assessment A full child protection investigation The child being placed on a Child Protection Plan The child being taken into care Additionally, if available, please include any internal guidance or criteria used by the department to determine whether a referral meets the threshold for further intervention or assessment. If this request exceeds the cost limit, please contact me to refine or narrow the scope. I would prefer an electronic response if possible. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Data Tables (44)

	The Safeguarding
Board has published the Information Sharing Protocol and Guidance to assist professionals when
sharing information -


The child appears healthy, and has access to and makes use of appropriate health and health advice services	The child rarely accesses appropriate health and health advice services, missing immunisations.	There is no evidence that the parent in regards to the child has accessed health and health advice services and suffers chronic and recurrent health problems as a result. Diagnosed with a life- limiting illness	The child has complex health problems which are attributable to the lack of access to health services. Carer denying professional staff access to the child.
All child’s health needs are met by parents.	Additional help required to meet health demands of the child including disability or long term serious illness requiring support services	With additional support, parent not meeting needs of child’s health. Carer displays high levels of anxiety regarding child’s health, which may relate to perplexing presentations	Carers’ level of anxiety regarding their child’s health is significantly harming the child’s development. Strong suspicions / evidence of fabricating or inducing illness in their child
Carer does not have any additional needs	Needs of the carers are affecting the care and development of the child	Needs of the carer / other family members are significantly affecting the care of child.
Parent accesses ante- natal and/or post-natal care	The carer demonstrates ambivalence to ante- natal and post-natal care with irregular attendance and missed appointments.	The carer is not accessing ante-natal and/ or post-natal care, significant concern about prospective parenting ability, resulting in the need for a pre-birth assessment.	The parent neglects to access ante-natal care or attempts to conceal the pregnancy and there are accumulative risk indicators.
The parent is coping well emotionally following the birth of their baby and accessing universal support services where required.	The parent is struggling to adjust to the role of parenthood, postnatal depression is affecting parenting ability	The parent is suffering from post-natal depression. Infant / child appears to have poor growth - Growth falling 2 centile ranges or more, without an apparent health problem. New born affected by maternal substance misuse.	The carer is suffering from severe post-natal depression which is causing serious risk to themselves and their child/ children.
Pregnancy with no apparent safeguarding concerns	Pregnancy in a young person / vulnerable adult who is deemed in need of support	The parent is a current looked after child or vulnerable young person	Pregnancy in a child under 13 or parent with significant learning needs. Young inexperienced parents with additional concerns that could place the

	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Level 4
The child is provided with an emotionally warm, supportive relationship and stable family environment providing consistent boundaries and guidance, meeting developmental milestones to the best of their abilities.			Parenting often lacks emotional warmth and/or can be overly critical and/or inconsistent, occasional relationship difficulties impacting on the child’s development. Struggles with setting age appropriate boundaries, occasionally not meeting developmental milestones and occasionally prioritises their own needs before child’s			Carer’s inability to engage emotionally with child leads to developmental milestones not met. Family environment is volatile and unstable resulting in a negative impact on the child, leading to possible vulnerabilities and exploitative relationships, parent/ carer unable to judge dangerous situations / set appropriate boundaries. Allegations that parents making verbal threats to children. Child rarely comforted when distressed / under significant pressure to achieve / aspire			Relationships between the child and carer have broken down to the extent that the child is at risk of significant harm / frequently exposed to dangerous situations and development significantly impaired. Child has suffered long term neglect due to lack of emotional support from parents.
Child has good mental health and psychological wellbeing.			The child has a mild a mental health condition which affects their everyday functioning but can be managed in schools and parents are engaged with school /health services including accessing remote support services to address this. Child is accessing social media sites related to self- harm, has expressed thoughts of self-harm but no evidence of self- harm incidences. History of mental health condition but have been assessed and discharged home with safety plan and follow up.			The child has a mental health condition which significantly affects their everyday functioning and requires specialist intervention in the community. Parent is not presenting child for treatment increasing risk of mental health deterioration problems as a result. No evidence child has accessed mental health advice services and suffers recurrent mental health problems as a result. Child is known to be accessing harmful social media sites to facilitate self-harming. Child self- harms causing minor injury and parent responds appropriately. Child has expressed suicidal ideation with no known plan of intent. Child is under the care of			Child expressed suicidal ideation with intent or psychotic episode or other significant mental health symptoms. Refuses medical care or is in hospital following episode of self-harm or suicide attempt or significant mental health issues. Carer unable to manage child’s behaviours related to their mental health increasing the risk of the child suffering significant harm. Child or young person has ongoing suicidal ideation following attempt or is in hospital following episode of self-harm or suicide attempt

		hospital engaging with mental health services.
The child engages in age appropriate activities and displays age appropriate behaviours, having a positive sense of self and abilities reducing the risk of those wanting to exploit them.	Child has a negative sense of self and abilities, suffering with low self-esteem and confidence making them vulnerable to those who wish to exploit them resulting in becoming involved in negative behaviour/activities	Child has a negative sense of self and abilities, suffering with low self-esteem and confidence which results in child becoming involved in negative behaviour / activities by those exploiting / grooming them.	Evidence of exploitation linked to child’s vulnerability. Child frequently exhibits negative behaviour / activities that place the child or others at imminent risk. Parent not setting appropriate boundaries or the role modelling the child receives does not promote positive choices.
Mental health of the carer does not affect / impact care of the child.	Sporadic / low level mental health of carer impacts care of child, however, protective factors in place.	Mental health needs of the carer (subject to a section under MHA) is impacting on the care of their child and there are no supportive networks and extended family to prevent harm. Carer has expressed suicidal ideation with no known plan of intent.	Mental health needs of the carer significantly impacting the care of their child placing them at risk of significant harm. Carer has ongoing suicidal ideation following attempt or is in hospital following episode of self-harm or suicide attempt.
Child has not suffered the loss of a close family member or friend	Child has suffered a bereavement recently or in the past and is distressed but receives support from family and friends and appears to be coping reasonably well – would benefit from short term additional support from early help services.	Child has suffered bereavement recently or in the past and recently there has been a deterioration in their behaviour. Low level support has not assisted, long term intervention required	Child has suffered bereavement and is missing, self-harming, disclosing suicidal thoughts, risk of exploitation, and involvement in organised crime (county line) activity.
		Children Services notified the child is privately fostered by adults who are able to provide for his/her needs and there are no safeguarding concerns Some concern about the private fostering arrangements in place for the child, there may be issues around the carers’ treatment of the child	There is concern that the child is a victim of exploitation, domestic slavery, or being physically abused in their private foster placement


Child is in education/training with no barriers to learning. Planned progressions beyond school/college. Behaviour issues are managed by the school.	Child experiences frequent moves between schools or professional concerns re home education. Reports of bullying but responded to appropriately. Peer concerns managed by the school	Child’s attendance is varied with missing absences and suspensions. Recurring issues raised about child’s home education. Child is unable to comply with the school behaviour system	Child’s achievement is seriously impacted by lack of education. Regular breakdown of school placements. Lack of trust in education system (young person or parents/carers). Repeated concerns carer is unable or unwilling to work with school in the management of behaviour
Developmental milestones met	Some developmental milestones are not being met which will be supported by universal services	Some developmental milestones are not being met which will require support of targeted/specialist services Concerns as parenting capacity may be impacting on child’s development	Developmental milestones are significantly delayed or impaired causing concerns regarding ongoing neglect. (not in the case of those with a disability)
The child possesses age appropriate ability to understand and organise information and solve problems, and makes adequate academic progress	The child's ability to understand and organise information and solve problems is impaired and the child is under- achieving or is making no academic progress	The child's ability to understand and organise information and solve problems is very significantly impaired and the child is seriously under-achieving or is making no academic progress despite learning support strategies over a period of time Parenting capacity may be impacting child’s development with suspected neglect	The child's inability to understand and organise information and solve problems is adversely impacting on all areas of his/her development creating risk of significant harm, and concerns of carer neglect
The carer positively supports learning and aspirations and engages with school	The carer is not engaged in supporting learning aspirations and/or is not engaging with the school.	The carer does not engage with the school and actively resists suggestions of supportive interventions.	The carer actively discourages or prevents the child from learning or engaging with the school


Carer protects their family from danger/ significant harm.	Carer on occasion does not protect their family which if unaddressed could lead to risk or danger	Carer frequently neglects/is unable to protect their family from danger/significant harm. Parents or carers persistently avoid contact / do not engage with childcare professionals.	Carer is unable to protect their child from harm, placing their child at significant risk. Allegations of harm by a person in a position of trust. (MASM)
Child shows no physical symptoms which could be attributed to neglect.	Child occasionally shows physical symptoms which could indicate neglect.	Child consistently shows physical symptoms which clearly indicate neglect	Child shows physical signs or emotional impact of neglect which are attributable to the care provided by their carers.
Child has injuries which are consistent with normal childish play and activities.	Child has occasional, less common injuries which are consistent with the parents’ account of accidental injury - carers seek out or accept advice on how to avoid accidental injury	Child has injuries which are accounted for but are more frequent than would be expected for a child of a similar age/needs. Carer does not know how injuries occurred or explanation unclear.	Any allegations of abuse or neglect or any injury suspected to be non- accidental injury to a child. Repeated allegations or reasonable suspicion of non-accidental injury. Any allegation of abuse/suspicious injury in a pre-mobile or non- mobile child. Child has injuries more frequently which are not accounted and the child makes disclosure and implicates parents or older family members.
Carer does not physically harm their child including physical chastisement.	Carer uses physical assault (no injuries) as discipline but is willing to access professional support to help them manage the child’s behaviour	Carer uses physical assault (injuries) as discipline but is willing to access professional support to help them manage the child’s behaviour. And has previously accessed support.	Carer uses an implement causing significant physical harm to a child
No concerns re conflict / tensions within the family	Carer uses physical assault (no injuries) as discipline but is willing to access professional support to help them manage the child’s behaviour	Family is experiencing a crisis likely to result in the breakdown of care arrangements - no longer want to care for child	Family have rejected / abandoned / evicted child. Child has no available parent and the child is vulnerable to significant harm. Child not living with a family member

No concerns of inappropriate self- sufficiency	Pattern emerging of self- sufficiency which is not proportionate to a child/young person’s age and stage of development	High level of self- sufficiency is observed in a child/young person that is not proportionate to a child/young person’s age and stage of development.	Inappropriate, high level of self-sufficiency for child/young person’s age and stage of development resulting in neglect.
No concerns of fabricated or induced illness.	Child has an increased level of illnesses with the causes unknown	Suspicion child has suffered or is at risk of fabricated or induced illness	Medical confirmation that a child has suffered significant harm due to fabricated or induced illness


Nothing to indicate child is being sexually abused by their family / network.	Concerns relating to inappropriate sexual behaviour which is not age appropriate / abuse within the family / network but does not amount to a criminal offence.	Allegation of non-recent sexual abuse but no longer in contact with perpetrator.	Concerns re possible inappropriate sexual behaviour from carer / carer sexually abuses their child. Offender who has risk to children status is in contact with Family. Child who lives in a household into which a registered sex offender or convicted violent offender subject to M-APPA moves in
Good knowledge of healthy relationships and sexual health.	Emerging concerns of possible sexual activity of a child.	Suspicions of peer on peer sexual activity in a child over 13 years old. Child under 16 is accessing sexual health and contraceptive services.	Suspicions of sexual abuse / sexually activity of a child. Direct allegation of sexual abuse/assault by child and belief that child is in imminent danger and in need of immediate protection.
Good knowledge of healthy relationships and sexual health	Emerging sexually inappropriate behaviour.	Send/receive inappropriate sexual material produced by themselves or other young people via digital or social media, considered as peer-on- peer abuse, including coercive control. Evidence of concerning sexual behaviour – accessing violent / exploitative pornography.	Child is exhibiting harmful, sexual behaviour. Early teen pregnancy. Risk taking sexual activity

	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Level 4
There is no history of criminal offences within the family.			History of criminal activity within the family including gang involvement, child has from time to time been involved in anti-social behaviour			Family member has a criminal record relating to serious or violent crime, known organised crime group involvement, child is involved in anti-social behaviour and may be at risk of organised crime involvement, early support not having the desired impact. Starting to commit offences/re- offend or be a victim of crime			Re-occurring / frequent attendances by the police to the family home. Family member within household’s criminal activity significantly impacting on the child, child is currently involved in persistent or serious criminal activity and /or is known to be engaging in organised crime/county line activities leading to injury caused by a weapon.
Young person has no involvement with crime or anti-social behaviour.			Child is vulnerable and at potential risk of being targeted and/or groomed for criminal exploitation, gang activity or other criminal groups/associations.			Child appears to be actively targeted/coerced with the intention of exploiting the child for criminal gain.			Child habitually entrenched / actively criminally exploited. There is a risk of imminent significant harm to the child as a result of their criminal associations and activities. They may not recognise they are being exploited and/or are in denial about the nature of their abuse.

Young person has no involvement with crime or anti-social behaviour.	Young person is engaging in anti-social behaviour	Attention of the police. Talks about carrying a weapon. Reports from others that involved in named gang. Glamorises criminal or violent behaviour.	Arrested for possession of offensive weapon, drugs, multiple thefts / going equipped / motoring offences. Non- compliance of conditions Charged or convicted of Robbery/Use of offensive weapon/ possession with intent to supply Class A drugs / Domestic Abuse (child over 10). Intentional harm of others / animals
Young person has been stopped but not searched. Young person has been stopped and searched with no obvious safeguarding concerns or criminality.	Young person has been stopped and searched in circumstances that cause concern such as time of day and others present but no previous concerns	Young person regularly stopped and searched indicating vulnerability, exploitation or criminality. Young person arrested as a result of a stop and search.	Young person consistently stopped and searched with risk factors suggested they are being exploited.


There is no concern the child may be subject to harmful traditional practices	Concern the child is in a culture where harmful practices are known to have been performed however parents are opposed to the practices in respect of their children	Concern the child may be subject to harmful traditional practices.	Evidence the child may be subject to harmful traditional practices.
There are no concerns that the child is at risk of so - called Honour Based Violence.	There are concerns that a child may be subjected to so-called Honour Based Violence.	There is evidence to indicate the child is at risk of so–called Honour Based Violence.	There is specific evidence to indicate a child has been subjected to so–called Honour Based Violence or the child has reported they have been subjected to Honour Based Violence.
There are no concerns that the child is at risk of Female Genital Mutilation.	History of practising Female Genital Mutilation within the family including female child is born to a woman who has undergone Female Genital Mutilation, older sibling/cousin who has undergone Female Genital Mutilation. Family indicate that there are strong levels of influence held by elders	Any female child born/unborn to a mother who has had Female Genital Mutilation and is from a prevalent country, family believe Female Genital Mutilation is integral to cultural or religious identity. Female child talks about a long holiday / confirmed travel to her country of origin or	Reports that female child has had Female Genital Mutilation/ child requests help as suspects she is at risk of Female Genital Mutilation. Upon return from country where practice is prevalent, noticeable changes in child – dress code, excusing from PE, discomfort in walking,

	and/or elders are involved in bringing up female children. Female child where	another country where the practice is prevalent. Female child or parent from household where Female Genital Mutilation is known or suspected to have previously been a factor state that they or a relative will go out of the country for a prolonged period with female child. Female Genital Mutilation is known to be practiced is missing from education for a period without school’s approval.	frequenting toilet facilities
There are no concerns a child is at risk of Forced Marriage	There are concerns that parents are not opposed to forced marriage.	There are concerns that a child may be subjected to Forced Marriage	Evidence child may be subject to forced marriage or has been subjected to Forced Marriage
There are no concerns that the child is at risk of witchcraft.	Suspicion child is exposed to issues of spirit possession or witchcraft.	Evidence child is exposed to issues of spirit possession or witchcraft	Disclosure from child about spirit possession or witchcraft, parental view that child is believed to be possessed

	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Level 4
Child and family’s activities are legal with no links to proscribed organisations			Child makes reference to own and family ideologies.			The child expresses sympathy for ideologies closely linked to violent extremism but is open to other views or loses interest quickly. Child and family have indirect links to proscribed organisations.			The child expresses beliefs that extreme violence should be used against people who disrespect their beliefs and values. The child supports people travelling to conflict zones for extremist/ violent purposes or with intent to join terrorist groups The child expresses a generalised non-specific intent to go themselves. Child, family and friends have strong links / are members of proscribed organisations

Child doesn’t express support for extreme views or is too young to express such views themselves	Child makes reference to own and family extreme views.	A child is known to live with an adult or older child who has extreme views. Child may inadvertently view extremist imagery.	A child is sent extreme imagery / taken to demonstrations or marches where violent, extremist and/or age inappropriate imagery or language is used. The child/carers/ close family members / friends are members of prescribed organisations, promoting the actions of violent extremists and/or saying that they will carry out violence in support of extremist views including child circulating violent extremist images.
Child engages in age appropriate use of internet, including social media	Child is at risk of becoming involved in negative internet use that will expose them to extremist ideology, expressing casual support for extremist views.	Child is known to have viewed extremist websites and has said s/he shares some of those views but is open about this and can discuss the pros and cons or different viewpoints	Child is known to have viewed extremist websites and is actively concealing internet and social media activities. They either refuse to discuss their views or make clear their support for extremist views. Significant concerns that the child is being groomed for involvement in extremist activities
Child engages in age appropriate activities and displays age appropriate behaviours and self-control.	Child is expressing strongly held and intolerant views towards people who do not share their religious or political views.	Child is refusing to co- operate with activities at school that challenge their religious or political views, they are aggressive and intimidating to others who do not share their religious or political views.	Child expresses strongly held beliefs that people should be killed because they have a different view. Child is initiating verbal and sometimes physical conflict with people who do not share their religious or political views.
Child engages in age appropriate activities and displays age appropriate behaviours and self-control.	The child is expressing verbal support for extreme views some of which may be in contradiction to British law.	Concerns child has connections to individuals or groups known to have extreme views and they are being educated to hold intolerant, extremist views	Child has strong links and involved in activities and being educated by those with individuals or groups who are known to have extreme views / links to violent extremism.


The child has no history of substance misuse or dependency.	The child is known to be using drugs and alcohol frequently with occasional impact on their social wellbeing.	The child’s substance misuse dependency is affecting their mental and physical health and social wellbeing - Child presents at hospital due to substance / alcohol misuse. Carer indifferent to underage smoking / alcohol / drugs etc	The child’s substance misuse dependency is putting the child at such risk that intensive specialist resources are required.
Carers/other family members do not use drugs or alcohol or the use does not impact on parenting	Drug and/or alcohol use is impacting on parenting but adequate provision is made to ensure the child’s safety, concerns this may increase if continues.	Drug/alcohol use by carer has escalated to the point where the child is worrying about their carer/family member. This is impacting on quality of parenting the child receives	Carer/other family members drug and/or alcohol use is at a problematic level and are unable to provide care to child
No signs or suspicion of drug usage	Child or household member found in possession of Class C drugs	Previous concerns of drug involvement / drug supply and child or household member found in possession of Class A or Class B drugs / drug paraphernalia found in home	Family home is used for drug taking / dealing / illegal activities.
No signs or suspicion of drug usage	Concerns of drug usage during pregnancy	Evidence of substance/drug misuse during pregnancy – pre 21 weeks gestation	Evidence of substance/drug misuse during pregnancy – post 21 weeks gestation.

	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Level 4
Carers / other family members have disabilities which do not affect the care of their child.			Carers / other family members have disabilities which occasionally impedes their ability to provide consistent patterns of care but without putting the child at risk, additional support required.			Carers / other family members have disabilities which are affecting the care of the child.			Carers / other family members have disabilities which are severely affecting the care of the child and placing them at risk of significant harm
Child has no apparent disabilities			Additional help required to meet health demands of the child’s disabilities			Parents unable to fully meet the child’s needs due disability needs, requiring significant support under CWCN Plan			Carers Child’s disability needs not being met - neglectful

	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Level 4
Child does not have caring responsibilities.			Child occasionally has caring responsibilities for members of their family and this sometimes impacts on their opportunities.			Child is regularly caring for another family member resulting in their development and opportunities being adversely impacted by their caring responsibilities.			Child’s outcomes are being adversely impacted by their unsupported caring responsibilities, and parent / carer is unaccepting of support offered.


Expectant mother or parent is not in an abusive relationship.	Expectant mother or parent is a victim of occasional or low-level non-physical abuse.	Expectant mother or parent has previously been a victim of domestic abuse and is a victim of occasional or low-level physical abuse	Expectant mother or parent is a victim of medium / high level domestic abuse which has taken place on a number of occasions
No history or incidents of violence, emotional abuse / economic control or controlling or coercive behaviour in the family.	There are isolated incidents of physical / emotional abuse / economic control or controlling or coercive behaviour in the family, however mitigating protective factors within the family are in place. Even if children reported not to be present when incidents have occurred.	Children suffering emotional harm when witnessing physical / emotional abuse / economic control / coercive and controlling behaviour within the family. Perpetrator/s show limited or no commitment to changing their behaviour and little or no understanding of the impact their behaviour has on the child.	Evidence suggesting child is directly subjected to verbal abuse, derogatory titles, and threatening and/or coercive adult behaviours. Child suffering emotional harm and possibly physical harm when witnessing / involved with physical / emotional abuse / economic control / coercive and controlling behaviour within the family especially if they are trying to protect the adult victim. Frequency of incidents increasing in severity / duration
	Information has become known that a person living in the house may be a previous perpetrator of domestic abuse, although no sign of current or recent abuse is apparent.	Confirmation previous domestic abuse perpetrator residing at property. Carer minimises presence of domestic abuse in the household contrary to evidence of its existence.	Serious threat to parent's life or to child by violent partner. Child injured in domestic violence incident. Child traumatised or neglected due to a serious incident of DV or child is unborn


Child has good quality early attachments, confident in social situations with strong friendships and positive social interaction with a range of peers, demonstrating positive behaviour and respect for others	Child has few friendships and limited social interaction with their peers. Child has communication difficulties and poor interaction with others. Child exhibits aggressive, bullying or destructive behaviours which impacts on their peers, family and/or local community. Support is in place to manage this behaviour. Child is a victim of discrimination or bullying.	Child is isolated and refuses to participate in social activities, interacting negatively with others including aggressive, bullying or destructive behaviours, early support has been refused, or been inadequate to manage this behaviour. Child has experienced persistent or severe bullying which has impacted on his/her daily outcomes. Child has significant communication difficulties.	Child is completely isolated, refusing to participate in any activities, positive interaction with others is severely limited due to displays of aggressive, bullying or destructive behaviours impacting on their wellbeing or safety. Child has experienced such persistent or severe bullying that his/her wellbeing is at risk. Child has little or no communication skills
There is a positive family network and good friendships outside the family unit.	There is a significant lack of support from the extended family network which is impacting on the parent’s capacity.	There is a limited or negative family network. There is destructive or unhelpful involvement from the extended family. Child has multiple carers; may have no significant or positive relationship with any of them/child has no other positive relationships	The family network has broken down or is highly volatile and is causing serious adverse impact to the child
Child engages in age appropriate use of internet, gaming and social media	Child is at risk of becoming involved in negative internet use, lacks control and is unsupervised in gaming and social media applications	Child is engaged in or victim of negative and harmful behaviours associated with internet and social media use or is obsessively involved in gaming which interferes with social functioning. Evidence of sexual material being shared without consent. Multiple SIMs or phones	Child is showing signs of being secretive, deceptive and is actively concealing internet and social media activities. Regularly coerced to send / receive indecent images. Coerced to meet in person for sexual activity. There is a lack of parental supervision
The family feels integrated into the community.	The family is chronically socially excluded and/ or there is an absence of supportive community networks.	The family is socially excluded and isolated to the extent that it has an adverse impact on the child	The family is excluded and the child is seriously affected but the family actively resists all attempts to achieve inclusion and isolates the child from sources of support

The neighbourhood is a safe and positive environment encouraging good citizenship and knowledgeable about the effects of crime and anti-social behaviour	Child is affected and possibly becoming involved in low level anti-social behaviour in the locality due to others engaging in threatening and intimidating behaviour	The neighbourhood or locality is having a negative impact on the child resulting in the child coming to notice of the police on a regular basis both as a suspect and a victim, concerns by others re exploitation	The neighbourhood or locality is having a profoundly negative impact on the child resulting in the child coming to notice of the police on a regular basis both as a suspect and a victim, concerns by others re high risk of exploitation, being groomed and any other criminal activity
Child and family is legally entitled to live in the country indefinitely and has full rights to employment and public funds.	Child and family’s legal entitlement to stay in Isle of Man is temporary and/or restricts access to public funds and/or the right to work placing the child and family under stress.	Child and family’s legal status puts them at risk of involuntary removal from the country / having limited financial resources/no recourse to public funds increases the vulnerability of the children to criminal activity	Evidence a child has been exposed or involved in criminal activity to generate income for the family / family members are being detained and at risk of deportation or the child is an unaccompanied asylum- seeker.
Young person is positively engaging with services. Has awareness of the risks and grooming processes. Motivated and positive outlook	Perceived inability or reluctance to access more mainstream support. Reduced access due to their ethnicity / cultural background / being in care / Identifying as LGBTQ / Educational Needs (SEN).	Isolated and refuses to participate in activities. Experiencing bullying or social isolation that may be exacerbated by personal, cultural, sexual identity or education needs. Targeted by groups or individuals due to their vulnerability or perceived reputation.	Negative sense of self and abilities that risk of causing harm. Completely isolated, refusing activities. High levels of social isolation that may be exacerbated by personal, cultural, sexual identity or education needs. Plus parent refusing child to access activities and creating isolation

	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Level 4
	Places / Spaces
Good services in area and young person is aware / engaging positively. Guardians in area ensure physical and psychological wellbeing of young people.			Spending time in areas known for antisocial behaviour or where more vulnerable. Child/ young person identifies and informs professionals of unsafe locations and reason for this.			The neighbourhood or locality is having a negative impact on the child. Frequently spending time in locations, including online, where they can be anonymous or at risk of experience harm / violence / exploitation.			Found in areas/properties known for exploitation / violence. Taken to hotel / B&B / property with intention of being harmed or harming others. Area having profoundly negative effect on the child

	Peer Group / External
	Relationships
Peer group engage in positive activities / clubs / communities. The group understands risk and harm. Age appropriate and safe. Peers that have ‘turned around’ in their journey.		Some indications that unknown adults and/or other exploited children have contact with the child/young person. Some indications of negatively influential peers	Unknown adults and/or other exploited children/young people associating with the child/young person. Escalation in behaviour of peer group. Accompanied by an adult who is not a legal guardian. Arrested with individuals who at risk of exploitation / violence.	Staying with someone believed to be exploiting them. Person with significant relationship is coercing child / young person to meet and child is sexually or physically abused. Found with adults / high risk individuals out of area or in UK. Is being exploited to ‘recruit’ others.
	Professional
	Engagement
Trusted adult in professional network. Impactful engagement. Curious and flexible		Limited referral history with services. Lack of confidence in worker / service to manage risk or work with adolescents. Multiple workers confused or disagreeing on risk.	Services previously involved and closed; new referral received for similar concerns. Despite attempts, professionals have been unable to engage the young person to date. Several services involved but little change.	History of multiple services / referrals with little change or escalation in risk. Services report unable to keep child / young person safe
	Missing
Child comes homes on time and does not run away from home. Their whereabouts are always known to their carer’s and they answer their phone		Child has run away from home on one or two occasions or not returned at the normal time. Concerns about what happened to them whilst they were away, whereabouts unknown.	Child persistently runs away and/or goes missing, serious concerns about their activity whilst away. Parent does not report them missing. Unable to give explanations for whereabouts.	Child persistently runs away and/or goes missing and does not recognise that he/she is putting him/herself at risk of exploitation, criminal behaviour etc. Pattern of sofa surfing, whereabouts unknown

Full Response Text

Manx Care Noble’s Hospital, Strang Braddan, Isle of Man IM4 4R (01624) 650 000

Our ref: 4749473 22 July 2025

Dear

We write further to your request, received 24 June 2025, which states:

"To:

Department of Health and Social Care

Belgravia House

Circular Road

Douglas

Isle of Man

IM1 2QZ

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Isle of Man).

Please provide the following information for the past five calendar years (or a shorter period if preferred due to resource limitations):

The total number of referrals received by Children's Social Services concerning children who may be at risk of harm or in need of social work intervention.
A breakdown of how these referrals were received, such as:

By phone (including anonymous calls) By email In person Via schools, health professionals, police, or other agencies

The number of referrals that were anonymous or from unidentified sources.
The number of referrals that resulted in:

No further action

An initial assessment A full child protection investigation The child being placed on a Child Protection Plan The child being taken into care

Additionally, if available, please include any internal guidance or criteria used by the department to determine whether a referral meets the threshold for further intervention or assessment.

If this request exceeds the cost limit, please contact me to refine or narrow the scope. I would prefer an electronic response if possible.

Thank you for your time and assistance."

Response While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the public authority does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find some of the information that you have requested.
Under S11(3)(b) complying with the request for information would require the public authority to do one or more of the matters mentioned in section 8(3) (things a public authority is not required to do by the Act) to create or derive information from information that it holds which the Department is not required to do under the Act.

Year Count 2020 1234 2021 1083 2022 1163 2023 1704 2024 1476
Year Contact Method Count 2020 E-Mail 182 2020 Fax 1 2020 Letter 5 2020 Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form 652 2020 Other 38 2020 Telephone 344 2020 Text Message 2 2020 Visit to Office 10 2021 E-Mail 106 2021 Letter 2 2021 Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form 642 2021 Other 24 2021 Telephone 291 2021 Text Message 1

2021 Visit to Office 17 2022 E-Mail 89 2022 Letter 1 2022 Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form 725 2022 Other 38 2022 Telephone 285 2022 Text Message 2 2022 Visit to Office 23 2023 E-Mail 149 2023 Letter 6 2023 Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form 1014 2023 Other 38 2023 Telephone 464 2023 Text Message 2 2023 Visit to Office 31 2024 E-Mail 179 2024 Letter 12 2024 Multi-Agency Assess & Ref Form 956 2024 Other 34 2024 Telephone 261 2024 Text Message 2 2024 Visit to Office 32

See above re S11 (3)(b).
Not all child protection investigations would go to an ICPC (Initial Child Protection Conference): o so you would have to look at the referral outcome being a Strategy Discussion o outcome of Strategy Discussion would be a S46 NARRATES o Outcome of this would be an ICPC • If an ICPC and the outcome of this can be to place the child/young person on a CP Plan or not • If not an ICPC, it could stay open but as a CWCN child/young person or closed.

Please quote the reference number 4749473 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely

Threshold Guidance A multi- agency guide to assess levels of need for children & families, and identifying the appropriate support in the Isle of Man Isle of Man Safeguarding Board Approved: June 2024 Review Date: June 2026 Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1 Principles of Practice ............................................................................................................................... 2 Early Help is everyone’s responsibility – Early Help in Isle of Man is a collaborative approach, not a provision: ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Child Focused Practice – The child is at the centre of all we do: ........................................................ 2 The Child’s Voice – The voice of the child will be captured and we will value the view and opinions of children: .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Participation of parents and carers – Parents have the primary responsibility to meet the needs of their children: ...................................................................................................................................... 3 ACE and Trauma Informed Practice: ................................................................................................... 3 Contextual Safeguarding: .................................................................................................................... 3 Assessing Need through Conversation ................................................................................................... 3 Assessment Triangle for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families.................................. 4 Assessing levels of need and escalating concerns. ................................................................................. 5 Safeguarding Together 2019 ................................................................................................................... 5 Understanding Risk of Harm: .................................................................................................................. 5 Safeguarding Children under One Year Old and Unborn babies: ........................................................... 6 Neglect: ................................................................................................................................................... 6 Levels of Need ......................................................................................................................................... 7 Transition between levels: .................................................................................................................. 8 Appendix 1 .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Isle of Man Levels of Need and Support ............................................................................................. 9

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Introduction This guidance has been developed in consultation with partner agencies who work with children and young people and their families in the Isle of Man. The guidance outlines the way we can all work together, share information, and place the child and their family at the centre of our work, providing effective support to help them solve problems, find solutions and to access the right help at the right time to prevent escalation of need.
The guidance is aimed to be used as a reference point by anyone from any sector or agency who may have worries about a child. This document does not replace any statutory guidance or legislative framework; it offers an approach to working together. This document sets out four levels of need and provides guidance to help assess a child’s level of need and identify which, if any, services are required. It is not a rigid set of procedures as each child is unique and their individual needs will change over time. However, it doesn’t replace the need to use professional judgment and consultation with agency Designated Safeguarding Leads / Advisors in accordance with agencies policy. Professionals must ensure that there is no delay in offering support that could prevent problems escalating. If a child is at immediate significant risk of harm contact the emergency services on 999 and then contact MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, 01624 686179 or Out of Hours, 01624 631212). Prompt action is required to avoid delay in protecting children and to facilitate the gathering of evidence where a crime may have been committed.
All children have basic needs that in the main are provided for through universal services. These include early years, health, education, youth services, leisure facilities, and the many services provided by voluntary and community organisations.
There may be times when the needs of the family are such that additional support, intensive support or specialist statutory intervention is required, and decision-making is underpinned by:
Safeguarding Together (March 2019) makes it clear that safeguarding children and promoting their welfare is the responsibility of all professionals working with children and that they should understand the criteria for taking action across a continuum of need that includes; ensuring that children achieve the best outcomes; preventing the impairment of children’s health and development ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with safe and effective care; and, protecting children from abuse and neglect.
Effective sharing of information between professionals and local agencies is essential for effective identification, assessment and service provision. Fears about sharing information should not stand in the way of the need to promote the welfare and protect the safety of children. The Safeguarding Board has published the Information Sharing Protocol and Guidance to assist professionals when sharing information -
The Safeguarding Act 2018, enshrines that all relevant bodies have a duty to safeguard, and promote the welfare of children by: a) Protecting children from maltreatment b) Preventing impairment of children’s health or development 2 | P a g e

c) Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and d) Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Principles of Practice It is important that when working with children and their families that we share a common set of principles, which inform practice. In Isle of Man, our approach is guided by the following principles:
• Early Help and Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• We will listen to children, young people and families and ensure their voice is heard and action taken
• We will keep children and young people at the centre of work with families.
• We will ensure the welfare of children and young people is the main priority.
• Partners will work effectively together in strong collaboration and co-operation.
• We will develop a culture of collective responsibility, challenge and escalation.
• Services will be delivered as early as possible to meet emerging needs and prevent needs escalating.
• Where possible, services will be co-constructed with service users and will involve the participation of children, young people and families.
Whilst these are principles that each individual worker should practice, we know that it is unlikely that one worker will hold all the information needed for a comprehensive and balanced understanding of a child’s needs.
It is only by sharing information on a multi-agency basis that a sound evidence base can be established and decisions made about the level of need and what this means about the nature of professional involvement and the intensity of support required to meet the child’s needs.
Whenever professionals are working with children and families, their involvement must be purposeful and focussed on outcomes that are positive for children. Early Help is everyone’s responsibility – Early Help in Isle of Man is a collaborative approach, not a provision:
By working together effectively and earlier, we will reduce the number of children and young people requiring statutory interventions. Early Help enables children, young people and their families that may be struggling with difficulties to make better choices, learn new skills and improve aspirations to achieve their goals. Each individual is accountable and responsible for the child.
Child Focused Practice – The child is at the centre of all we do:
We will always have the child at the centre of our work and ensure any actions will improve outcomes for the child. Our practice will be rooted in child development and be evidence based. We know that addressing the needs of the parent/carer can also improve the outcomes for the child.
The Child’s Voice – The voice of the child will be captured and we will value the view and opinions of children:
Understanding the lived experience of the child - what they see, hear, t

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