Letters of Estrangement

Summary

A request was made for statistics on Letters of Estrangement issued by the Department of Social Care over the last 10 years, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused the request stating they do not hold the information.

Key Facts

• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information on Letters of Estrangement.
• The information is likely held by Manx Care, specifically within the Children and Families service.
• The Department's role is strategic direction and commissioning, while Manx Care delivers services.
• The requester was advised to re-submit the request to Manx Care.
• The request was closed on 11 February 2026.

Data Disclosed

• 5243518
• 2026-01-20
• 2026-02-11
• 10 years
• Section 11(3)a

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)a of the Act (Information not held)

Original Request

I would like to know how many Letters of Estrangement have been issued by the Department of Social Care in the last 10 years, if possible broken down by year so that I can see whether the number is increasing or decreasing.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Chief Officer: Professor Tim O'Neill Freedom of Information Team First Floor Belgravia House Circular Road Douglas IM1 1AE

Our ref: 5243518 11 February 2026

Dear ###

We write further to your request received 20 January 2026, which states:

"I would like to know how many Letters of Estrangement have been issued by the Department of Social Care in the last 10 years, if possible broken down by year so that I can see whether the number is increasing or decreasing."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department of Health and Social Care (the Department) is unable to provide the information that you have requested. This is in line with Section 11(3)a of the Act, as a practical refusal reason applies; namely we do not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested as it may be held by Manx Care.

To provide advice and guidance the Department of Health and Social Care sets the strategic direction to develop and evolve the Island’s approach to health and social care delivery, regulation, and commissioning as set by the vision outlined in the Department Plan.

The delivery of health and social care services to patients and service users on the Isle of Man are provided by Manx Care and its contracted service providers. Letters of estrangement are obtained from the Children and Families service within Manx Care as outlined in the linked FAQ page.

However, you may wish to re-submit your request to Manx Care which is an option available on the Freedom of Information request portal, who may be able to help you

Please quote the reference number 5243518 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.