The Department of Social Care, Social Services Division have recently finalised the reviewed and renewed contracts with key providers such as The Children Centre, St Christopher’s and the Isle of Man Adoption Service. These new contracts set out an ambitious route map to ensure child care services deliver quality outcomes and value for money over the next 3 years. Minister for Social Care Hon Martyn Quayle MHK commented: “ The Department is very pleased to have reached this important milestone in terms of a set of clear specifications for services which will better support some of the most vulnerable children and families and provide substantially better value for money in years to come. The revised contracts which include the provision of children’s homes, family centres, outreach services, and fostering form part of a longer term plan to transform Children’s Services on the island, which will mean improving services, developing people and reforming systems”. Member for Social Services Bill Malarkey MHK commented: “The way in which we develop services locally will result in significant savings over the life of the contracts. The early stages of contract implementation are showing encouraging signs for children, young people and families in terms of better targeted support programs for the most vulnerable people, ensuring resources are provided to those that most need it, and where the biggest impact will be”. The contracts also set out clearer accountability for safe and effective practice and will be monitored through a robust performance management framework. The new arrangements build on the positive track record of the contracted providers and will further enhance the partnership between Government and external agencies to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and families. - ENDS -