The board of the Isle of Man Adoption Service (IOMAS) and The Children’s Centre have commenced discussions about an amalgamation of their organisations under the umbrella of The Children’s Centre. These discussions are still in their early stages and any change to the structure of IOMAS will need to be approved by its members, but both boards are very positive that an amalgamation of the two organisations will bring many benefits. The Reverend Les Lawrinson, Chairman of IOMAS, said:

“After much consideration the board have concluded that following the rapid expansion of the charity over recent years, it would now benefit from the support of a larger organisation. The board is committed to ensuring the continued provision of a first class service to the Isle of Man adoption community in the future.”

John Knight, Chief Executive of The Children’s Centre, added:

“The Children’s Centre is able to provide a support network that is not readily available to IOMAS as a smaller, independent charity. The Children’s Centre provides a range of services to children, young people and families across the Island, and shares with IOMAS an understanding of the unique issues that arise on the Island and the resulting problems that can face families. Under the umbrella of The Children’s Centre the IOMAS will not only be able to maintain the current level of care offered to families, it will also be able to make use of The Children’s Centre’s resources, such as the Community Farm, to develop further services for the adoption community on the Isle of Man.”

The Minister for Social Care Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK commented on the planned merger:

“I welcome the merger of these two important partners for my Department.  IOM Government and the Island’s third sector are working ever-more closely together to deliver integrated services for the Island’s most vulnerable children and families.  I believe this proposed merger will aid our efforts to do so in a more effective and efficient manner than ever before.”

For more information about the Isle of Man Adoption Service please contact Rev Les Lawrinson on 625161 and for information about The Children’s Centre please contact Juana Warburton on 676076 or juanawarburton@thechildrenscentre.org.im, or visit www.thechildrencentre.org.im.