The extent to which the Manx government should be involved in raising children will be debated at a public meeting of the Positive Action Group in Douglas this evening (Monday).

The Children Bill 2010 seeks to introduce a Children's Commissioner, to oversee new services aimed at protecting all youngsters in the Isle of Man, identifying those who are in danger of abuse or neglect.

An in-depth critique of the Bill will be presented by civil liberties campaigner and parent Tristram Llewellyn Jones, at the meeting.

He claims the legislation would allow government to inspect closely the way children are being brought up, to see if they are meeting five key criteria, the so-called 'over-riding objectives' for young people.

Mr Llewellyn Jones - whose talk is called 'Should THEY tell YOU how to raise your children?' - says the Bill goes too far (play audio file):

There will be no political representation at this evening's meeting, due to prior engagements, and the Positive Action Group has turned down an offer to meet with officials from the Department of Education in advance. 

Minister Anne Craine has refuted claims the Bill could lead to more intrusion into family life and says its measures are a genuine attempt to reach those in need of support.

The meeting is at the Manx Legion Hall in Douglas at 7.30pm.

The Bill is currently out for consultation, and responses must be submitted by Friday, April 16.