The Isle of Man Adoption Service (IOMAS) has been amalgamated with The Children’s Centre and moved to a new location. The Adoption Service will now be based at Bourne House, 97 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, which is just a few doors down from The Children’s Centre’s headquarters. Bourne House is also the base for Fostering First and together the services form “The Children’s Centre’s - Family Placement Services”.

IOMAS Trustees approached The Children’s Centre last autumn with a view to amalgamation. The move gives the Adoption Service access to more enhanced practice and infrastructure support in areas such as finance, human resources, facilities management and strategic planning.

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

“Amalgamating Adoption in to The Children’s Centre gives the service and its staff team access to enhanced support systems which in turn will further develop what is already a successful service for the Island community. The Children’s Centre is able to provide a support network that was not readily available to IOMAS as a smaller, independent charity. This also includes use of the charitable initiatives such as the Community Farm, Mobex Outdoor project and various Play Development Schemes. The Children’s Centre shares with IOMAS an understanding of the unique issues that arise on the Island and the resulting problems that can face families. Our anticipation is that amalgamation presents a win win situation for all involved”.
Fiona Lassen, Family Placement Manager said:

“I look forward to playing a key role in the development of the islands adoption service and feel confident that the amalgamation is a positive step for the service’s long-term future.”