Commission of Inquiry into the care of young people

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Following the murders of two teenagers who were under the care of social services on the Isle of Man, the Chief Ministers Office announced yesterday further details of the Commission of Inquiry into the care of young people.

The Council of Ministers has today announced the name of the Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the Care of Young People.

Chairman of the Inquiry will be Mr Mark Everall QC. Mr Everall has extensive experience of family law and has acted in many cases involving wardship and care applications representing parents, local authorities or other parties. He has been authorised to sit as a Deputy Court Judge (Family Division) and has been an Acting Deemster in the High Court and Staff of Government Division. Mr Everall is a committee member of the Family Law Bar Association and is its International and EU Liaison. He is also a member of the Association of Lawyers for Children and the Presidents of Family Division's International Family Law Committee.

The Inquiry will be supported by an Expert Advisor to be announced.

Secretary to the Inquiry will be Ms Kay Heward-Meadow who worked for over 15 years in the field of special needs housing within the voluntary sector and was Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry into Mount Murray.

The Commission will begin its work shortly. The Council of Ministers has expressed the hope that the Commission will be able to report in time for its findings to be presented to the October 2005 sitting of Tynwald. The terms of reference for the Inquiry are attached.

Chris Gawne Solicitor representing the families welcomed the news. "The families are pleased that this announcement has been made. We welcome the confirmation of the specific terms of reference for the Inquiry. It is important for all involved that the issues are thoroughly investigated and that lessons are learned from this most appalling series of events."