Manx social workers say decisions about child welfare should be left to the professionals, in line with the findings of a public inquiry.

Although the childcare inquiry released its conclusions months ago, the Manx Association of Social Workers says it has taken a while to digest the weighty document and discuss it with members.

Chairman John McKenzie says there are four main points the association is making in its response.

First, social workers do a difficult job in trying circumstances, second that the Island is very pro-active in its social work, third that people have been deeply affected by the evidence during the hearings.

And he says there’s another important issue for the organisation: