There is no legislation around grandparents’ rights to see their children when they are involved in family problems, a senior police officer has said.

Chief Inspector Cathryn Bradley told a Tynwald committee there was very little research upon the impact of relationships between children and their grandparents.

She has 29 years’ police service and for the last two years has had responsibility for protective services including safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

She was appearing before the social affairs policy review committee which has been looking at the issue around whether grandparents should have rights.

Committee chairman Julie Edge MHK asked: ’In relation to adverse childhood experiences have you noticed any benefit in having contact with the grandparents or extended family members following disclosure to a harmful situation?’

Chief Insp Bradley said: ’As I said before we don’t keep data on this, there actually is no legislation around grandparents’ rights, (and) there is no legislation in comparable jurisdictions around grandparents’ rights.

’In fact there is very, very little research about the impact upon relationships of children and grandparents.

’But what we do know in adverse childhood experiences, a strong social connection in a nurturing environment does help provide some of the basics, particularly in crisis, and can help build resilience for a child.

’That is purely from a common sense practical experience that I bring, but we do understand with adverse childhood experiences, that a strong social connection is of paramount importance to them and can make a difference to their resilience and long term impact that adverse experiences can have.’

Ms Edge asked if there was anything in the current laws where a change could be made that would help.

The chief inspector replied that ’within the current legislation I would say not’.

She added that she was not aware of any law that could be amended ’and I think it would be quite complex to achieve’.

Committee member Martyn Perkins MHK said he believed ’early intervention’ has always been a big part in his thinking and the earlier the authorities could intervene in issues then ’the less hassle we have at the other end’.

Chief Insp Bradley replied: ’Yes absolutely, I totally agree with you. We are currently working with Public Health on a wider public health approach to policing but also we are specifically looking at adverse childhood experiences so we all understand the demographics of our population who have actually been subject to adverse childhood experiences.’

Tynwald referred a petition for redress about grandparents’ rights to the committee.