Public Inquiry into Historical Children in Care Abuse Starts Work

Herald Scotland
October 1, 2015

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13798427.Public_inquiry_into_historical_children_in_care_abuse_starts_work/

Angela Constance

A public inquiry into historical abuse of children in care in Scotland has formally started its work.

The Historical Child Abuse Inquiry, chaired by Susan O'Brien QC, will cover allegations of abuse of children in formal institutional care.

It has asked those who believe they may have information to share to get in touch.

Organisations with records that may be of interest to the inquiry have also been asked asked to take the necessary steps to ensure they are preserved.

Ms O'Brien said: "Once the Scottish Government has appointed the inquiry panel members, and I have had a chance to discuss the issues with them, we will set out in detail the ways in which we will run the inquiry and take evidence from witnesses.

"Counsel to the inquiry will be in touch with survivors' representatives during October to make sure that their views are considered before that happens.

"It would be helpful if all other interested parties made themselves known to the inquiry now, so that their views can also be taken into account."

The inquiry covers the period "within living memory'' up to December 17 last year - the date Education Secretary Angela Constance announced it was being established.

A dedicated website - www.childabuseinquiry.scot - has also gone live today to keep the public updated on the work.

Ms Constance said: "Today is an important landmark for all of those who have campaigned for an independent national inquiry with statutory powers to compel witnesses.

"I want to reiterate my gratitude to all survivors and their supporters who have helped us reach this point. Their willingness to recount such painful experiences was vitally important in helping us set a remit that would deliver the justice they rightly deserve. It is also in response to their guidance that I have said that the inquiry will report back within four years of this start date."

Jennifer Davidson, director of the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland, based at the University of Strathclyde, said: "This is a historic day for the people of Scotland, particularly survivors and their supporters who have campaigned for a long time to be heard.

"I hope that survivors can find a way to use their painful experiences and memories to get answers and to ensure this doesn't happen again."

However, Alan Draper, parliamentary liaison officer for Incare Abuse Survivors (INCAS) told the BBC: "The failure to appoint a panel, to assist Susan O'Brien, prior to the start date, suggests incompetence and will only result in yet further delays to the work of the inquiry, as we assume that anybody appointed will not be able to start work immediately."