Abuse inquiry ready to start

Friday 14 March 2014

Anyone who suffered abuse in Jersey care or foster homes has been invited to contact the new Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, which launches next month.

The inquiry, led by Frances Oldham QC, will be looking into what went wrong in Jersey’s childcare system over many decades, focusing on the actions and experiences of staff who worked there, government agencies, the justice system and politicians.

Frances Oldham QC said: "The Inquiry aims to understand what happened, why it was allowed to happen and what lessons can be learned. 

“We will put witnesses at the heart of this process and do all we can to ensure that they are encouraged to trust us with their stories and experiences."

The £6 million inquiry will investigate allegations of abuse in children's homes and fostering services from 1960 to the present day. The inquiry has set up a website at www.jerseycareinquiry.org and has invited the public to attend the official launch on Thursday 3 April at St Paul's Centre.

The panel want to hear from anyone with experience of the Island's care system, whatever their perspective. They say that they would like to hear from people who have suffered abuse in care or foster homes on the Island, as well as those responsible for providing or monitoring these services.

Arrangements are being put in place to support anyone who gives evidence at the hearings.

Ms Oldham QC is running the inquiry along with Alyson Leslie and Professor Sandy Cameron CBE, all of whom have extensive experience of handling complex and sensitive inquiries, as well as expertise in residential childcare, abuse allegations and safeguarding young people.

The Inquiry team can be contacted via the following:

Email: info@jerseycareinquiry.org

Address: PO Box 551, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 8XN

Dial Freephone from Jersey/UK: 0800 735 0100

International callers dial: +44 (0) 1534 828798