We will get to the truth - Care Inquiry vows

Wednesday 22 June 2016

The two-year Independent Jersey Care Inquiry has now closed, with an “open and transparent” report due later this year.

The Inquiry, which will cost up to £23million, was held into allegations of widespread and systemic historic abuse at Jersey children’s homes.

The Inquiry chairman, Mrs Frances Oldham QC, says all evidence has now been provided and a report into their findings will be published later this year.

She said the report will outline “the truth about what happened to children” and “remained hidden for so long.”

Mrs Oldham also vowed that the panel would “determine the culture of institutions and establish whether there were any patterns of abuse, or systemic failings.”

The report will not be shared in advance with anyone who has been criticised - the so-called ‘Maxwellisation’ process - as Mrs Oldham described this practise as “unnecessary.”

Mrs Oldham said: “In April 2014 at the preliminary hearing, I said that the Inquiry's aim was to be open and transparent. In conducting our work, we would be acting independently of the States of Jersey, independently of the police and independently of any other organisation or individual in Jersey or elsewhere. 

“Our purpose is to establish the truth, the truth about what happened to children in residential and foster homes. How mistreatment of children remained hidden for so long and what was done when concerns were raised?

“In 2016, it is only through the determination and hard work of all those participating in their various ways with the work of the Inquiry -  that the Panel has been provided with the material which will form the basis of its report. 

“We thank everyone who has contributed to the work of this independent Inquiry. The panel acknowledge in particular the contribution of those who gave evidence of their childhood experiences in residential and foster care.

“We now approach the final stage of the Inquiry report and recommendations. The panel will not be making findings of fact in relation to individual allegations. That was not part of our remit.

“We will analyse the evidence as a whole to determine the culture of the relevant institutions and establish whether there were any patterns of abuse, or systemic failings that can be identified. 

“The panel note the questions raised by Counsel to the Inquiry and Interested Parties during the course of submissions. We are however not bound by those questions alone and will have our own questions to address.

“Public sessions have been held with key stake-holders, members of the public, managers and senior politicians. The panel has decided therefore, that any further engagement would be inappropriate prior to publication of the report.”

On the issue of allowing those criticised in the report to voice their opinion prior to publication, Mrs Oldham said: “The panel also considers that a "Maxwellisation" process in which parties are given notice of potential criticisms (before publication) and invited to respond is unnecessary. During the course of the hearings criticisms have been put to the parties and they have had the opportunity to address those criticisms.”