Independent Jersey Care Inquiry Appeals For Witnesses
The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry is inviting potential witnesses to get in touch. The Panel wants to hear from anyone with experience of the Island's care system, whatever their perspective.
The Inquiry, which is independent, was set up to establish what went wrong in Jersey's childcare system over many decades. The actions and experiences of staff who worked in these services, government agencies, the justice system and politicians will also be reviewed.
The Panel 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.
The Inquiry is led by Frances Oldham QC, with Alyson Leslie and Professor Sandy Cameron CBE. They have extensive experience of handling complex and sensitive inquiries, as well as expertise in residential childcare, abuse allegations and safeguarding young people.
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."
Members of the public are invited to attend the Inquiry's official launch on Thursday 3 April at St Paul's Centre in St Helier.
In the next few weeks, further information about the launch and how the Inquiry will conduct its business will be available on its website:
www.jerseycareinquiry.org
There will also be guidelines for witnesses to the Inquiry and a timetable for when the public hearings will begin.
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
Media enquiries:
Email:
press@jerseycareinquiry.org