The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry has today (Wednesday 11 February) heard witness statements being read into the record from seven former residents of Jersey's care system.
Counsel to the Inquiry, Paul Livingston, began proceedings with evidence and supporting documents from Witness 206 who recalled multiple admissions to Haut de la Garenne, Brig-y-Don and La Preference between 1967 and 1978.
Mr Livingston then brought evidence and supporting documents from three siblings, Witnesses 391, 383 and 385, who were initially referred to Children’s services by a third party over their mother’s inability to look after them and a lack of satisfactory housing. Various admissions then followed to Brig-y-Don, HDLG and foster homes during the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Counsel to the Inquiry, Patrick Sadd, read into the record evidence and documents gleaned re Witness 43’s time in care in the ‘60s,’70s and early ‘80s at Westaway, the nursery unit at HDLG, a family group home and finally, HDLG.
Witness 122 was in and out of HDLG during his early childhood in the ‘60s, before staying there for nine years between 1970-79, leaving aged 15 or 16.
Mr Sadd concluded the day’s proceedings with a statement provided to the States of Jersey Police in 2008 by Witness 343. She found herself in and out of HDLG over a nine-year period in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Transcripts and supporting documents will be available for viewing and download in due course.
Public Hearings will resume tomorrow (Thursday 12 February) at 1000 with Mr Livingston reading into the record a witness statement given to the Inquiry about their experience at HDLG. In the afternoon, evidence about HDLG will be given anonymously by a live witness. Inquiry Counsel will be Harriet Jerram.