Former Children’s Officer, Mr Anton Skinner, on Wednesday (29 July) continued to give evidence about his time with Children’s Services to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.
Taking him through his witness statement, Counsel to the Inquiry, Mr Patrick Sadd, asked him about how he dealt with allegations of abuse, including those against Les Hughes, the Housefather at Clos de Sables Family Group Home, who was convicted in 1989 of sexual offences against three young girls.
He also gave detailed evidence about his and Children's Services' involvement with the Blanche Pierre Family Group Home and how he affected the removal of the Houseparents, Jane and Alan Maguire, following allegations of abuse against the children in their care by two members of staff.
Mr Skinner described the investigations and his dealings with the Children’s Sub-Committee and Education Committee regarding the allegations and how the Maguires were subsequently resettled into new accommodation, whilst Mrs Maguire was moved to a role within the Family Centre Service.
Mr Sadd also asked him to explain the process whereby the Maguires were allowed to foster one of the children from Blanche Pierre.
Mr Skinner will resume giving his evidence to the IJCI at 0930 tomorrow (Thursday 30 July).
Full transcript and supporting documents will be available in due course.