The Chair of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry on Friday (11 September) made a statement on the progress of the Inquiry.
Mrs Frances Oldham QC was speaking at the close of Phase 1 of the hearings during which evidence was heard from former residents of Jersey's care system, those who worked in child care services and those accused of abuse. She said there was still further evidence to be heard relating to working in child care services.
She explained that Phase 2, which will begin in October, will look at the decisions taken in relation to the timing of the police investigation, subsequent decisions to prosecute alleged abusers, whether or not those responsible for deciding which cases to prosecute took a professional approach and was that process free from political or other interference at any level.
Mrs Oldham went on to outline how Phase 3, the final phase of the Inquiry, will examine whether the child care system since the war was adequate, what went wrong, has the system changed for the better and what is the way forward.
"As part of that process the Panel will invite views and recommendations from the community at large about the future of Jersey's children," she said, adding that details would shortly be published on the website.
“Let
us have your views on what needs to change. What are the barriers to
change in Jersey? What could you or your agency contribute to that
process? We want to ensure that Jersey has a high quality and cohesive
care system for its children and your contribution will assist us."
Video Notes
00:00 SLATE
00:05
"I explained at the start of this inquiry that the intention was to hear
the evidence in three phases, each of which would aim to cover specific
terms of reference.
00:14
“In Phase 1 we heard evidence from those who gave accounts of physical,
sexual and emotional abuse. We heard from those who worked in, or were
in contact with, child care services - there will be some more evidence
to hear on that. We also heard in Phase 1 from those accused of abuse.
00:32
“In October the Inquiry will begin hearings in relation to Phase 2. At
that stage we will look at the decisions taken in relation to the timing
of the police investigation and subsequent decisions to prosecute
alleged abusers. Did those responsible for deciding which cases to
prosecute take a professional approach? Was that process free from
political or other interference at any level?
01:12
“Phase 3 is the final phase of the Inquiry. We will examine whether the
child care system since the war was adequate. What went wrong? Has the
system changed for the better and what is the way forward? As part of
that process the Panel will invite views and recommendations from the
community at large about the future of Jersey's children - details will
shortly be published on the website.
01:40
“Let us have your views on what needs to change. What are the barriers
to change in Jersey? What could you or your agency contribute to that
process? We want to ensure that Jersey has a high quality and cohesive
care system for its children and your contribution will assist us."
02:01 END
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