Former care home residents give evidence

Monday 11 August 2014

Two former residents will be giving evidence this week about their time in Jersey’s care homes dating back to the 1940’s.

It’s part of a £6 million investigation to find out the truth about historic abuse on the Island.

Recounting those days in care is likely to be traumatic for many of the witnesses taking part in the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry so a free support scheme has been set up for them.

Specialists from Northern Ireland and Victim Support Jersey are available to help them through the enquiry.

A police investigation was launched into historic abuse in February 2008 after they announced the discovery of what they thought at the time were the remains of a child buried at the former children’s home at Haut de la Garenne.

The investigation led to many people coming forward claiming to have suffered abuse as children whilst in full-time States care and now this inquiry hopes to shed light on what really went on in care.

During their investigation the police took 1,776 statements. They heard of 533 alleged offences, 315 were alleged to have been committed at Haut de la Garenne, 66 at other homes or institutions and 152 at places where children were fostered or in private addresses.

Victim Support Northern Ireland can be contacted on 0800 735 0008 between 9 am and 5 pm and by email at support@jerseycareinquiry.org

A dedicated voicemail is available out of hours.

Jersey’s Victim Support can be contacted between 9 am and 1 pm on weekdays on 440496.

One of this week’s witnesses will be giving evidence via video link from Wales.

The hearings start at 10 am on Tuesday.