Homes abuse victims back plan for 'truth and reconciliation'

Published on Thursday 4 June 2009 22:03

SURVIVORS of abuse in children's homes have backed plans for a "truth and reconciliation" body.

It would publicly acknowledge the crimes committed against hundreds of young people in residential homes in Scotland.

A Scottish Government consultation on the move, which was announced last year, has revealed strong support for the creation of a "historical record" of abuse as an "act of remembrance".

Creating a reconciliation forum could also allow perpetrators of abuse to accept responsibility for what they did, and lead to victims receiving education, counselling and higher levels of compensation.

But it is unclear how much the bodies which ran scandal-hit children's homes are willing to take part.

The Scotsman understands some organisations which ran homes are worried a formal admission of guilty would open the floodgates for compensation claims or criminal investigations.

The move to establish the forum follows a review of historical abuse of children in residential care.

The report was triggered in 2004 when the then First Minister Jack McConnell publicly apologised to those who had been abused while in homes run by Catholic orders such as De La Salle, the Sisters of Nazareth and other organisations including Quarriers.

A report published by the government yesterday revealed "unanimous" support for trialling a so-called acknowledgement and accountability forum, which would provide a voice for people abused in care homes.

However, the report admits gaining an apology could be difficult in practice.

One man, who as a child was abused in a home run by Quarriers, said he would welcome an apology.

However he added: "These organisations refuse to sit down with people like me, so how can we trust them to take part and give us all a genuine apology?"

Two further consultation reports will be published later this year before ministers consider all the responses.

The consultation has so far led to a range of alternative names for the forum, including "No more secrets", "Chance to be heard" and "Truth and reconciliation".

A spokesman for Quarriers said the social care charity would "take on board all views on the establishment of an acknowledgement and accountability forum".

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said it was keen to hear from survivors of childhood sexual abuse about how the forum could support them.

She added: "The wide-ranging consultation has included gathering responses nationally and internationally from survivors of abuse, survivor organisations, charities, children's homes organisations, faith groups and other organisations.

"What is important is we give a voice to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to present their views."