Jersey historic abuse inquiry set for July start

The public hearings into allegations of historical abuse in Jersey will begin on 22nd July.

It is expected the first witnesses will provide expert information on the background and context of Jersey’s care system, dating back to the end of the war.

Frances Oldham QC (pictured), who has been appointed to chair the Committee of Inquiry, said: “The Panel are looking forward to beginning the public part of the Inquiry and would like to assure everyone that we will work as openly and transparently as possible.

“We urge anyone who thinks they can contribute to our work to contact us in what is a very safe environment. We will be robust and independent in our approach to uncover the truth about what went wrong in Jersey’s child care system over many years.”

Oldham is a lawyer with considerable experience of cases involving sexual and physical abuse.

The other two Committee members are former social work director Alexander Cameron and child protection expert Alyson Leslie.

More details on the Inquiry can be found here: www.jerseycareinquiry.org