Scots historical child abuse inquiry seeks feedback

The Scottish Government is today inviting survivors and relevant organisations to offer their views on the terms of reference, and attributes of the Chair and Panel for the National Inquiry into Historical Child Abuse.

Scottish Government officials are also working with a range of support organisations across Scotland and with the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (CELCIS) to organise a series of events and meetings to hear directly from survivors and others.

What has happened so far?

A great deal of work has already been done in Scotland to look at the experiences of children in care. There is on-going work with adult survivors of abuse, and extensive engagement with other organisations that have an interest, including those who provide institutional care for children.

There have been previous public inquiries – notably in Edinburgh, Fife and at the Kerelaw School. And in 2004, the then First Minister, Jack McConnell, issued an apology on behalf of the people of Scotland for past child abuse in residential care homes.

A review published last year, focused on progress over the past 25 years, to protect and safeguard children and young people in residential and foster care. Read the review here.

Small local events and larger regional events will be organised from now until end March 2015 to give survivors and relevant organisations an opportunity to have their views heard.

Survivors and relevant organisations can write or email their views using the feedback form provided, by contacting: [email protected] or by writing to:

The Scottish Government
The National Inquiry into Historical Child Abuse
Area 2A North
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

To find out more about the Inquiry, and how you can offer your views: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/protecting/child-protection/historical-child-abuse