Jersey care system labelled "ineffectual and neglectful" as inquiry into seven decades of child abuse found children may still be at risk.
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Authorities in Jersey have recommended the Haut de la Garenne former children’s home is demolished after a report into seven decades of abuse found children on the British island may still be at risk.
Senator Ian Gorst, the Chief Minister of Jersey, issued a statement apologising to “all those who suffered abuse in our Island over the years.”
“Our island’s institutions failed children and their families. We failed children who needed our care, who needed to be protected and listened to. Too often children were not believed. Unpalatable truths were swept under the carpet. Because it was the easiest thing to do. I am deeply sorry.”
He added that the inquiry, which heard from hundreds of people, “highlights ten fundamental failings in Jersey’s care system, including, most importantly, the failure to listen to children.”
Here is my initial response to #Jerseycareinquiry report. I will shortly be making a statement to @StatesAssembly https://t.co/6hYeFH0oCS
— Senator Ian Gorst (@Ian_Gorst) July 4, 2017
Victims reported having live electrical wires attached to their legs, being beaten with nettles and being sexually and psychologically abused.
The inquiry found the States of Jersey had “proved to be an ineffectual and neglectful substitute parent.”