Summary

  • Report into seven decades of abuse in Jersey has been published. Key points:

  • --- 'No doubt' of 'many instances' of abuse in Jersey's care system

  • --- Chief minister - 'I'm sorry to all those who suffered abuse'

  • --- More than 600 recommendations, eight key recommendation areas

  • --- Report finds 'failures at all levels of child management' and honorary police 'hindered investigation'

  • --- Services for children 'still not fully fit for purpose'

  • --- Haut de la Garenne - where more than half of the alleged offences took place - 'should be demolished'

  • --- NSPCC supports report's findings

  • --- If you have been affected the helpline number is: 0800 735 1000

  • Updates on Monday 3 July

Live Reporting

  1. Community needs to acknowledge what happened - Gorst

    I'd like to thank those who spoke of their own difficult childhood experiences. I know that it was very hard for them to do so. The telling of their stories will help others to understand how they suffered. It will help us to acknowledge what happened in our community."

    Senator Ian Gorst, Jersey's Chief Minister

    Making his statement at Jersey Archive, which will house the inquiry records, he described it as "the repository for our Island’s collective memory".

    "It tells the story of who we are, and where we have come from. Our failings, and the hurt suffered, are part of that story."

  2. Care inquiry: Independent inspections should be introduced

    The panel says an "empowered, professional and truly independent inspectorate" is key to keeping children safe.

    It said between 1981 and 2001, there were no independent inspections of services for children and since 2001 there have only been occasional ad hoc inspections.

    We recommend that Jersey establish a truly independent inspection arrangement for its children’s services, which will have the confidence of children, staff and the wider public."

    Independent Jersey Care Inquiry report

    The panel said it was "vital" that within 12 months an inspection is enshrined in law.

    Care inquiryIndependent Jersey Care Inquiry

  3. Care inquiry: Children and young people need a voice

    A new complaints procedure should be put in place, the inquiry has recommended.

    It has called for a system people have confidence in and the outcome of complaints should be reported regularly to the relevant minister with an annual report for the States.

    A Children's Rights Officer should be appointed to ensure complaints are given "full and serious consideration".

  4. Chief minister 'sorry to all those who suffered abuse'

    I’m sorry to all those who suffered abuse in our island over the years. We are here today because children have been abused – because 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."

    Senator Ian Gorst, Jersey's Chief Minister

    Ian Gorst

  5. States offers support for those affected by issues raised in inquiry

    Ben Chapple
    BBC News Online

    Support for anyone who needs it is being offered by the States of Jersey following the publication of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry report.

    The statement said the inquiry panel had had "a long, complex task" and recognised it was "a distressing one for those who spoke to the inquiry about the abuse they had suffered".

    A special freephone service has been set up, which will connect you with the psychological therapy service, who can assess what kind of help would best suit you.

    The number is staffed 24/7 and is 0800 735 1000.

    You can also email: InquirySupport2@gov.je.

    You could also contact Victim Support Jersey by calling 01534 440496 or emailing victimsupport@gov.je.

  6. Care inquiry: Jersey a 'neglectful parent' to children in care

    The States of Jersey was a 'neglectful parent' according to the care inquiry report

  7. 'Live electrical wires' and sticks used on children

    Gifford Aubin was the first person to give evidence to the inquiry.

    He lived at Haut de la Garenne in the 1950s and told the inquiry how "live electrical wires" and "a pre-war stick with a metal end" were used to abuse children.

    Mr Aubin said he also suffered mental abuse and had his meals withheld.

    Gifford Aubin

  8. Jersey child abuse: 'UK should take note'

    Radio 4 PM

    A report into child abuse in Jersey's care system has found failings at all levels over many decades, and warns children may still be at risk.

    Alan Collins, a lawyer who represented victims, told Carolyn Quinn the report was "shocking as well as humbling".

    He said "systematic failings" allowed a culture to develop where "children's welfare became a secondary issue".

    Mr Collins added "Jersey is not alone in this" and "the UK needs to take serious note of this report".

  9. Care inquiry: Commissioner for children should be appointed

    The inquiry has called for the appointment of a commissioner to ensure independent oversight of the interests of children and young people in Jersey.

    The panel said this position should be enshrined in law and its independence was "essential if there is to be confidence in the post".

  10. Care inquiry: Honorary police 'hindered investigation'

    Francis Oldham QC

    The chairwoman of the Jersey Independent Care Inquiry has said the attitude of some members of the honorary police, Jersey's elected police force made up of residents of each of the island's 12 parishes, were a "hindrance to justice".

    The honorary police, led by a centenier, the elected community representative, decides at which point an offender should enter the justice system in Jersey.

  11. Anonymous witnesses told inquiry of abuse

    A witness, known as "Mrs A" said outside of school hours children were forced to work unpaid in a knitting factory run by the nuns at the orphanage.

    In February 2015 one survivor known as "Witness D", now in his 40s, told the inquiry he was sexually abused by two members of staff, William Gilbert and Phil Le Bais. They were never charged and have now died.

    Black and white photosGIFFORD AUBIN

  12. Care inquiry: 'Failures at all levels of child management'

    Francis Oldham QC, chairwoman, Independent Jersey Care Inquiry

  13. Care inquiry: 'Young people have no mechanism to raise concerns'

    Francis Oldham QC, chairwoman, Independent Jersey Care Inquiry

  14. Care inquiry: Basic lessons to be learnt

    The inquiry listed "eight basic lessons to be learned from the failures of the past".

    Number 8: Openness and transparency must characterise the culture of public services.

    Politicians and professionals should admit problems, shortcomings and failures and promptly address them. The establishment of this inquiry and the freedom with which it has been allowed to operate has demonstrated a political will and public desire in the island to open Jersey’s institutions to thorough, independent and robust scrutiny in order to secure the best interests of children."

  15. Jersey's government to respond in minutes

    BBC Radio Jersey

    This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
    Skip twitter post

    Allow Twitter content?

    This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy and privacy policy before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

  16. Care inquiry: Basic lessons to be learnt

    The inquiry listed "eight basic lessons to be learned from the failures of the past".

    Number 7: Quality of leadership and professionalism are fundamental requirements.

    Services for the most vulnerable children should not be delivered simply by whoever happens to be available."

  17. Care inquiry: Basic lessons to be learnt

    The inquiry listed "eight basic lessons to be learned from the failures of the past".

    Number 6: Investment is essential.

    Every child in Jersey is key to securing the island’s future, prosperity and international standing, but that will not be achieved without according the island’s children’s services priority comparable to its financial services."

  18. NSPCC supports report's findings

    Sian Davies
    BBC News Online

    I think the eight recommendations that this inquiry is making are sound. We need to make sure that children safeguarding and safety are paramount and enshrined in legislation."

    Jon Brown, NSPCC

    He also agreed with the appointment of a children’s minister and said the most important thing was “help for victims and survivors”.

    Jon Brown

  19. Care inquiry: 'Jersey way' culture 'impacted on child abuse investigation'

    Rob England
    BBC News Online

    The chair of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry has said the "Jersey way", a term used to describe protecting "powerful interests" and "resistance to change" impacted on child abuse investigations.

    We consider that an inappropriate regard for the “Jersey way” has inhibited the prompt development of policy and legislation concerning children. Treating children in the care system as low priorities fails those children and shames the society concerned. Equally, a care system in which insufficient effort is made to prevent children from being abused, whether physically, emotionally or sexually, or a justice system in which insufficient steps are taken to investigate and punish such abuse where it occurs, is indefensible.

    Francis Oldham QC, Chairwoman, Independent Jersey Care Inquiry

  20. Care inquiry: Basic lessons to be learnt

    The inquiry listed "eight basic lessons to be learned from the failures of the past".

    Number 5: Stay connected.

    Jersey must ensure that child care and youth justice legislation, policy and practice are not only compliant with current standards in the developed world, and with ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) and with UNCRC (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) principles, but also that legislation policy and practice are regularly being informed and evolving in line with research and developments."