TWO former children’s homes near Helensburgh are among those set to come under the spotlight as part of an inquiry into child abuse in Scotland.
The Cardross Park Assessment Centre and St Andrew’s School, in Shandon, both long since closed, are among 39 establishments which will feature in the next stage of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
The case studies will come in the second half of 2023, as part of public hearings about the abuse of children in residential accommodation for young offenders and children, and young people in need of care and protection.
Of particular focus will be residential accommodation provided or used by the state between 1930 and 2014 to accommodate young offenders under the age of 18 (and children and young persons under 18 awaiting trial), and children and young people under 18 in need of care and protection.
Lady Smith, chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, said: “Many people have already come forward and we are making good progress with our investigations.
“We would encourage anyone with relevant information to get in touch with the Inquiry’s witness support team as soon as possible.
“We are particularly keen to hear from former residents, former staff, managers and those involved in inspections.”
The inquiry first revealed it was investigating the Shandon and Cardross institutions, along with the Lagarie House children’s home in Rhu – also long since closed – in 2018.
The case study will explore the nature and extent of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse including consideration of the use of corporal punishment, restraint, and segregation.
Reporting abuse, and the impact of abuse, form part of SCAI’s investigations, as do staff recruitment, training, and culture and they will also be explored during the case study.
The inquiry’s witness support team can be contacted on 0800 0929 300, or emailed at talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot.
Individuals can also write to the Inquiry by post at SCAI, PO Box 24202, Edinburgh EH3 1JN.
Source: Helensburgh Advisor
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