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Material connected with the Scottish Government's Care Services for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. 2017 Scottish survivor groups encourage all survivors of abuse in care to take part in a milestone consultation which closes on 17th November 2017. Survivor groups in Scotland have called on all survivors of abuse in care to take part in this important consultation, which will allow individuals to share their views on a possible financial redress scheme for the first time. Former Boys and Girls Abused in Quarriers fully support this consultation, which was put together in partnership with other victims/survivors groups, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, CELCIS, the Scottish Government and others. The consultation is open to all victims/survivors of historical abuse in care as defined by the terms of reference of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and is available online here. 
FBGA, in conjunction with the Interaction Review Group and CELCIS, have been involved in compiling a questionaire, and have circulated it to victims/survivors of in care abuse via Drummond Miller our legal representatives to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.As was highlighted when we gave evidence to the inquiry recently, we have also submitted a proposal paper to the Interaction Review Group for a tariff-based redress and financial compensation scheme. This is our preferred option being based on the individual merits of each case and the personal experience of the victims/survivors (PDF format).
CELCIS are running a consultation to find out what victims/survivors of abuse in care think about various options for a potential financial compensation/redress scheme for individuals who experienced any form of abuse in care in Scotland.If a financial compensation/redress scheme is set up, it may provide victims/survivors of abuse in care with an alternative way to seek justice and compensation. It may also provide tangible recognition of the harm caused to individuals. The consultation is open from 4 September 2017 to 17 November 2017. Send us your completed paper copy or complete the questionnaire online. You can request a paper copy from CELCIS by email or by telephone on 0808 800 0031 (Monday and Thursday 9.30am – 4.00pm or Tuesday 9.30am – 7.00pm) A FREEPOST envelope for you to return your paper copy will be supplied.
Draft report of the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament, 09/05/2017. The report refers to the exemptions requested by health regulatory bodies, the Scottish Social Services Council and the General Teaching Council for Scotland, from the Apologies (Scotland) Act 2016 (PDF format).
Correspondence to the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament concerning subordinate legislation relating to the Apology (Scotland Act) 2016, 08/05/2017 (PDF format).
The Scottish Parliament Justice Committee Stage 1 Report on the Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Bill 20/04/2017 (PDF format).
Official Draft report of Session 5 of the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee of 28/02/17. Including input from Bruce Adamson of the Scottish Human Rights Commission among others (PDF format).
A letter from Deputy First Minister John Swinney to James Dornan MSP regarding the victim/survivor financial redress consultation process, 23/02/17. The process has now commenced with all parties including FBGA. It will be facilitated by CELCIS through the InterAction Plan Review Group. A special meeting of this group, including victim/survivors, FBGA, Scottish Government representatives and a service provider, agreed to a number of actions to take forward this important piece of work regarding redress (PDF format).
Official Draft report of the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee meeting of 21/02/17, concerning the Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Bill (PDF format). Online version here.Justice Committee, Scottish Parliament, 21/02/17. Including FBGA testimony and evidence given by David Whelan and Harry Aitken, former residents of Quarriers, on the issue of Timebar. The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry new and updated information, 16/01/17.
FBGA's submission to the Scottish Justice Committee in relation to the proposed changes in Timebar law, 09/01/17 (PDF format).
Official National Confidential Forum report "What We Have Heard So Far", January 2017 (PDF format).2016 The Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Bill and accompanying documents. This is a Bill for an Act of the Scottish Parliament to remove the limitation period for actions of damages in respect of personal injuries resulting from childhood abuse. The Bill was introduced by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson MSP, on 16/11/16 and is now going through the various Parliamentary stages.
Scottish Government introduces Timebar Bill into the Scottish Parliament, 16/11/2016. Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Bill [AS INTRODUCED]. An Act of the Scottish Parliament to remove the limitation period for actions of damages in respect of personal injuries resulting from childhood abuse (PDF format).
FBGA's proposed redress and compensation model submitted to the Scottish Government on 25/04/16.The model is based on best practice, is victim/survivor centred and puts the victim/survivor at the heart of the process. Under the model victim/survivors would be permitted to appoint their own legal and medical representatives and their medical representatives would be responsible for submitting any medical reports that might be required or requested as part of any redress and compensation scheme. The FBGA redress and compensation scheme addresses the pre-1964 victim/survivors as a priority and also takes into consideration those victim/survivors who may not wish to embark upon an adversarial court case once Timebar is changed (PDF format).
Scottish Government draft primary legislation to enable childhood abuse victims to pursue claims through the Civil Courts once the legislation becomes law and passes the parliamentary process. The removal of Timebar will remove the 3 year limitation period for such abuse cases which have been disallowed by the civil justice system to date. FBGA hope that once the law is enacted affected organisations and institutions and their legal representatives will take the opportunity to settle these cases out of court without putting victims through an adversarial and damaging process. (PDF format).See also: What would change with a new child abuse law? by David Allison, BBC Scotland News, 15/09/2016.
Scottish Government Draft Bill for the Removal of the 3 Year Limitation Period from Civil Actions for Damages for Personal Injury for In Care Survivors of Historical Child Abuse (PDF format). Please follow the links for further information on the draft bill:
2015
Letter from the Chair of the Historical Child Abuse Inquiry to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, 20/11/2015 (PDF format).
The Scottish Government has published on the Survivor Scotland website the Service Specification for In Care Survivors Support Fund which is being setup in due course (PDF format).
The Scottish Government consultation on the removal of the 3 Year limitation period from civil actions for damages for personal injury for in care survivors of historical child abuse. Please contribute to this important piece of work. You can also visit the Scottish Government website to access all the consultation documents as well as other information for victims-survivors. Anyone wanting advice on this important consultation can contact us by emailing fbga1@aol.com (PDF format).Inquiry into Historical Abuse of Children in Care. Chair and remit unveiled alongside new support and steps on civil action barriers. Susan O’Brien QC will chair the statutory national public Inquiry into historical abuse of children in care, Angela Constance announced today. In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Education Secretary confirmed that in addition to children formally placed 'in care' in institutions, the Inquiry will have an extended remit. Its scope will also include allegations of abuse in foster care, in long-term hospital care and in boarding schools. The Cabinet Secretary also announced that the Scottish Government intends to lift the three-year time bar on civil actions, including compensation claims for damages in cases of historical abuse that took place after 1964 – the cut-off under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1984. A consultation will be launched in the summer to examine how this can best be done. And, in a move designed to ensure survivors have access to the services they need now, new funding of £14.5 million for support services was announced to Parliament. The Scottish Government website, 28/05/2015. The Scottish Government would like to hear your views on the Terms of Reference of the recently announced National Inquiry, and the attributes required by the Chair and Panel to carry out this important role. You can email your views in confidence to the Scottish Government here. Note from the Survivor Scotland Team: The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Angela Constance, on behalf of the Scottish Government made a Parliamentary statement on 17 December 2014 announcing the Governments' intention to hold a National Inquiry into Historical Child Abuse. This also set out a commitment to engage with Survivors and relevant organisations to seek views on the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry, as well as the attributes of the Chair and Panel. On the 29 January 2015, the Scottish Government invited 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. Many people have already said that they think a national inquiry is needed. They have made suggestions for its potential scope and what it should seek to achieve. We will take those views into account but we want to reach as many other people as possible. Survivors and relevant organisations as well as the general public can now write or email their views to the Scottish Government. More information on the Inquiry, including details of these local and regional events, can be found on the dedicated section on the Scottish Government website. 2014 The Education Secretary's statement on historical child abuse, Scottish Parliament, 17/12/2014. Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, has announced that there will be a National Public Inquiry into historical institutional abuse regarding Scotland. Here are some extracts from her statement: "I am grateful to the survivors of institutional child abuse who have taken the time to meet me and other ministers and who have spoken bravely and eloquently about why they consider a public inquiry is needed and why it is necessary." "...as a society we have an opportunity to confront the mistakes of our past and to learn from them. It will not be easy but only by shining a light on the darkest recesses of our recent history will we fully understand the failures of the past, enabling us to prevent them happening again and ensure a brighter future for every child and young person in Scotland, today and for tomorrow." "For that reason, the inquiry will be a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries (Scotland) Act 2005. It will have the power to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence, if required." "As intimated earlier, we will consult with survivors and relevant organisations on the exact terms of reference and I propose that this process be complete by the end of April." "Those terms of reference need to capture the principles of the inquiry, and how we can create the right environment to support victims to confide, and the right timescales over which it should be held." "That process must also find the right people to oversee the inquiry, not least any chair or panel." See also here for further reference to the announcement.
Scottish Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell's statement to the Scottish Parliament concerning the Scottish Human Rights Commission InterAction plan and with regard to a national inquiry into historical abuse in Scotland, 11/11/2014 (PDF format).
Scottish Human Rights Commission press release following the Scottish Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell's statement to the Scottish Parliament, 11/11/2014 (PDF format).
Notes from a meeting between FBGA and other victims-survivors and Scottish Government Ministers to highlight the case for implementation of the InterAction Summary Plan, 13/08/14 (PDF format).
New Head and Members appointed to National Confidential Forum. June 30, 2014 (PDF format). Also available in html here.
New Head and Members appointed to National Confidential Forum. June 30, 2014 (PDF format). Also available in html here.Scottish Parliament debates the historical abuse issues. Official report of the meeting of 30th April 2014, pages 43 to 53. 2013 Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Bill passes Thursday 12th December 2013. The Survivor Scotland team are pleased to announce that the National Confidential Forum, as part of the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Bill, was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 12 December 2013. We would like to express our thanks to all the survivors, former residents, professionals, and other stakeholders who have contributed to the many consultations and stakeholder groups. Sharing your experiences and views have helped to inform the Bill and will continue to help the implementation of the NCF.
The Survivor Scotland team would like to hear your views on how you think they should be engaging with you regarding the future development of Scotland Survivor Strategy and the National Confidential Forum. Their document on stakeholder engagement can be found here. Please send your views to Linda Watters or Anne MacDonald. You can also write to them at The Survivor Scotland Team, Adult Care and Support Division, 2ER, St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG or call 0131 244 1723 (PDF format).
Health and Sport Committee 3rd report 2013 (Session 4). Report to the Justice Committee on the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Bill. Published by the Scottish Parliament on 27 May 2013 (PDF format). Or access the report via the Scottish Parliament website here.
The Scottish Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, and Scottish officials give evidence to Scottish Health Committee regarding the proposed National Confidential Forum, see official report dated 30/04/13 (PDF format).
Quarriers and other organisations including the Catholic Church and Church of Scotland give evidence to Scottish Health Committee regarding the proposed National Confidential Forum, see official report dated 23/04/13 (PDF format).
Report of the Scottish Health Committee 16/04/13 Report of the Scottish Health Committee 16/04/13 (PDF format).
FBGA and INCAS give evidence to the Scottish Health Committee, see report dated 26/03/13 (PDF format).
FBGA supplementary written submission in response to evidence provided by the CLA, Quarriers, Who Cares Scotland, Scottish Care Inspectorate, Catholic Church, In Care Survivor Scotland Service and the Church of Scotland, 29/04/13 (PDF format).
FBGA supplementary evidence submission to Scottish Parliament, Health and Sports Committee, 22/04/13 (PDF format).
FBGA submission to Scottish Parliament, Health and Sports Committee, 19/04/13 (PDF format).
FBGA submission to Scottish Parliament, Health and Sports Committee, 11/03/13 (PDF format).
FBGA letter sent to the Scottish Petitions Committee, 17/01/13 (PDF format).National Confidential Forum Consultation Analysis Report, 07/01/13. 2012
The FBGA submission for the Scottish Government National Confidential Forum consultation, December 2012 (PDF format). Follow the next link to see other submissions to this consultation.National Confidential Forum - a consultation on the creation of a Forum for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse in Residential Care - Consultation Responses, 07/12/12.
The Survivor Scotland team are arranging the following events for Survivors and groups, August and September 2012 (PDF format). Html version here.The Scottish Government has now commenced a National Confidential Forum consultation process to establish a forum for adult survivors of childhood abuse in residential care. Follow the links to page 1 and page 2 of the consultation document. This process follows on from the Time To Be Heard (TTBH) pilot whereby the Scottish Government agreed to introduce legislation to establish a National Confidential Forum. By responding to this consultation you will assist former residents of Quarriers Homes and other former residents from other institutions who suffered abuse in-care, but did not have the opportunity to participate in TTBH. This National Confidential Forum consultation provides you with an opportunity to express your own views and opinions individually and collectively on this important proposed piece of legislation and will inform and enhance this work. Please contact FBGA if you have any questions about the consulation process.
Making Justice Work for Victims and Witnesses Victims and Witnesses Bill - A Consultation Paper Submission on behalf of Former Boys and Girls Abused of Quarriers Homes (FBGA), 12/07/12 (PDF format).
National Confidential Forum for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse in Care Scoping Project on Children in Care in Scotland, 1930 - 2005 by Andrew Kendrick and Moyra Hawthorn, University of Strathclyde, June 2012 (PDF format).
FBGA proposed questions for the National Confidential Forum Consultation, 15/05/12 (PDF format). Html version here.
FBGA have accepted an invitation to participate on the National Confidential Forum Reference group being set-up by the Scottish Government. Please find attached the proposed Draft Remit of the National Confidential Forum Reference group, April 2012 (PDF format).Link to the Scottish Health and Sports Committee who have been scrutising issues relating to the proposed National Confidental Forum. All the submissions by various groups including FBGA can be found there. In addition FBGA have given oral evidence to the committee. Please follow this link to the YouTube video. YouTube link to all the evidence sessions of the Scottish Health Committee. These can be accessed by searching the YouTube Scottish Health Committee playlist and selecting the individual evidence sessions by date.
Uncertain Legacies: Resilience and Institutional Child Abuse - A Literature Review This report summarises the findings from a literature review on resilience and institutional abuse, specifically the abuse of children in residential care. The study was conducted in response to a recommendation in the Report on Time To Be Heard: A Pilot Forum (2011), which heard evidence from adults who had been looked after in Quarriers children's homes at various times between the 1930s and the 1980s. The Forum recorded the testimonies of ninety eight individuals, some of whom had experienced abuse while resident in the homes, and provided a means publicly to acknowledge the distress and suffering they had endured. This literature review sought to identify definitions of resilience and the factors associated with increasing resilience... The author Ellie Conway, PhD Student, Scottish Government Health Analytical Services, would like to thank the supervisory team at the Scottish Government for all their guidance and support, and in particular Professor Thanos Karatzias of Edinburgh Napier University for his generous help and advice throughout this review. Thanks also to the independent peer reviewers for their constructive input during the final stages, 26/06/12 (PDF format).
Consultation on the proposal to develop an Acknowledgement and Accountability approach for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Summary Account of Acknowledgement and Accountability Consultation, June 2009 (PDF format).Summary Account of Acknowledgement and Accountability Consultation. The Scottish Government, Health and Community Care, 02/06/09. A general summary and analysis undertaken by the Scottish Government with regards to the Consultation submission documents. The Scottish Government, Health and Community Care, 04/06/09. FBGA have put the following three documents up separately to help and assist you all.
1. Responding to the Scottish Government consultation regarding the "Acknowledgement and Accountability Forum" (PDF format).
2. Handling Responses to the Scottish Government consultation regarding the "Acknowledgement and Accountability Forum" (PDF format).
3. Questions seeking views on whether Scotland should adopt an acknowledgement and accountability model and how this might be done? (PDF format).We would like to extend our thanks to Mr Peter Garsden of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers for highlighting the Scottish Government's "Acknowledgement and Accountabilty Forum" on their website. Confidential Forum for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals in New Zealand.
Terms of Reference of the Confidential Forum for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals in New Zealand (PDF format).Australian Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into Incare Abuse. Justice Kaufman report 2002, into Incare Abuse issues concerning Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia, Canadian care workers sue for mental suffering after being falsely accused by Donalee Moulton, OHS Canada, September 2003. Truth and Reconciliation Commission Canada. Republic of Ireland Residential Institutions Redress Board.
The Scottish Government Primary and Community Care Directorate, Adult Care and Support Division: Proposal to Develop an Acknowledgement and Accountability Forum for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse 10/10/08 (PDF format). Or click here for online copy.Tom Shaw Historic Abuse Systemic Review: One Year On. The Scottish Government is hosting a free seminar to detail progress to date following the publication of the Shaw review in November 2007 and its recommendations. The Government's response to the wider concerns on the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse through the SurvivorScotland strategy will also be presented along with new developments. This event provides an important opportunity for you to learn about progress and contribute to shaping future policy to meet the needs of In Care survivors. To all Survivors who wish to attend please ensure you register early to confirm your attendance on Tuesday 25th November 2008 at the Apex International Hotel, Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Click here for registration details.
FBGA would like to update all historical abuse survivors of Scotland with regards recent developments October 2008 (PDF format).In Care Survivors Service Scotland. A partnership led by Open Secret - free helpline 0800 121 6027. The Scottish Government announce the Terms of Reference for the Kerelaw Joint Inquiry 07/11/07. Truth and Reconciliation Commissions from around the world.
FBGA statement in response to Ministerial announcement regarding "Truth and Reconciliation", 08/02/08 (PDF format).A Scottish Truth and Reconciliation Forum is to be set up to support adults who suffered childhood abuse, initially focusing on the needs of survivors of historic abuse in residential care. The Scottish Government, 07/02/08.
Care Leavers' lend support to Historical Abuse Survivors. Care Leavers' Association Draft Policy Statement on Abuse in Care submitted to the In-Care Abuse Survivors Sub-Group, 04/02/08 (PDF format).
FBGA recommends and proposes to the Scottish Government a fully Integrated Service Provision Specification for Historical Abuse Survivors 04/02/08 (PDF format).
Law Lords landmark abuse ruling 30/01/08 (PDF format).
"Reducing the Risk: Improving the response to sex offending." The Report of the Expert Panel on Sex Offending Chaired by Lady Cosgrove (PDF format).
The Report of the Scottish Executive Short-Life Working Group on the care needs of people who have survived childhood sexual abuse, 2005 (PDF format).
Adam Ingram Scottish Minister for Children and Young People, Ministerial announcement, 08/12/07 (PDF format).Questions put to "Who Cares Scotland" by the FBGA 15/08/07.
"Who Cares Scotland" responds to FBGA questions regarding subgroup (PDF format).
Scottish Government Generic Procurement Principles (PDF format).
Scottish Government Generic Procurement Process (PDF format).The Scottish Government: Kerelaw Inquiry Documents.
Dedicated Integrated Sevices proposal by FBGA and accessible to all Survivors in Scotland, 12/09/07 (PDF format).
SNP Deputy Leader Nicola Sturgeon supports calls for an Independent Inquiry into Quarriers Homes, 24/09/2004 (PDF format).The current Scottish National Party deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon called on the Labour Minister Mr Peter Peacock for a Public Inquiry or a Social Work Services Inquiry into Quarriers Homes past abuse issues in 2004. Mr Peacock turned her down. As part of FBGA’s commitment to help provide help and support services for ALL survivors in Scotland, we have engaged with the Scottish Executive and others to explore common ground to the benefit of ALL survivors no matter which institution they devolve from. We have submitted the following discussion paper for a proposed fully inclusive health and social care integrated service with the inclusion of Survivors and their group representatives. This will be followed by draft models of care which we intend to submit for discussion also. We will also put forward further proposals and other plans as part of a complete package. The role and imput of survivors and survivor representatives is encompassed in all the models. We believe as group representing Quarriers Homes victims-survivors that it is for professional practitioners to provide this primary care in the first instance. The Scottish Executive's web page on Care Services for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Survivor Scotland: A Survivor-Centered Strategic Approach For Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (PDF format).
FBGA leaflet distributed at the Survivor Scotland Conference, 28/02/07 (PDF format).
Flyer for the Survivor Scotland Conference, 28/02/07 (PDF format).Email from David Whelan to the FBGA membership regarding the Survivor Scotland Conference, 28/02/07 Survivor Scotland: In Care and Institutional Abuse Sub Group. Preliminary findings from Questionnaire November 2007. Update from FBGA, following a meeting with Scottish Officials. Victim support framework document by H.M. Aitken, 10/05/07. The FBGA are pleased to announce that it will be participating on a sub-group set-up by the Scottish Executive to look into the issues concerning in-care abuse survivors and the current service provision position in Scotland for such survivors. As part of FBGA’s commitment to help provide help and support services for ALL survivors in Scotland, we have engaged with the Scottish Executive and others to explore common ground to the benefit of ALL survivors no matter which institution they devolve from. We have submitted the following discussion paper for a proposed fully inclusive health and social care integrated service with the inclusion of Survivors and their group representatives. This will be followed by draft models of care which we intend to submit for discussion also. We will also put forward further proposals and other plans as part of a complete package. The role and imput of survivors and survivor representatives is encompassed in all the models. We believe as group representing Quarriers Homes victims-survivors that it is for professional practitioners to provide this primary care in the first instance.
Referral pathway process within the service provision for survivors proposal, 16/07/07 (PDF format).
Flow charts of fully inclusive services which the FBGA are proposing for survivors, July 2007 (PDF format).FBGA Mission Statement and Objectives submitted to the Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) August 2007. Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Group Agenda 25/06/2007. Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Group Agenda 04/02/2008.
Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Group Minutes 25/06/2007 (PDF format).
Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Group Minutes 30/07/2007 (PDF format).
Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Group Minutes 27/08/2007 (PDF format).
Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Group Minutes 10/12/2007 (PDF format).
Sub-group (In-care Abuse Survivors) Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Group Agenda for 10/12/2007 (PDF format).
Dedicated Integrated Sevices proposal by FBGA and accessible to all Survivors in Scotland, 12/09/07 (PDF format).Correspondence between the FBGA and Inverclyde Council FBGA contact Inverclyde Council and its leader Mr John Mundell who are currently responsible for Quarriers and ask why they have failed in their duty and not carried out an Inquiry into past abuse, 31/07/07.
Letter from Mr Ian Fraser, Corporate Director of Education and Social Care, Inverclyde Council, to David Whelan 10/09/2007 (PDF format).Letter from David Whelan to Mr Ian Fraser, Corporate Director of Education and Social Care, Inverclyde Council, 10/10/2007. |