The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has now published its findings after a full investigation into the sexual abuse of children in the care of Nottinghamshire Local Authorities during the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s.
Nottinghamshire child abuse report
As we previously reported in September, the purpose of the investigation was to consider how institutions, including Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Police and the CPS, had responded to allegations of sexual abuse and to consider whether the steps taken to protect children from abuse were adequate.
The Inquiry received evidence from around 350 people who had alleged that they were sexually abused whilst in the care of the Local Authorities from the 1960’s onwards. In reality, there are likely to have been far more victims than this number.
Report findings
The Inquiry found that the abuse of children in the care of the Nottinghamshire Councils in children’s homes and foster care was widespread. The abuse was physical and sexual. The Inquiry looked into care given at several children’s homes, including:
- Beechwood
- Hazelwood
- Skegby Hall
- Edwinstowe
- Sandown Road
- Wollaton House
- Hillcrest
- Risley Hall
- Greencroft
- Beckhampton Road
- Woodnook
- Amberdale
- Three Roofs
The Inquiry found that institutions mentioned in the Report had failed the children in their care.
Although the Councils had held many investigations over the years into allegations of abuse of children in their care, they failed to learn or act upon recommendations for change which were made and which could have prevented further abuse taking place. They had produced policies and procedures on responding to allegations of sexual abuse of children in care but had failed to make these policies known to staff or to take steps to ensure that the policies were being implemented.
The Inquiry also found that care in children’s homes was poorly resourced and managed during the late 1970’s to the early 1990’s.
Beechwood Children’s Home
The Inquiry undertook a case study into care received by children at Beechwood Children’s Home. It found that staff were untrained and unqualified, and a significant number of children were sexually abused whilst living there. Some staff, including John Dent and Barrie Pick, were able to commit abuse safe in the knowledge that even if their victims found the courage to speak out they would not be believed.
Andris Logins was able to sexually abuse children at Beechwood as sexualised behaviour in that home was tolerated or overlooked. Staff were threatening and violent, physical abuse was common and children lived in an atmosphere of fear. These were vulnerable children whom the Councils failed to protect and support.
Other abusers listed in the report, who have been convicted of sexual assaults against children in care, include Norman Campbell, Christopher Metcalfe, Patrick Gallagher, Robert Thorpe, Dean Gathercole and Colin Wallace. It was also found that assessment, support, supervision and de-registration of foster carers was inconsistent during the 1970’s.
In a workplace context, an employer (in this case the Nottingham Councils) can be liable for the acts or omissions of its employees. The recent Supreme Court judgement in Armes v Nottinghamshire County Council held that a Local Authority would also be liable for the actions of foster carers.
How Nelsons can help
If you suffered abuse, even if it was a long time ago, in residential care or foster care you may be able to make a claim against the Local Authority.
If you have any queries relating to the Nottinghamshire child abuse report or would like free confidential advice on whether you can claim compensation, please contact Helen Froggatt or Dianne Collins, who both specialise in child abuse claims, on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.