Further support to come for care abuse survivors

A support fund for survivors of abuse while in care is being developed by the Scottish Government, Education Secretary Michael Russell confirmed yesterday.

Mr Russell was speaking at an "InterAction" event in Glasgow for survivors of historic abuse, hosted by the Scottish Human Rights Commission and bringing together representatives from the Scottish Government, local authorities, religious bodies, care providers and others to finalise an action plan for recognising and supporting abuse survivors.

It was the third of a series of similar events led by the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the Centre of Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland.

The Education Secretary said that ministers were committed to working with survivors and others on how a fund could work. They would also fund "an appropriate commemoration" to victims who suffered abuse in care.

The National Confidential Forum, set up following the Shaw review into abuse of children in care, expects to start taking applications for its hearings before the end of 2014. Survivors will be able to ensure that their account of events will be acknowledged and heard, and reports of the forum will be published.

Mr Russell also committed the Government to considering whether a further inquiry was needed, and what form that might take, to create a better national understanding and place the facts on the record to help survivors to "move on". "We are listening closely to views on all sides of the debate and shall bring forward the Scottish Government's view shortly”, he said.

He added that the InterAction process had identified ways that could make "a real and positive difference" in the lives of survivors. "Much of that work is already underway and I would like to add my thanks to all of those who contributed to the InterAction process to help us ensure that the support needed is available to those who have suffered in care."

Work continues with survivors and others to take forward other recommendations from the plan, including consideration of an Apology Law; making the National Confidential Forum reports part of the national record; and making the civil justice system accessible to victims.

Welcoming the minister's announcement, Professor Alan Miller, chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission said: “Child abuse is a serious breach of human rights with lasting and significant harmful consequences. The commitments made today mark an important milestone towards securing justice for survivors of historic abuse. Implementation of these commitments cannot come a minute too soon and we urge the Scottish Government to put them into action with the utmost urgency.”

The Commission has consistently called for a National Inquiry into Historic Abuse, drawing on lessons from other countries about the benefits of different approaches. Professor Miller said that survivors of abuse had to be at the heart of further decisions about how to secure justice and appropriate remedies.

A separate announcement by the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service that it will improve and expand training for prosecutors in historic abuse cases has also been welcomed by the Commission.