SCOTLAND
The Courier
An independent inquiry into the abuse of children in care is to take evidence from some seriously-ill and elderly victims “as a matter of urgency”, its chair has announced.
Susan O’Brien QC said that while the inquiry is “not quite ready” to call for survivors and witnesses to come forward, it had decided to take evidence from a small number of people.
The inquiry, which could take up to four years, will cover allegations of abuse of children in formal institutional care including faith-based organisations, children’s homes and secure care as well as those in foster care, long-term hospital care and boarding schools.
It covers the period “within living memory” up to December 17 2014 and will have the power to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence.
Ms O’Brien said it would be called the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, adding that references to historical abuses “is misleading” and could deter survivors from coming forward.
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