Wednesday 12 November 2008

Haut de la Garenne: discrediting of physical evidence must not stop inquiries

The Jersey police, investigating claims of abuse at the Haut de la Garenne children's home, have discounted some of the physical evidence. Items excavated from the cellar and grounds have been scientifically examined and dismissed variously as not human in origin, or dating from Victorian times or earlier.

However, the doubt that has been cast on the wilder theories of excesses on Jersey must not be allowed to discredit the first-hand testimony of those who first raised concerns about children's services on the island.

There are still questions to be asked about people who appeared to be acting beyond the law and taking advantage of the most vulnerable young people.

3 comments:

Frank Little said...

Jonathan Calder has more information, including the response of the Howard League.

Anonymous said...

Quite interstingly, I was talking to a former social worker who started working in the late 70s early 80s, although not as a social worker but in a similar role; I was informed that the profession during the 1970s and before was full of paedophiles; so yes, I think abuse occured in this childrens home, and throughout children's homes all over the country.

So, even if the bones found are either Victorian or animal in nature, this place still needs to be investigated.

Frank Little said...

There are updates in Liberal England.