Abuse inquiry starts to consider Moffat incidents

A HEARING of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry this week heard opening submissions about incidents at a Moffat children’s home.

The former Merkland Children’s Home, which was run by Dumfries and Galloway Council was in the spotlight yesterday as part of the phase ten hearings.

The inquiry in Edinburgh is currently considering abuse at 20 residential care establishments for children and young people run by local authorities, from within living memory until the end of 2014. This phase will run until May, exploring the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.

The investigations will also examine reporting systems and the wide-ranging impact of abuse, along with staff recruitment, training and organisational culture.

Evidence will be given from individuals who experienced abuse when in residential care these settings, including Moffat, and from providers as well.

Meanwhile, investigations into this area of residential care are ongoing and any further applicants and other witnesses who have not yet done so, but have any relevant evidence in relation to what happened at Merkland are encouraged to come forward as soon as possible.

SCAI’s witness support team can be contacted by phone on 0800 0929 300 or by email [email protected]