Haute de la Garenne

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 31 March 2008 21:00:38

Jersey is currently at the centre of an inquiry into child abuse and political cover up. Haute de la Garenne is the former children's home at the centre of the investigation, but the whole system of island government is suspected of being corrupt and covering up reports of child abuse in the past. On BB1 tonight Panorama looked at the investigation and spoke to some of the former residents of the home.

The stories are truly horrifying and the need for investigation is clear, but for an island community these revelations are dreadful, but unsurprising. It has been alleged that the police had reports of child abuse which were never followed up, and 'professionals' in social services also knew and failed to act. A small community, in which many people are related, or know each other through social clubs etc. is always going to be a difficult environment to police and regulate. This in no way excuses any of the behaviours and lack of action, but in some sense I understand how this could have happened. I wonder whether my beloved island home of Guernsey has hidden secrets such as this. I have no doubt that there have been cover-ups but I hope and pray that it is nothing like this.