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Latest News NEW! FBGA are pleased to announce that David Whelan's remarkable story and account in care “No More Silence” is due to be published in November 2010. MARION SCOTT and JIM MCBETH are a husband and wife team. They are helping David write his story. Marion is an award-winning journalist who works for Scotland's biggest selling national Sunday newspaper, the Sunday Mail. As well as winning accolades for her campaigning work on child abuse issues and miscarriages of justice, she has won the Campaigning Journalist of the Year award. Jim has been writing for national newspapers for 43 years. He currently works for the Daily Mail. He has also contributed to a number of national television and BBC radio documentaries. NEW! Former Kerelaw carer Matt George awaits Law Lords decision and verdict on his Appeal against conviction Largs and Millport Weekly News, 28/07/10. NEW! Phil Robinson retires and Quarriers appoints a new Chief Executive by Andrew Holt, Charity Times, 08/06/10. NEW! Revealed: brutal guide to punishing jailed youths by Mark Townsend, The Observer, 18/07/10. Devine slams anti-Catholic agenda in child sex abuse row by Stephen Naysmith, the Sunday Herald, 30/05/10. Helen Holland said many survivors wished to see the Church taking part in the independent forum for survivors. Bishop Devine said the Church had been unable to engage with that forum due to insurance issues. Deadline extended for abuse victims the Herald, 07/05/10. 
NEW! Time to be Heard letter sent out to former Quarrier Homes residents from the Chair, Tom Shaw, 26/03/2010 (PDF format).NEW! Urgent Notice To All Former Quarriers Residents. To enable you to access the Pilot Forum it is important that you complete the form which is at the back of your pack by 30th April 2010 and send this back to the Survivor Scotland Team, Scottish Government, Area 2ER, St Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG. You should have received a stamped addressed envelope with your pack. If you require assistance with accessing the Pilot Forum you can phone the Survivor Scotland Team on 0131 244 3633 or 0131 244 3214. If you still have difficulties please let us know and we will raise that with the team.
NEW! FBGA Time to Listen statement, 10/04/2010. Dear All, Please find some helpful guidance notes on documents and issues that you may wish to address and provide to the Commissioners in relation to the Pilot Forum. If you require further advice, information or support we will be pleased to assist you. Please email the group at fbga1@aol.com (PDF format). Html version here.NEW! Time to Be Heard Information pack. In this pack you will see references to Time to be Heard's commitment in relation to confidentiality, security of information and the special considerations that apply when dealing with personal information. We understand our responsibility in these matters and will shortly issue more detailed guidance. This will include information about the measures to be put in place in relation to security of information and data protection. Download the Time to be Heard information pack in PDF format here. At the back of the pack you will find an application form which you can fill in and send to Survivor Scotland Team, Scottish Government, Area 2ER, St Andrews House, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. You should also download and complete this PDF format diversity monitoring form to send in with the application form.
NEW! Time to Be Heard advert, April 2010 (PDF format).
NEW! Time to Be Heard what does it mean for Quarrier's victim-survivors of historical abuse? April 2010 (PDF format).
NEW! Time to Be Heard Remit and Status, April 2010 (PDF format).
NEW! Time to Be Heard Roles and Responsibilities, April 2010 (PDF format).Cardinal: Abuse brings shame on all Catholics by Eddie Barnes and Stephen McGinty, the Scotsman, 02/04/10. The leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland is to say sorry to the victims of sexual abuse by priests in his Easter Sunday address, it has emerged BBC News, 02/04/10. Catholic Church sex abuse scandals sweeping the world BBC News, 19/03/10. Pope apologises to the Irish abuse victims by Tom Kington, the Observer, 21/03/10. But is it enough? Victims call for individuals to be held fully accountable and responsible. Irish Public unmoved by the Pope's apology. Anger at abuse panel by Stephen Naysmith, the Herald, 08/03/10. FBGA also stated the following to Stephen Naysmith, which was not reflected in the article. The group have clarified our position to Quarriers, the Commissioners and Survivor Scotland. "FBGA welcome the Quarriers organisation and its Trustees willingness to support the Pilot Forum at this time, provided the current Quarriers organisation and its representatives can demonstrate fully that it is a genuine attempt at reaching a equitable resolution which does not further damage their own victims in the process and that it is not simply an exercise in damage limitation." Calls for justice for men falsely accused in Bryn Estyn child abuse scandal by Martin Williams, Daily Post, 08/02/10. FBGA highlight the Bryn Estyn and Kerelaw recent issues in the interests of promoting openness transparency, balance and fairness in the debate concerning in-care historical abuse.
FBGA press statement which will be appearing in the UK Parliament magazine, Scottish devolved Government supplement, 1st March 2010, available in the Scottish Parliament. FBGA call upon the Scottish Government and the Parliamentarians to implement in full the Scottish Human Rights Commission's recommendation's and findings forthwith in relation to the historical abuse matters concerning Scotland (PDF format).Scots couple charged over Jersey children's home probe BBC News, 14/01/10. A Scottish couple have appeared in Jersey Magistrates Court charged with a series of assaults at a children's home on the island. Anthony and Morag Jordan, both 62, face 46 charges relating to 14 children at the Haut de la Garenne home. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologises to child migrants (children of a lost generation) and announces a £6m fund to reunite families, BBC News, 14/01/10. Political parties unite over Matt George the Largs and Millport Weekly News, 28/01/10. Former employee of Kerelaw, Mr Matt George, to have his appeal against conviction heard in May or June 2010.
FBGA support this Pilot Forum initiative which is wholly independent of the Scottish Government and organizations including Quarriers, 19/02/10 (PDF format).HTML version here.
Scottish Human Rights Commission review of International Human Rights Law relevant to the proposed Acknowledgement and Accountability Forum for adult survivors of historical abuse, February 2010 (PDF format).
Scottish Human Rights Commission framework document and recommendations for the proposed Acknowledgement and Accountability Forum, February 2010 (PDF format).
Survivor Scotland invites Quarriers former residents to speak and participate in the Pilot Forum, 05/02/10. Up to 100 former residents will now be invited to speak to the Time to be Heard Pilot Forum. The Pilot Forum – consisting of a panel of independent experts – will test out one way of giving a voice to people who were in care as children by having the histories of their time in care acknowledged and recognised. Sessions will be held in private with those who choose to come forward being offered support throughout (PDF format).Irish Survivors urge the Pope to indemnify the Irish Nation by Genevieve Carbery, the Irish Times, 15/02/10. Survivors have rejected a memorial at the present time, leading survivor John Kelly stated "If we get a memorial now then people will say that we got what we wanted". Other outstanding issues had to addressed first by the Religious Orders.
FBGA's submission to the Scottish Human Rights Commission, dated 22nd June 2009. In addition there is an FBGA Press Statement at the end of the submission as to the FBGA group's current position in relation to the historical abuse issues proposed Pilot Forum in Scotland (PDF format).
FBGA say it is "Time to Listen" to the True Victim-Survivors of Quarriers Homes institutional past abuse. We the True Victim-survivors of Quarriers issue this Press statement on 06/02/10 in response to yesterday's announcement by the Scottish Government and the Quarriers Trustees (PDF format).HTML version here.
FBGA response to Chair of FACT, Michael Barnes' recent email, 01/02/10 (PDF format).
Email dated 28/01/10 to FBGA from Michael Barnes, Chair of the Falsely Accused Carers and Teachers, following our comments in the Sunday Times 24/01/10 (PDF format).
David Whelan's CLA blog response which was not permitted on the CLA blog, 05/02/10. It is now apparent that the CLA and its executives such as Jim Goddard are clearly misrepresenting the position of FBGA and in particular David Whelan. FBGA and David Whelan have represented the Scottish historical abuse issues and those we represent in a wholly transparent manner since the FBGA group formed and we will continue to do so. We would ask all others to do likewise including the CLA and the advisors who claim and purport to represent the historical abuse issues in Scotland. David Whelan's responses to Jim Goddard's comments are in bold (PDF format).
Chris Miller's response which was not permitted on the CLA Blog 28/01/10 (PDF format).Solicitors drum up childhood-abuse cases with jail ads by Daniel Foggo, Times Online, 24/01/10. Including comments concerning the Historical Abuse True Victim-Survivors by FBGA and David Whelan
FBGA's additional response to Zachari Duncalf concerning freedom of speech and setting the record straight of behalf of FBGA and David Whelan on a public blog, 26/01/10 (PDF format).
Zachari Duncalf of the CLA to FBGA regarding the CLA bog, 26/01/10 (PDF format).
Jim Goddard's response to Michael Shelton's recent press release. Michael will be given a full "Right of Reply" by FBGA as the CLA have closed down open and transparent freedom of speech on there blog concerning some issues relating to the historical abuse issues regarding Scotland and Jersey and the CLA’s past and present actions, 25/01/10 (PDF format).
Email from Carrie Modral, legitimate Chair of the JCLA, to Jim Goddard of the CLA executive, 12/01/2010. The email is a vote of no confidence, which also states that CLA's involvement with and seeming leadership of JCLA is just not acceptable. "Many members of JCLA have voiced their concerns to me of CLA's involvement with JCLA and how much influence both you and Will have over the EC which is not what the members want. They are also concerned that JCLA funding is being used for CLA's travel and accommodation expenses and if this is the case, which I have been led to believe it is, this is totally unacceptable! These funds are desperately needed to help secure the future of JCLA, to fund various projects to include education and moreover, to be in a position to go forward and offer support and advise to all current and future care leavers in Jersey. Virtually nothing has been achieved by the current EC in helping the members of JCLA since it came into being some two and a half years ago" (PDF format).
Email from Simon Bellwood to the FBGA, 11/01/2010. Simon Bellwood, a well respected former social worker, confirming the ballot and result of the AGM that took place on the 2nd December 2009 concerning the Jersey Care Leavers Association (JCLA). This resulted in Carrie Modral being elected Chair by the JCLA membership as witnessed and verified by Simon Bellwood and others who attended the said JCLA AGM. Yet the CLA executive, Jim Goddard, and others have consistently interfered with the democratic wishes and rights of the JCLA members to elect their own committee members and have ostracised Carrie Mondral since she was elected. This is simply unacceptable and deplorable behaviour by any group claiming to represent the interests of historical abuse survivors. (PDF format).
Email from Phil Frampton to the Care Leavers Association executive and membership, 24/01/2010. Phil Frampton, founding member of the CLA, resigns from the organisation and its executive. Quote: " In Scotland, the CLA executive has also stirred up antagonism by exaggerated claims of CLA membership. The CLA claims it has a large non-paying membership but that is a nonsense when there is no obligation on those members. It is a sham to hide the fact that the real CLA membership had dwindled to hands full. CLA record is dismal in Jersey". Phil Frampton is a decent and thoughtful individual who sought to change the outcomes for Care Leavers for the better including those abused in-care. FBGA will always support individuals like Phil Frampton and their aims and objectives. FBGA will be bring further updates including a full statement from FBGA and Jersey (PDF format).
Email to FBGA dated 20/01/2010 from Jennifer Davidson, Director of SIRCC. The Quarriers Homes True Victim survivors in FBGA have defended our honesty and integrity for over 8 years. We will not be tainted or tarnished by the deception and lies of others who fraudulently claim and purport to represent historical abuse issues in public while engaging in such deceptive and fraudulent behaviour, which would undermine and discredit historical abuse survivors everywhere (PDF format).
FBGA response 20/01/2010 to Jennifer Davidson, Director of SIRCC. Such improper actions by others impact on all of us and they impact on all those involved in the Historical abuse issues nationwide, including the genuine true victim-survivors whether we like it or not (PDF format).
FBGA email regarding issues relating to SHRC, Scottish Institute of Residential Care, the CLA Executive and the JCLA and issues which were highlighted to FBGA and independently verified, 18/01/2010. We highlight these issues publicly as we wish all issues to be in the public domain to enable historical abuse survivors nationwide to make informed choices (PDF format).
Press release statement from Michael Shelton a former Care Leavers Association Executive member, who was previously responsible for historical abuse issues in the CLA organisation. Michael contacted FBGA independently due to his serious concerns with regards the current CLA and its Executive in relation to the organisation's past and present involvement in Jersey and now in Scotland. FBGA have offered the CLA Executive a Right of Reply (PDF format).
FBGA's concerns regarding the Advisor Board process. The Advisor Board selection and vetting process by SIRCC was clearly flawed, nor open or transparent to full public and True Victim Survivor scrutiny. The current Advisor Board appointees are neither fully representative of a broad spectrum of True Victim Survivors abused in the past Scottish Care system. Given that The Advisor board selection process was, selective, partial, predetermined and not independently administered. With all due respect, FBGA will highlight such corrupt or flawed processes concerning True Victim survivors in Scotland as such practices impact on all the True Victim-survivors. FBGA cannot simply ignore such malpractice as has evolved in this process of selecting the current advisors (PDF format).
FBGA's briefing paper and current position with regards the "Acknowledgement and Accountability" processes concerning Scotland, which has recently been published in the House of Commons briefing Sector magazine, under Children, Schools and Families. FBGA will bring you further updates in the New Year! (PDF format).FBGA would like to thank the House of Commons for providing the group with the opportunity to highlight our issues in The House, the parliamentary weekly magazine, No 1325, Vol 35, December 7, 2009, page 7. The article can also be found here. FBGA have chosen the Big Issue magazine, a Charity dedicated to promoting practical solutions to helping vulnerable adults and others who's voices are the least heard in today's society, for its 1st UK wide Press Release. FBGA, 23/11/2009.
(PDF version here ).Many of you may have received the following letter and consent form from SIRCC in conjunction with the CLA requesting your participation in research, concerning the "Acknowledgement and Accountability" proposal. This is simply research and it not the actual forum. The structure and procedures of the forum have not been agreed as such. All individuals should think carefully before providing confidential and personal information concerning your own individual abuse case to anybody with the exception of the police. Remember what happened with Dr Janet Boakes and the personal and confidential information you gave her and how it was misused against you in the courts. FBGA have provided you with guidance marked in RED in the document which you should print off! FBGA, 29/10/2009
(PDF version here ).
FBGA update and statement regarding "Acknowledgement and Accountability" 17/05/2009, and FBGA's original contribution with regard to the "Acknowledgement and Accountability" consultation, submitted to the Scottish Government on the 13th January 2009 (PDF format).The Scottish Human Rights Commission are conducting a consultation on behalf of the Scottish Government concerning the Historical Abuse issues "Acknowledgement and Accountability". FBGA would encourage all Quarriers Survivors abused in-care in Scotland to contact them independently and directly to ensure their "Rights" and "Voices" are heard! FBGA have submitted a paper which we will publish in due course. UK child migrants apology planned BBC News, 15/11/09.
The Challenges of Historical Allegations of Past Sexual Abuse from the perspective of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) A paper by John Weeden, CCRC Commissioner, 16/02/09 (PDF format).
The Challenges of Historical Allegations - The Way Ahead By Mark Barlow, barrister, Garden North Chambers and Mark Newby, Solicitor Advocate, Jordans LLP, the defence team for previous miscarriages of justice historical abuse cases. Conference paper 2009 (PDF format).Two case studies highlighting historical abuse issues in relation to the criminal justice proccess and how those will impact in a proposed forum, FBGA, 19/10/09.
Two case studies highlighting historical abuse issues in relation to the criminal justice proccess and how those will impact in a proposed forum, FBGA, 19/10/09 (PDF format).Lives 'ruined' by rape allegation BBC News, 09/10/09. Accuser must be named say men cleared of gang rape by Gordon Currie and Ian Swanson, the Scotsman, 10/10/09. Jersey carer convicted of abuse BBC News, 20/08/09. Four witnesses deny collusion in Jersey care home trial by Harry McRandle, Jersey Evening Post, 14/08/09. Jersey home carer trial delayed BBC News, 12/08/09. Are we willing to learn from Baby P's death? by Anne McElvoy, the London Evening Standard, 12/08/09. Tracey Connelly: the story of a woman defined by abuse. Baby P's mother faces years of contempt after making the worst of an abject start in life by allowing her son to die in a home permeated by deception and depravity by Sandra Laville, the Guardian, 11/08/09. Judge lifts ban on identification of Baby P's mother by Sandra Laville, the Guardian, 11/08/09. Jersey carer 'was sexual bully' BBC News, 10/08/09. Former Priest extradited from US to face child abuse charges BBC News, 08/08/09.
The Lantern Project, coping with childhood abuse - help and support agencies (PDF format).Undercover care reporter arrested BBC News, 06/08/09. BBC Scotland journalist Arifa Farooq arrested while carrying out care home investigation the Scotsman, 06/08/09.
Jack McConnell's apology in 2004 in the Scottish Parliament: what did it mean in Law? (PDF format).
The relevancy of the Quarriers (IF) abuse occurred and what Quarriers solicitors stated in Court 10th October 2006 (PDF format).Taking care of our children Irish Times, 29/07/09. Child welfare groups and abuse victims welcome Ryan report plan by Carl O'Brien, Irish Times, 29/07/09. Reporting of suspected abuse now compulsory in Ireland by Carl O'Brien, Irish Times, 29/07/09. Rise in Childline calls from boys BBC News, 26/07/09. Jailed pervert back living in village where he abused kids by Marion Scott, Sunday Mail, 31/05/09.
Jailed pervert back living in village where he abused kids by Marion Scott, Sunday Mail, 31/05/09 - FULL TEXT - (PDF format).Ireland's In-Care Abuse Section. Children's Panel chief arrested for allegedly abusing young girls by Janice Burns, Daily Record, 19/05/09. £2m sexual abuse hotline receives just 24 calls in five months by Marion Scott, The Sunday Mail, 15/03/09.
Not all victims of alleged false accusations will be innocent by Dr Michael Naughton, November 2007 (PDF format).Abney Garsden McDonald Solicitors - Press Release: Largest every group claiming abuse in-care seeks redress through the English Courts, 03/02/09. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is in trouble and struggling to come to terms with the legacy of its past by Lorraine Mallinder, BBC News, 31/01/2009.
Dear All, Please find attached FBGA's contribution with regard to the "Acknowledgement and Accountability" consultation, submitted to the Scottish Government on the 13th January 2009. FBGA would like to thank everyone in the group who contributed to this proposal document and we look forward to viewing all the other contributions from all the other interested parties and individuals. FBGA (PDF format).FBGA Press Release 13/01/2009. Foster carer jailed after abuse BBC News, 18/11/08. Scottish government to streamline care and health regulators communitycare.co.uk, 07/11/08. Association of Child Abuse Lawyers highlights the "acknowledgement and accountability forum consultation" ACAL website, 27/10/08. Ex-health chief jailed over porn BBC News, 27/10/08. Church still owes abuse payments by John Drennan, The Irish Independent, 26/10/08. |