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Scottish survivor groups encourage all survivors of abuse in care to take part in a milestone consultation which closes on 17th November 2017. Survivor groups in Scotland have called on all survivors of abuse in care to take part in this important consultation, which will allow individuals to share their views on a possible financial redress scheme for the first time. Former Boys and Girls Abused in Quarriers fully support this consultation, which was put together in partnership with other victims/survivors groups, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, CELCIS, the Scottish Government and others.

The consultation is open to all victims/survivors of historical abuse in care as defined by the terms of reference of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and is available online here.


PDF Document FBGA, in conjunction with the Interaction Review Group and CELCIS, have been involved in compiling a questionaire, and have circulated it to victims/survivors of in care abuse via Drummond Miller our legal representatives to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

As was highlighted when we gave evidence to the inquiry recently, we have also submitted a proposal paper to the Interaction Review Group for a tariff-based redress and financial compensation scheme. This is our preferred option being based on the individual merits of each case and the personal experience of the victims/survivors (PDF format).


PDF Document CELCIS are running a consultation to find out what victims/survivors of abuse in care think about various options for a potential financial compensation/redress scheme for individuals who experienced any form of abuse in care in Scotland.

If a financial compensation/redress scheme is set up, it may provide victims/survivors of abuse in care with an alternative way to seek justice and compensation. It may also provide tangible recognition of the harm caused to individuals. The consultation is open from 4 September 2017 to 17 November 2017.

Send us your completed paper copy or complete the questionnaire online. You can request a paper copy from CELCIS by email or by telephone on 0808 800 0031 (Monday and Thursday 9.30am – 4.00pm or Tuesday 9.30am – 7.00pm) A FREEPOST envelope for you to return your paper copy will be supplied.


Greenock OAP tells of abuse ordeal while in the care of Quarriers Orphan Homes, by Rosemary Lowne, the Greenock Telegraph, 01/08/17. Tommy Hagan suffers from a severe nervous disorder which he says was caused by 14 years of systematic physical abuse and neglect which he endured at the Orphan Homes of Scotland between 1938 and 1952. FBGA are delighted that Tommy has the support he needs as we were contacted many years ago by a family member and FBGA referred Tommy and them onwards to support services.

PDF Document Information Day for Survivors. This FREE event is for victims/survivors who experienced abuse or neglect as a child while living 'in care'. It will take place at the Strathclyde Suite, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, on Tuesday 22nd August 2017, from 11am to 3.30pm (PDF format).

"Do I need to register?" We need an idea of numbers so we can make sure there's enough space and enough food! So if you plan to come along please email celcis.learning@strath.ac.uk or phone 0131 244 2507 and let us know. You only need to tell us your first name.

"What if I have more questions?" Email us on celcis.learning@strath.ac.uk or call on 0131 244 2507 if you have any questions.

"Where is it?" The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is opposite Buchanan Street bus station and near Queen Street train station. Access is from Killermont Street. There's full disabled access and wheelchairs are available on request for use while you're there. There will be staff there to show you where to go.

"Who is organising this?" Survivors on the InterAction Action Plan Review Group, Scottish Government and CELCIS have worked together to organise this Information Day open to all 'in care' survivors.

"Can I bring someone with me?" Yes, you can bring a support worker or a friend or family member – just let us know when you register.

Travel expenses will be reimbursed on the day but that will require receipts to be kept so please ensure everyone attending is aware of that.


PDF Document Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, day 20, 11/07/17. Initial closing statement and observations by Mr Stuart Gale QC, representing FBGA and David Whelan, pages 30 to 43 (PDF format).

PDF Document Testimony of David Whelan, spokesperson of the FBGA, to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, day 18, 05/07/17 (PDF format).

PDF Document David Whelan, a child abuse survivor, has said he suffered intimidation after speaking out and was forced to waive his anonymity after his convicted abuser appeared in a BBC documentary, Chris Marshall, the Scotsman, 05/07/2017 (PDF format). Html link here.

PDF Document Abuse survivors pledge to make credible claims as time bar lifted the Glasgow Herald, 23/06/2017 (PDF format). Html link here. David Whelan, spokesman for Former Boys and Girls Abused (FBGA) of Quarriers Homes, said he was delighted the bill to end the time bar had been passed with no abstentions. He added: "It is a momentous day for survivors – it has been a long struggle to get here, and convince people that the old law was antiquated and needed to be changed. The only sadness is that some people won’t be around to take advantage of it."

PDF Document Future Pathways, Scotland's In Care Survivor Support Fund, quarterly report : Q4, January - March 2017 (PDF format).

Future Pathways, Scotland's In Care Survivor Support Fund, newsletter May 2017.

PDF Document Letter to the FBGA from Annabelle Ewing, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, in relation to the Apologies (Scotland) Act 2016, 12/05/2017. The FBGA thanks Annabelle Ewing for taking the time to write and explain this matter. FBGA were very concerned when we were informed that the Scottish Social Services Council and the General Teaching Council for Scotland were seeking exemption from the Act. The Minister's letter helps to explain the reasoning behind the Scottish Government's decision in this respect. The FBGA continue to fully support the Scottish Government in it efforts to address all historical abuse issues affecting Scotland, and to implement the InterAction Plan in full (PDF format).

PDF Document FBGA submission to the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament, 08/05/2017. This relates to the Apology (Scotland Act) 2016. FBGA has raised serious concerns about organisations such as the Scottish Social Services Council and the General Teaching Council for Scotland seeking exemption from this Act, which would have a negative impact on survivors. Correspondence relating to the Justice Committee's consideration of subordinate legislation relating to the Act, including the FBGA's submission, can be found here (PDF format).

"Abuse victim who fought for justice dies without redress" - Mr Frank Docherty RIP. FBGA have been informed of the sad news of Frank's passing away. We are all truly indebted to Frank for his courage and bravery and for giving others the courage to highlight and speak out about what took place in these institutions. May he rest in peace and may I, on behalf of myself and the FBGA, offer our condolences to Janet, his family and to the members of INCAS. Best wishes, David Whelan.

PDF Document FBGA's submission to the Scottish Justice Committee in relation to the proposed changes in Timebar law, 09/01/17 (PDF format).

PDF Document Scottish child abuse inquiry announces preliminary hearing, 14/12/2016 (PDF format). (Html version here). David Whelan wrote to the Inquiry Team on behalf of FBGA saying, "We are concerned that there are limited places for attendees as indicated in your letter. It would very unfortunate if any victim-survivor was denied access or failed to gain entry due to the limited number of places. I am sure also that there will be media interest so it is crucial that the above does not occur for any of the above reasons."

The In Care Survivor Support Fund (ICSSF) supports those who have experienced abuse in care.

You can contact the ICSSF in a number of ways – by phone on 0808 164 2005, by email at registration@icssf.scot or by using the form on their website. If you are worried about contacting the ICSSF directly yourself, a relative, friend or support worker can, with your permission, get in touch with them on your behalf.


PDF Document An update from Lady Smith, the Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, 17/10/2016. Those who wish to provide information please contact the Inquiry directly (PDF format).

PDF Document An invitation for the forthcoming survivor engage events (PDF format). The In Care Survivor Support Fund (ICSSF) would like to invite you to an event to learn about how we will work with those who were abused or neglected as children whilst living in care, in Scotland. As we are moving forward with service delivery, we are keen to engage with you to inform your awareness of the fund. We will be running three events and each will be chaired by a representative from Celcis, The Centre for Excellence for Looked after Children in Scotland. The events will involve staff from the In Care Survivor Support Fund to meet people, answer questions, hear views and discuss different ways to engage and involve survivors on an ongoing basis.

Refreshments and lunch will also be provided and travel expenses for Survivors will be reimbursed.

The three initial information sessions will take place on:
  • Monday 19th September 2016, Glasgow
  • Wednesday 5th October 2016, Edinburgh
  • Monday 10th October 2016, Perth
To register your interest to attend on your chosen date, please RSVP to engagement@icssf.scot or call our freephone number at 0808 164 2240

We look forward to hearing from you and we hope to meet with you in the future.

Kind Regards,

The In Care Survivor Support (Scotland) Engagement Team


PDF Document FBGA's proposed redress and compensation model submitted to the Scottish Government on 25/04/16.

The model is based on best practice, is victim/survivor centred and puts the victim/survivor at the heart of the process. Under the model victim/survivors would be permitted to appoint their own legal and medical representatives and their medical representatives would be responsible for submitting any medical reports that might be required or requested as part of any redress and compensation scheme.

The FBGA redress and compensation scheme addresses the pre-1964 victim/survivors as a priority and also takes into consideration those victim/survivors who may not wish to embark upon an adversarial court case once Timebar is changed (PDF format).


FBGA recommends leading human rights lawyer Cameron Fyffe to represent the interests of the Quarriers Homes' abuse victims in the forthcoming Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. Cameron Fyffe has vast legal and human rights experience and in-depth knowledge of particular Quarriers Homes child abuse cases. He undoubtably has the unmatched legal experience that Quarriers Homes victims will require as they contemplate accessing the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

PDF Document FBGA's submission for the Support Fund consultation, 08/07/2015 (PDF format).

PDF Document A letter from the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary, Angela Constance MSP informing us that the announcement for the National Inquiry will now be made in May 2015 subject to parliamentary approval. The Scottish Government understands the importance of this and continue to work with and consult victims-survivors including FBGA. In the letter the minister says, "I want to make clear my continuing personal commitment to this Inquiry. I am conscious that this is our opportunity to examine an issue which the system has been poor at in the past. I want our society and country to face up to our responsibilities in this area. It is crucial that we get this absolutely right", 22/04/2015 (PDF format).

PDF Document The FBGA's submission of 18/03/2015 to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary, Angela Constance, MSP. This submission is in relation to the recent Inquiry announcement made in the Scottish Parliament and covers timeline, types of abuse, the definition of a child, protocols, principles and obligations, scope, qualities of the Chair and Panel members, skills, expertise and due diligence - all matters relating to the purpose of the Inquiry. FBGA have also put forward a proposal for an advisory or reference group to be set-up for the Inquiry under the auspices if CELCIS (PDF format).

PDF Document What is the Role of an Inquiry? A presentation by David Whelan at the Survivor Events held recently in Scotland, 25/02/2015 (PDF format). Background notes to the presentation are available here.

Survivor events details and how to give your views.

PDF Document Notes from a meeting between FBGA and other victims-survivors and Scottish Government Ministers to highlight the case for implementation of the InterAction Summary Plan, 13/08/14 (PDF format).

PDF Document The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance magazine. On page 8 is an article submitted by FBGA about why independent advocacy is so important for Scottish historical abuse victims-survivors to realise their individual rights (PDF format).

PDF Document FBGA Spring 2014 newsletter with all the most recent developments and news (PDF format).

PDF Document FBGA newsletter, 14/01/13 (PDF format). Html version here.


FBGA have joined with other former residents, care professionals, academics and others in establishing the Care Leavers Voice which meets in the UK Parliament and is chaired by John Hemming MP. The objective of Care Leavers Voice is to improve the care system by giving care leavers a voice to inform and influence policy. The group's members are UK wide. You can find the Care Leavers Voice website here.

PDF Document FBGA's submission to SACRO (safeguarding Communities - Reducing Offending) concerning their consultation regarding a Restorative Justice model for Scottish historical victim-survivors, December 2012 (PDF format).

PDF Document FBGA submission to the Leveson Inquiry, 16/05/12 (PDF format).


Full Taalk radio show broadcast from USA, FBGA would like to thank Diane Cranley and all at Taalk for all there support.

FBGA invited to take part in a worldwide Taalk radio show broadcast from the United States on the 30th April 2011. Here is the link to listen to FBGA's segment.

PDF Document FBGA Winter 2011 newsletter with updates on developments concerning FBGA and Scottish historical abuse issues. Duncan Wilson, Scottish Human Rights Commission, will be making a presentation to the Scottish Petitions Commission on the 29th November 2011, which can be viewed on the Scottish Parliament website. FBGA would like to extend our thanks to the SHRC for their continued interest in these issues, 01/11/11 (PDF format).

PDF Document FBGA's detailed response dated 6th September 2011 to the letter sent to the Petitions committee by INCAS in June 2011. This concerns the following, Timebar, Irish Model, TTBH, Restorative Justice-SACRO, Quarriers and FBGA's current position in these important matters (PDF format).

PDF Document FBGA Press Release concerning the Scottish Government's current management of the Historical Abuse survivor processes, 26/11/10. (PDF format here).

PDF Document 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).

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.

PDF Document FBGA have chosen the Big Issue magazine, a charity dedicated to promoting practical solutions to help vulnerable adults and others who's voices are the least heard in today's society, for its 1st UK wide press release, 23/11/2009 (PDF version here ).

PDF Document 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.

PDF Document The relevancy of the Quarriers (IF) abuse occurred and what Quarriers solicitors stated in Court 10th October 2006 (PDF format).

PDF Document Jack McConnell's apology in 2004 in the Scottish Parliament: what did it mean in Law? (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.

PDF Document 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).

PDF Document FBGA Press Statement concerning Marion Scott at the Scottish Sunday Mail and Mr Chris Daly, with regard to the article dated 15th March 2009 concerning abuse charity Open Secret and other matters. This statement, which FBGA believe to be factually honest, open and transparent with regard to these issues and the matters raised by others, including Mr Daly. FBGA, 27/03/09 (PDF format).

PDF Document Statement concerning FBGA and its representatives regarding past and current issues concerning the FBGA group and its representatives. The FBGA group feel this update is appropriate at this time to set the record straight and follows a recent demand to remove FBGA articles concerning Chris Daly, formerly of INCAS, and a National Reference Group representative 24/07/09 (PDF format).

PDF Document Following on from recent events and the false and malicious allegations made against the FBGA group and its founders, FBGA are asking the question, Do FBGA as a group have a "right" to highlight and raise legitimate issues in a transparent manner concerning so called Survivors? FBGA believe they do and must do to protect the FBGA group’s honesty and integrity (PDF format).

PDF Document FBGA's forthright response to the false and malicious allegations concerning its founding members and the Scottish official confirming that the false claims and allegations concerning FBGA did not occur and were inaccurate and simply untruthful (PDF format).

PDF Document The false and malicious allegations concerning two founding member of FBGA, being passed around while the Subgroup was in progress. Our sincere thanks to the individual who brought this to the group's attention (PDF format).

FBGA are pleased to announce that they attended the Miscarriages of Justice conference held in Glasgow, City Chambers 21-22 April 2008. Further updates to be announced.

PDF Document Nazareth House victims lose appeal in the House of Lords full text, 21/05/2008 (PDF format).

Nazareth House victims lose appeal in the House of Lords House of Lords web site, Session 2007-08.

PDF Document Right to a fair trial and hearing, European Human Rights, Article 6 (PDF format).

Update to all members to keep you informed about recent events concerning FBGA, 14/03/07

PDF Document Email to Chris Millar from the Strathclyde Police 11/02/07, confirming that they will not investigate abuse complaints with regards to Quarriers Homes (PDF format).

Statement of December 2007 by FBGA regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission proposed by Lord Clyde, Professor Marshall and Bronwen Cohen in The Herald.

PDF Document Scottish Bishops' letter to Cumberlege Commission, 02/11/2006. Scottish Bishops deny that widespread sexual abuse took place in Scottish Catholic administered institutions and continue to question whether any physical abuse occured in religious run instititutions North of the Border (PDF format).

PDF Document Report of Independent Commission into Child Abuse in Ireland, 2006 (PDF format).

PDF Document English Law Commission No 270 "Limitation of Actions". See pages 65-75 on the recommendations for law to be extended on Time-bar (PDF format).

Dumfries and Galloway Council is considering creating a special post to help house convicted sex offenders, August 2007.

Effie Climibie, another former care worker of Quarriers Homes, is convicted.

Nazareth House three fail in their appeal.

Another ex-employee of Quarriers found guilty of abusing children.

Media Statements made by Quarriers.

Heather Porteous contacts victim & accuses the police of offering victims money.

Quarriers propose a conference into "Historical Abuse" issues. Another broken promise by Quarriers. The FBGA is disappointed that Quarriers did not see fit to hold the Historical Abuse Conference that they eagerly announced in front of the Culture Minister Tessa Jowell and the Media in Bath.

Victims call for former directors of Quarriers Homes to be charged: Full recording of Colin Adams interview with David Whelan.

Two emails in support of the call for a full public inquiry into Quarriers: from Harry Aitken.

Former Quarriers' children attack the hypocrisy of the Save the Church Committee.

 
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