Inquiry into Historical Child Abuse

Overview

Background

Scotland is going to have its first statutory national Inquiry into the historical abuse of children in care in Scotland.

The Scottish Government would like to seek your views on a number of important questions, including what the Inquiry’s terms of reference should cover, and what attributes we should look for in a Chair and Panel for the Inquiry.

You can do this either by completing this survey, attending an event or writing to us at Survivor.Engagement@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Helping to Shape the Inquiry

To help shape the inquiry, it’s important to understand some of the context and background, as well as what an inquiry is. Please read the information contained within these pages before looking at the  questions we are asking you to consider.

What’s Happened So Far  

More information on an Inquiry

We would like to have responses by 26 March 2015. The Scottish Government does not intend to publish any individual responses, however, a summary of responses will be made available in Spring 2015. This summary report will include statistical information such as number of responses, as well as, an overview of responses, by topic.

Consultation on the Public Inquiry into Historical Child Abuse in Scotland and other Scottish Government Commitments to Survivors of Historical Child Abuse  (includes consultaiton responses)

What happens next

The Scottish Government does not intend to publish any individual responses, however, a summary of responses will be made available in Spring 2015. This summary report will include statistical information such as number of responses, as well as, an overview of responses by topic.   

Following consideration of responses, the Scottish Government aims to announce the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry by April 2015.  

If you would like to speak to a counsellor offering help specifically for survivors of historic in-care abuse please contact the In Care Survivor Service Scotland (INCSS) Helpline on 0800 121 6027.

 For other sources of support, please visit our website.