Planning a new way forward

Although it is true that the most lurid accounts of what was supposed to have happened at the former children’s home proved to be unfounded, it is beyond doubt that grave wrongs were perpetrated and that great harm was suffered by the young and innocent.

It might be foolish to suggest that final closure is possible for the victims of abuse, sexual or physical, but the independent recommendations of social work expert Andrew Williamson offer the hope that at least a partial conclusion might be reached.

Mr Williamson, whose previous work in the Island will mean that he has insight into the nature of our community and, no doubt, sympathy for those who have enduring grievances, says that a committee of inquiry must examine the political and managerial handling of children’s services between 1960 and 1994 – a cut-off point which may yet be challenged as arbitrary. His three-part plan also urges a review – by a non-Jersey lawyer – of the decisions whether to prosecute or not in cases that have come to light, and the establishment of a ‘truth and reconciliation’ system in an effort to draw a line under past events.

These conclusions, presented in Mr Williamson’s recent report, have been rejected by the Care Leavers’ Association, but this is understandable. It is difficult to imagine any initiative emerging from what they perceive to be authority fully and finally satisfying their demands for comprehensive justice.

Others, however, will see the Williamson recommendations as a sincere and essential attempt not only to delve deep for the truth, but also to help victims come to terms with their experiences. In particular, the proposed re-examination of unprosecuted cases will and should be seen as a genuine attempt to bring any remaining guilty parties to book.

But the fundamental problem is this – if the Island were able to reapproach the Haut de La Garenne accusations and associated matters afresh, it would handle matters very differently. Sadly, we cannot go back to initiate a new but unflawed investigation, so we must do the very best that we can to right the wrongs that, manifestly, continue to stain the Island’s good name. The Williamson report, despite unavoidable limitations, represents the best way forward.