Monday 3 March 2008

A VICTORIAN HORROR STORY


Haute de la Garenne has become a Victorian horror story that actually existed through the 1960s, 70s and early 80s. When a voluntary worker recalls children as being 'ice cold and frozen with fear' then thank God that we now have CRB checks; Ofsted Inspections, Social Services visits and Child Line.
Murder and what other abominable practices were part of the experience of the victims of such abuse? What concerns me and should concern all of us, is the veil of secrecy that can be drawn down over activities and information, even in our modern times. An open, honest approach to what we all do and the willingness to accept investigation and criticism is vital. What worries me is that the care of our most vulnerable children today is still not enforced and inspected as rigorously as it could and should and that 'whistle-blowers' are still regarded as pariahs.

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