Comments
Digital copy of Exhibit 4: Officer's Report by [Civilian Investigator] Robert De La Cour of the Historic Abuse Team on the subject of Operation Rectangle. [Some details redacted].
| Reference | ZC/D/AW1/A4/4/WD000009/2 |
| Date | 26 February 2008 |
| Scope and Content | Notes upset caused to Michael Laing following publicity of the discovery of a human skull at Haut de la Garenne, and allegations reported by the media involving physical and sexual abuse at Haut de la Garenne. Notes Michael Laing's consideration of Haut de la Garenne as a refuge, mentioning abuse sustained whilst in the care of [foster] families. Refers to the actions of staff at Haut de la Garenne with regards to help given to a resident. Comments on bullying at Haut de la Garenne, and being placed in solitary confinement as a punishment. Provides details of staff at Haut de la Garenne, mentioning caning, behaviour, and violence. Recalls being induced to fall over in the shower due to the actions of a female member of staff, leading to treatment at the General Hospital for stitches to his chin. Refers to Michael Laing's admissions to Haut de la Garenne between 1959 and 1968, also mentioning prior admission to Westaway Creche. Comments on mother's inability to care for her son, and inability to identify Michael Laing's father. Provides details of Michael Laing's foster placements, mentioning physical abuse as a form of punishment, soiled underwear, pregnancy, and behaviour of other children. Recalls being fostered as a teenager, mentioning sexual abuse by the family's eldest son. Comments on Michael Laing's concerns regarding the actions of the Children's Department, mentioning [Deputy Children's Officer] Charles Smith and a woman named Thompson [possibly Children's Officer Patricia Thornton], and the changing of his name depending on his foster placement at the time. Notes Michael Laing's consideration of a civil claim against the Children's Service and States of Jersey for failing in their duty of care towards him. Discusses complaints possible to pursue, mentioning deaths and ill health regarding those previously having fostered Michael Laing. Refers to legislation discussed regarding justifiable punishment during the 1960s and 1970s, mentioning agreement that caning at the time was considered lawful punishment. Refers to Michael Laing's attendance at Children's Services to view his personal file under the Data Protection Act, noting Operation Rectangle's current possession of the file. Refers to second meeting with Michael Laing to take place, mentioning a possible statement. Provides remarks concering Michael Laing's demeanour, noting divorce, and self employment as an electriction. Refers to psychiatric treatment provided by Dr [J P F] Fogarty, mentioning emotional baggage preventing Michael Laing from having a normal relationship. Notes Michael Laing's statement that his present emotional health is a result of being moved around by Children's Services rather than due to his experiences at Haut de la Garenne. [For a copy of this Officer's Report with differing levels of redaction, see C/D/AW1/A4/4/WD000006]. |
| Names | Children's Services Children's Department Children's Office Jersey General Hospital Haut de la Garenne Historic Abuse Team Operation Rectangle Social Services States of Jersey States of Jersey Police Westaway Creche De La Cour, Robert, Civilian Investigator Fogarty, J P F, Dr Laing, Michael Paul Smith, Charles Thornton, Patricia Thompson, Mrs |
| Keywords | child abuse | abuse | allegations | Children | childcare | Children's Officers | Civilian Investigators | corporal punishment | caning | children's services | complaints | children's homes | Deputy Children's Officers | doctors | data protection | divorce | deaths | enuresis | exhibits | evidence | electricians | employment | fostering | human remains | foster parents | Hospitals | injuries | IJCI | interviews | mothers | mental health | Media | names | Officer's Reports | punishments | physical abuse | psychiatry | Police | reports | showers | staff | social services | sexual abuse | statements | treatment | violence | witness statements | witnesses |
| Places | Police Station |
| Dimensions | 1 pdf file |
| Language | English |
| Level of description | File |
| Access restrictions | Closed for preservation - please consult digital copy |
Context:
Digital copy of Exhibit 4: Officer's Report by [Civilian Investigator] Robert De La Cour of the Historic Abuse Team on the subject of Operation Rectangle. [Some details redacted].
ZC/D/AW1/A4/4/WD000009/2
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