Special briefing of The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse report
Date published: 23 May 2018
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse report
A special briefing of The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) report into historic failings in Rochdale institutions was presented to a council scrutiny meeting on Wednesday (23 May).
The report released on 12 April 2018 highlighted significant failures between 1960 and 1996 of leadership and management and how council officers and school staff from the time covered by the report had failed to protect children.
The council, which began its own independent review into the failings in 2014, apologised to the victims before the start of the IICSA hearings in October 2017.
Although IICSA made no recommendations to the council, its report was considered by the council and its councillors so that a formal response could be given.
Gail Hopper, Director of Children’s Services, said: “There is no doubt that some children were harmed in the settings described. In establishing the facts around some of the events, through a substantial amount of written evidence, in the council’s possession, it was clear that there had been a significant number of failures.
“In the period between 1989 and 1992, there is also evidence that children were harmed in public toilets and elsewhere in Rochdale as a result of sexual exploitation. Whilst this was not a concept of child abuse that was as fully understood as it is today, it is clear that it has never been acceptable for any adult to engage in sexual activity with a child, whatever the setting, age difference or apparent compliance.
“The response of the council to incidents of abuse at Knowl View, involving a convicted offender and in relation to abuse of children at Smith Street toilets was in breach of the Working Together national guidance that was in place for local authorities and their child protection partners at the time.
“The council as the lead agency was some three years out of date in responding to national guidance changes. It was also clear that an apology from the council was well overdue. This was addressed in 2017.
“Many of the findings by the review reflect information that was provided in documentation, statements and verbal evidence to the hearing. They reflected weaknesses in leadership, governance, political accountability, management, professional knowledge and poor skill levels. In that context, there were few surprises in the findings for those who were actively involved in the provision of data to IICSA and in preparation of the corporate statement.
“The appalling history in respect of Cambridge House, Knowl View and Cyril Smith’s role within both have also had a continuing impact on how Rochdale has been able to move forward for many years. “The conclusion of this hearing and publication of the report may now provide victims with some acknowledgement if not closure. For the borough it may allow some forward thinking that is not regularly blighted by continued reflections.
“The arrangements now in place to safeguard children in Rochdale are significantly stronger than they have been in the past. Partnership arrangements are strong, scrutiny and challenge by the council and the Safeguarding Children Board are also able to demonstrate regular and robust challenge.”
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