Inquiry told children in care 'stripped of dignity'

VULNERABLE children in care were "stripped of their dignity" and lived in environments where violence was "endemic", an inquiry has been told. A group representing survivors of in-care abuse said children with long term needs "had no opportunity to flourish and fulfil their potential" in several Scottish institutions.

- By Neil Pooran

Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry heard closing submissions related to its current phase, which examined 17 residential establishments for children with long-term disabilities and additional support needs.

These included Lennox Castle in Glasgow, Donaldson's School for Deaf Children in Edinburgh, St Vincent's School for the Deaf and Blind in Edinburgh, and Melville House near Collessie in northeast Fife.

Shelagh McCall KC represented In Care Abuse Survivors (INCAS) at the inquiry as she delivered its closing submission on Friday.

She emphasised the "particular vulnerability" of the children in these institutions, many of whom struggled with communication.