Parliamentary activity

Answering body: Home Office

The Government has carefully considered all recommendations made by the Inquiry to date. These recommendations informed the development of the Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy, which was published on 22 January, and will continue to inform its implementation.

In particular, the Government is implementing a number of IICSA’s recommendations as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. This includes including further ‘positions of trust’ to which the existing offences contained within sections 16–19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 will apply, when certain activities are knowingly carried out on a regular basis within a sport or a religion. We are also placing a requirement for the courts and the police to have regard to a list of countries when they are considering the need for foreign travel prohibitions as part of the civil orders.

The Inquiry’s recommendations also have a reach far beyond central Government, and continue to inform other agencies’ approaches to addressing any institutional child protection gaps, and assisting with the culture change needed to improve the system-wide response to child sexual abuse.

Crucially, the Inquiry’s Truth Project, which has offered nearly 6,000 victims and survivors of child sexual abuse the opportunity to share their experiences, has helped to ensure the voice of victims is at the heart of organisational and societal changes going forwards.

The Inquiry’s final Report is due to be published next year which will include further findings and recommendations, which Government will carefully consider.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to its investigation into the extent of any institutional failures to protect children from sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales. I pay tribute to the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, identify what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to its investigation into institutional failures to protect children from sexual abuse within the Anglican Church. I pay tribute to the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to its investigation into the role of the internet in facilitating child sexual abuse. I am thankful for the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to its investigation into Westminster. I pay tribute to the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to its investigation into Children Outside the UK. I pay tribute to the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest case study report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to Ealing Abbey and St Benedict’s School in the Inquiry’s Roman Catholic Church investigation. I pay tribute to the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest case study report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to the Archdiocese of Birmingham in the Inquiry’s Roman Catholic Church investigation. I pay tribute to the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Ministry of Justice

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, published its Interim Report on 25 April 2018, and made eighteen recommendations for Government, of which five are directed to the Ministry of Justice, and one to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, an Executive Agency of the department.

Her Majesty’s Government published its response to the IICSA’s recommendations on 19 December, indicating that it will be taking forward the vast majority of the interim report’s recommendations. It can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-inquiry-into-child-sexual-abuse-interim-report

Answering body: Ministry of Justice

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, published its Interim Report on 25 April 2018, and made eighteen recommendations for Government, of which five are directed to the Ministry of Justice, and one to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, an Executive Agency of the department.

Her Majesty’s Government published its response to the IICSA’s recommendations on 19 December, indicating that it will be taking forward the vast majority of the interim report’s recommendations. It can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-inquiry-into-child-sexual-abuse-interim-report

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest case study report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to the Diocese of Chichester and Peter Ball case studies in the Inquiry’s Anglican Church investigation. I am thankful for the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Ministry of Justice

The Youth Custody Service’s internal safeguarding review was established in April 2018, under the following Terms of Reference:

Review, and where appropriate revise, the current operational policies for Safeguarding within the Youth Secure Estate;

Review the processes for handling allegations and complaints, including but not limited to, access, response, investigation and the support offered to children and young people

Review the corporate governance structures for safeguarding given the transfer of functions from the Youth Justice Board (YJB) to the Youth Custody Service (YCS)

Review the staff recruitment and vetting procedures in place and systems for referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Review the safeguarding training offer and arrangements for all staff

Review information sharing arrangements between different departments within establishments, for example between Safeguarding and Security teams.

Ensure the YCS is compliant with and executing its duties in relation to the Working Together guidance issued by the Department for Education, and any other relevant statutory requirements

Scope and establish working relationships with relevant external stakeholders. For example, the chairs of Local Safeguarding Children Boards on the custodial care of children; Association of Directors of Children’s Services; YJB etc.

Make recommendations on policies, processes and procedures, as deemed necessary to improve safeguarding measures for children and young people

Share and disseminate good practice with staff across the youth secure estate, in line with the YCS’s emerging continuous improvement model.

The YCS safeguarding report is in the process of being finalised and I will write to you when the report has been submitted to me.

Answering body: Home Office

Today the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its latest strand report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to its investigation into the extent of any institutional failures to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation while in custodial institutions. I am grateful for the strength and courage of the victims and survivors who have shared their experiences to ensure the Inquiry can deliver its vital work.

Government will review this report and consider how to respond to its content in due course.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Department of Health and Social Care

On 19 December the Government published its response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse's (IICSA) Interim Report and its report on Child Migration Programmes. The Government response outlines the Prime Minister’s decision to ensure that former child migrants receive a payment as soon as possible, in recognition of the fundamentally flawed nature of the historic child migration policy. It is our intention that the ex-gratia payment scheme is set up as quickly as possible, and further details will be provided shortly.

We are aware that a number of former child migrants have sadly passed away since the IICSA Child Migration Programmes report was published, so the Government will accept applications in respect of any former child migrant who was alive on 1 March 2018, when the Inquiry’s Child Migration Programmes report was published.

Answering body: Department of Health and Social Care

On 19 December the Government published its response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse's (IICSA) Interim Report and its report on Child Migrant Programmes. The Government’s response outlines the Prime Minister’s decision to ensure that former child migrants receive a payment as soon as possible, in recognition of the fundamentally flawed nature of the historic child migration policy. It is our intention that the ex-gratia payment scheme is set up without delay, and further details will be provided in the new year.

We are aware that a number of former child migrants have sadly passed away since the IICSA Child Migration Programmes report was published, so the Government will accept applications in respect of any former child migrant who was alive on 1 March 2018, when the Inquiry’s Child Migration Programmes report was published.

We are grateful to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse for putting this recommendation forward, and will continue to support former migrants through the Family Restoration Fund, which we set up in 2010 to reunite child migrants with their families.

Answering body: Home Office

A debate on the Interim Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse will be arranged after the publication of the Government response and as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Answering body: Ministry of Justice

We are determined to make sure every victim gets the compensation to which they are entitled.

The Justice Secretary announced, in the cross-government victims strategy published yesterday [on 10 September], a full review of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to ensure it reflects the changing nature of crime and can better support victims. The review will consider how the Scheme might better serve victims - especially victims of child sexual abuse – and take account of the interim findings and recommendations made by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA.)

We also committed within the victims strategy to remove the pre-1979 ‘same roof rule’.

Answering body: Department of Health and Social Care

We are currently carefully considering the findings and recommendations made in the Child Migration Programmes report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and will respond in due course.

We are aware of the age and declining health of many former child migrants, and we are committed to providing a considered response to all of the Inquiry's recommendations. The Home Office leads on the Government's response to the IICSA Interim Report.

Answering body: Department of Health and Social Care

We are currently carefully considering the findings and recommendations made in the Child Migration Programmes report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and will respond in due course.

We are aware of the age and declining health of many former child migrants, and we are committed to providing a considered response to all of the Inquiry's recommendations. The Home Office leads on the Government's response to the IICSA Interim Report.

Answering body: Home Office

I am pleased to announce that the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has, in accordance with its Terms of Reference, today published its Interim Report [HC 954]. Pursuant to Section 26 of the Inquiries Act 2005, I am also laying a copy of the report before the House.

The report will be published on the Inquiry’s website, www.iicsa.org.uk, and at Gov.UK . Copies will also be available in the Vote Office.

The Interim Report provides an overview of the work undertaken by the Inquiry so far, together with emerging themes and recommendations.

Across Government, the Interim Report will be given careful and proper consideration. Discussions with Business Managers are currently in hand to schedule a debate to be held in Government time to enable the House to fully discuss the content.

I would like to thank Professor Jay and the Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

I am pleased to announce that the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has today published its first regular report, which can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk.

This report relates to its Child Migration Programmes case study. The child migration policy was misguided and deeply flawed. Successive governments have accepted that the policy of child migration was wrong. The 2010 national apology has been reaffirmed in each subsequent year. Over £9m has been made available to former child migrants to help them be reunited with their families.

Across Government, we look forward to viewing this report and considering how we can respond to its content. Meanwhile I would like to thank Professor Jay and her Panel for their continued work to uncover the truth, expose what went wrong in the past and to learn the lessons for the future.

Answering body: Home Office

The Inquiry is delivering in accordance with the work plan it published in December 2016. Details about the Inquiry's work are published by the Inquiry on its website - www.iicsa.org.uk

Answering body: Home Office

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is currently holding a public hearing into allegations of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children residing at or attending Cambridge House Boys’ Hostel, Knowl View School, and other institutions where their placement was arranged or provided by Rochdale Borough Council. This includes allegations relating to Sir Cyril Smith.

It would be entirely inappropriate for the Government to comment on these matters while the work of the IICSA is ongoing.

Answering body: Home Office

The Government recognises the specific difficulties that minors may face when coming forward with evidence to the Inquiry. The terms of reference for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse require it to "consider the experience of survivors of child sexual abuse; providing opportunities for them to bear witness to the Inquiry, having regard to the need to provide appropriate support in doing so".

It is for the Inquiry (which operates independently of Government) to determine how to provide this appropriate support. Information about how the Inquiry supports victims and survivors who come forward with evidence are given on the Inquiry's website - www.iicsa.org.uk

Answering body: Home Office

The terms of reference for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse require it to "consider the experience of survivors of child sexual abuse; providing opportunities for them to bear witness to the Inquiry, having regard to the need to provide appropriate support in doing so". The Inquiry operates independently of Government and it is for the Inquiry itself to determine how best to do this. Details of the Inquiry's approach, and how survivors may make contact, are given on the Inquiry's website - www.iicsa.org.uk