Inquiry to commence Phase 10 of investigations

On 8 December 2025, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will begin its public hearings in relation to Phase 10 of its investigations: the provision of residential care for children and young people in establishments run by Local Authorities and establishments run by voluntary providers used by Local Authorities to place children in care.

SCAI’s investigations into this area of residential care have been ongoing throughout the life of the Inquiry.

The period examined by SCAI’s investigations into abuse at these establishments extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.

This case study will explore the nature and extent of all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, including the abusive use of corporal punishment and restraint.

Reporting systems and the wide-ranging impact of abuse have been and continue to be aspects of SCAI’s investigations, as do staff recruitment, training, and organisational culture. 

The case study will include the presentation of evidence from individuals who experienced abuse when in residential care in one of these settings and from providers.

Hearings will be held at the Inquiry’s venue at Mint House, 20 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA. 

At this stage, applications may be made for leave to appear for this case study. Anyone wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than Friday, 3 October 2025. 

What is involved in having leave to appear is explained on the Inquiry’s website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/pre-hearing-procedures. Application forms are also available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/procedure/application-leave-appear.

Members of the public do not need leave to appear to watch hearings from the public areas in the Inquiry’s venue. They are welcome to do so at any time.

SCAI has also created an Easy Read information guide with simple language and pictures to help people understand more about the Inquiry. This is available on the website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot/accessibility-support

Twenty establishments have now been confirmed as being included in the case study: