The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has commissioned and published two research reports on the experiences of disabled children and young people in residential care. Both reports provide further background to the Inquiry’s Phase 9 investigations (the provision of residential care in establishments for children and young people with long-term healthcare needs, additional support needs, and disabilities).
The first report, by a team of researchers led by Dr Gillian MacIntyre from the University of Strathclyde, provides information on Scottish legislation and policy in relation to the provision of education in residential settings for children and young people with disabilities and additional support needs from 1974 to 2024.
The authors conclude that there has been much progress over the past 80 years in promoting inclusion and rights-based approaches in education for young people with additional support needs. However, significant challenges remain.
The second report, by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University led by Professor Anita Franklin, examines UK and international evidence on the abuse of disabled children and young people in residential care institutions.
This report found that research evidence was limited, although available material suggests patterns of abuse and failures across the UK and internationally. The general lack of evidence, however, makes it difficult to identify the precise scale and nature of the abuse of disabled children and the learning that would support prevention and improve responses to such abuse.
The Inquiry is investigating the abuse of children in care in Scotland. It is also investigating the extent to which failures to protect children in care in Scotland from abuse have been addressed by changes to practice, policy or legislation.