Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry begins Phase 10 hearings

On Wednesday 10 December 2025, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) will begin to hear opening submissions in relation to Phase 10 of its investigations.

This case study will consider 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 and others to place children in care.                                                                                     

Twenty establishments have been confirmed as being part of this investigative phase and the period examined by SCAI’s investigations into abuse at these establishments extends from within living memory until the end of 2014.

Opening submissions will be held on Wednesday and Thursday this week. In January 2026 evidence will begin in relation to Dunclutha Children’s Home. Hearings are expected to conclude in May with Fornethy House Residential School.

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.

It should be noted that, where any conduct which constitutes grooming is alleged, SCAI is able to investigate it if, overall, the circumstances in which it occurred are within its Terms of Reference (ToR).

Grooming which took place outwith the establishments themselves may, depending on the particular circumstances, be within our ToR. 

SCAI’s investigations will also examine 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.

SCAI’s investigations into this area of residential care have been ongoing throughout the life of the Inquiry. Applicants and other witnesses who have not yet done so but have any relevant evidence to give are encouraged to come forward as soon as possible. SCAI’s witness support team can be contacted by phone on 0800 0929 300 or by email TalkToUs@childabuseinquiry.scot

Opening submissions will run in the following order:

• INCAS
• Sailors’ Society
• Widowers’ Children’s Home Trust
• Fife Council
• Salvation Army
• Renfrewshire Council
• North Lanarkshire Council
• Dumfries & Galloway Council
• Perth and Kinross Council
• City of Edinburgh Council
• Ponton House Trust
• CrossReach
• Glasgow City Council
• The Care Inspectorate
• Chief Constable, Police Scotland
• The Lord Advocate
• Scottish Ministers

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

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

The twenty establishments included in the case study are: