Publish date: 13 Apr 2017

The Inquiry has issued a notice providing information about the scope and purpose of the Inquiry’s first phase hearings which will start on 31 May. There is also information about how to apply for what is called “leave to appear”.

Members of the public do not need “leave to appear” to watch the hearings from the public seats.

The evidence to be heard will include:

  • Evidence from expert witnesses about:
    • The legislative and regulatory framework governing children in care in Scotland up to 1968;
    • The early development of care services in Scotland;
    • Societal attitudes towards children; and
    • The nature and prevalence of child abuse in Scotland. 
  • Evidence from the Scottish Government on the nature, extent and development of the State’s areas of responsibility for children in residential and foster care in Scotland.
  • Evidence of the history and governance of a number of care providers, including faith based organisations, and whether there is any retrospective acknowledgement of abuse.
  • Evidence of the background, development, purpose and work of survivor groups.

The first part of the first phase hearings will end no later than 20 July 2017. The second part of the first phase will resume in autumn 2017.