Mother 4 Justice - Elizabeth Robillard blogs and shares truth and information
Claims that children were physically and sexually abused at a care home in West Sussex are "in all probablity substantially true", according to social services investigators.
The allegations centre on the privately-run Barlavington Manor care home, in Petworth, which took in children from the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea between 1966 and 1984.
http://209.85.229.132/search?
However, in July 2005, Chief Executive Moira Gibb (former executive director of housing and social services in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where she famously called for "an obsession with the front line" both in her own department and nationally. "We need to demonstrate this obsession, not just in what we say but in everything we do." ) tried to stop Council officers going public with allegations and concerns.
At the time, then new Liberal Democrat chief Councillor Keith Moffitt added: “It goes to show how meaningless the awards that have been heaped on Camden are".
In March 2007, Moira Gibb (who is still in post) again tried to silence public criticism, this time from Councillor Keith Sedgwick who was calling for the sackings of housing department staff over the fatal Southampton Road estate wall collapse in January 2007, which it is alleged occurred despite previously reported poor construction and maintenance.
Again, in 2007, Head of Finance, John Baptiste was imprisoned for the long term undiscovered theft from vulnerable Camden residents over lengthy periods. Local press has frequently reported such incidents. Also in 2007, theft from the deceased by Camden Council property clearance teams have been reported. For instance, evidence that antiques cleared from a dying 92-year-old’s flat were later sold has been uncovered. No known action has been taken against any of the participants, and nor has the Council indicated any changes in staff, internal structure or practice to prevent such abuses.
Thursday, 16 December, 1999, 12:18 GMT Care home abuse 'probably happened'
 Barlavington Manor was closed in 1984 |
Claims that children were physically and sexually abused at a care home in West Sussex are "in all probablity substantially true", according to social services investigators.
The allegations centre on the privately-run Barlavington Manor care home, in Petworth, which took in children from the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea between 1966 and 1984.
 The report says the allegations are probably true |
A report commissioned by Kensington and Chelsea Council says the home's proprietors, John and Anna Ellis - who are now both dead - and at least one member of staff, were not suitable people to look after children.
The 145-page document - which was made public at Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall on Thursday - reports the findings of an inquiry into the home.
The investigation was sparked when 12 former residents claimed they had been assaulted and forced to endure mental abuse, hardship and neglect which went undetected by social workers.
Children used for unpaid labour
The 12 said Mr and Mrs Ellis verbally humiliated the children in their care, provided an unacceptably low standard of food and clothing, and used children as virtual slave labourers.
They are alleged to have used the money paid to them by social services to maintain their own lavish lifestyle.
At least one member of the home's staff is accused of sexual abuse.
Other complaints included inappropriate action taken over children's sexual development, with girls as young as nine being put on the pill or being given contraceptive injections.
Girls needs for sanitary towels or tampons were either ignored, or dealt with publicly in a way that was cruel and embarrassing, it found.
The report concluded that all 12 former residents considered their lives were at best blighted and at worst ruined by their experiences at Barlavington Manor.
The 145-page document - which was made public at Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall on Thursday - reports the findings of an inquiry into the home.
The investigation was sparked when 12 former residents claimed they had been assaulted and forced to endure mental abuse, hardship and neglect which went undetected by social workers.
Children used for unpaid labour
The 12 said Mr and Mrs Ellis verbally humiliated the children in their care, provided an unacceptably low standard of food and clothing, and used children as virtual slave labourers.
They are alleged to have used the money paid to them by social services to maintain their own lavish lifestyle.
At least one member of the home's staff is accused of sexual abuse.
Other complaints included inappropriate action taken over children's sexual development, with girls as young as nine being put on the pill or being given contraceptive injections.
Girls needs for sanitary towels or tampons were either ignored, or dealt with publicly in a way that was cruel and embarrassing, it found.
The report concluded that all 12 former residents considered their lives were at best blighted and at worst ruined by their experiences at Barlavington Manor.
 Moira Gibb: "Local authorities didn't have the power or the duty to inspect children's homes" |
Former resident John, 33, who lived at Barlavington Manor for just under 10 years, told the BBC: "I just haven't functioned as an adult at all. I haven't kept a job for more than six months, and I have been in and out of hospital and on medication."
Now a group of former residents are considering legal action against the council.
More than 30 chidlren were sent to the home by Kensington and Chelsea borough council. Barlavington ceased to be a care home in 1984.
In response to the allegations, Conservative leader William Hague has called for the running of children's homes to be taken away from local authorities and handed over to churches, charities and businesses.
He said a "fundamental rethink" of the care system was needed following critical inquiries into council-run homes in Hackney, Staffordshire and North Wales.
Current director of social services at Kensington and Chelsea council, Moira Gibb, told the BBC that when the abuse took place, private children's homes were not subject to inspections.
Homes were not inspected then
She said: "The report highlights that the failures were on the part of the proprietors of Barlavington Manor.
"Local authorities didn't have the power or the duty to inspect children's homes, that's come in much later."
Mr Ellis died of a brain tumour and his wife died in a road accident.
Now a group of former residents are considering legal action against the council.
More than 30 chidlren were sent to the home by Kensington and Chelsea borough council. Barlavington ceased to be a care home in 1984.
In response to the allegations, Conservative leader William Hague has called for the running of children's homes to be taken away from local authorities and handed over to churches, charities and businesses.
He said a "fundamental rethink" of the care system was needed following critical inquiries into council-run homes in Hackney, Staffordshire and North Wales.
Current director of social services at Kensington and Chelsea council, Moira Gibb, told the BBC that when the abuse took place, private children's homes were not subject to inspections.
Homes were not inspected then
She said: "The report highlights that the failures were on the part of the proprietors of Barlavington Manor.
"Local authorities didn't have the power or the duty to inspect children's homes, that's come in much later."
Mr Ellis died of a brain tumour and his wife died in a road accident.
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 12:06:31 +0000
Subject: Re: This is your country!
From: lizrobillard@googlemail.com
Subject: Re: This is your country!
From: lizrobillard@googlemail.com
[]alive Barbara - want to live a bit for a I have to go if poss- look at this from
http://209.85.229.132/search?
However, in July 2005, Chief Executive Moira Gibb (former executive director of housing and social services in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where she famously called for "an obsession with the front line" both in her own department and nationally. "We need to demonstrate this obsession, not just in what we say but in everything we do." ) tried to stop Council officers going public with allegations and concerns.
At the time, then new Liberal Democrat chief Councillor Keith Moffitt added: “It goes to show how meaningless the awards that have been heaped on Camden are".
In March 2007, Moira Gibb (who is still in post) again tried to silence public criticism, this time from Councillor Keith Sedgwick who was calling for the sackings of housing department staff over the fatal Southampton Road estate wall collapse in January 2007, which it is alleged occurred despite previously reported poor construction and maintenance.
Again, in 2007, Head of Finance, John Baptiste was imprisoned for the long term undiscovered theft from vulnerable Camden residents over lengthy periods. Local press has frequently reported such incidents. Also in 2007, theft from the deceased by Camden Council property clearance teams have been reported. For instance, evidence that antiques cleared from a dying 92-year-old’s flat were later sold has been uncovered. No known action has been taken against any of the participants, and nor has the Council indicated any changes in staff, internal structure or practice to prevent such abuses.
It's where Moira Gibb started it all - in 1997 - talking about taking a 'front line attack' - the LABOUR government have her nowas head of the task-force to change things (FFS) -
