Tuesday 14 September 2010

The needless and avoidable suffering of Family “X”




The Press Release below from Hanson and Renouf is self explanatory.
As regular readers will be aware the case of family “X” brought about the “Serious Case Review” (SCR) that was scathing of just about every department of our States and Law Offices who are involved with the “care” of our children.


Senator’s Jimmy Perchard and Ben Shenton have been critical of former Senator Syvret’s tenure as Health Minister, but what happened on their watch? Could further horrendous ABUSE of family “X” have been avoided? Did SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS of tax payer’s money need to be spent? Are Senator’s Ben Shenton and Jimmy Perchard qualified to ignore the advice of Childcare Experts? And what is the human cost when they do?
 



PRESS RELEASE



13th September 2010 



Senator Jim Perchard – “£600K wasted by Former Minister’s intransigence over children’s care” 

In a week where the States is concentrating upon budget cuts Senator Jim Perchard has finally been counting the cost of his intransigence. In a written answer to his own question it was revealed this afternoon that some £600,000 in costs were incurred by virtue of his steadfast refusal to agree that Family X received the correct care that all the experts said that they needed.



In November 2008 Children’s Service and all experts were agreed that the children in Family X needed specialist therapeutic care in England that could not be delivered in Jersey and so as to attempt to put right the decade of abuse which they had experienced when the system failed to intervene and protect them. At that time the Health Minister Senator Ben Shenton declined to make the monies available and this decision was persisted in by his successor Senator Jim Perchard until he eventually resigned and was replaced by Deputy Anne Pryke in 2009.

Whilst the current Health Minister apologized publicly for the failures that led to the X children suffering over a decade of abuse, and also agreed to the funding being made available, the intransigence of her predecessors had already led to a costly legal battle involving Jersey lawyers, medical experts and specialist English barristers.

The case involved contested care proceedings in the Royal Court, two Judicial Review applications and two appeals to the Court of Appeal where the children eventually overturned the position defended doggedly by Senator Perchard.

Barbara Corbett, Head of Hanson Renouf’s Family team commented that:

 “As early as November, 2008, I had spoken to Senator Shenton advising that his department’s plans to warehouse these vulnerable children in unsuitable care homes in Jersey would be opposed and that it was inevitable that significant legal and expert costs would be incurred if his department continued to ignore the recommendations of all the experts, including Children’s Services. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal confirmed what we had been saying all along, including that the Minister and certain key officials had acted in breach of natural justice and had acted unfairly. Unfortunately, it was not until the outcome of the Serious Case Review earlier this year that the children received a public apology for the system’s wider failure to halt their appalling treatment. ”

On the issue as to why it is important for children to have representation from a Guardian and a Jersey lawyer, Advocate Hanson stated:

“This case and the failures referred to in the Serious Case Review demonstrate why it is important for children to be properly assisted in legal proceedings. The result would have been completely different without legal and expert advice being made available. We can however cut future legal costs by efficiencies and competitive tendering without hacking away at children’s rights.”

As to feeling any anxiety from politicians who have different agendas, Advocate Hanson said this:

“We all know that funding for anything is tight but we do need someone to be speaking up for children’s rights as otherwise they risk being overlooked. Jersey is a wonderful place but unfortunately complacency and fear often mean that people who could make a difference, keep quiet.” 

In July 2008, when Senator Perchard was the Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services, he welcomed the Williamson Report and its recommendations saying that he was delighted the report had given the island’s child protection services “a clean bill of health”. The Serious Case Review published in February, 2010 showed how complacent such an observation had been and the apparently superficial approach by some Ministers to legitimate child protection concerns.


ENDS

Submitted by VFC.

41 comments:

  1. It should be noted that the "accredited" media have this Press Release. Will they be asking any questions of Senator's Shenton or Perchard?

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  2. This was on the news yesterday, so maybe you need to follow it from time to time instead of throwing toys out of your pram about the accredited media not reporting these things as you claim?

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  3. Oh good. Could you point me to a link where they asked any questions of Senator's Perchard and Shenton then? or was it just a quick 30 second sound byte on CTV?

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  4. How do you know questions were not asked? You are jumping the gun here as per normal. Could be something in the JEP even today on it.

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  5. So you can't point me to a link then. OK I'll try something else. Could you point me to a link where I said "questions were not asked"?

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  6. Look we all know you hate Jimmy Perchard so we know you will make a mountain out of this. Who is actually interested is another thing though.

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  7. Do you know what saddens me?

    I publish a Press Release outlining how Minister’s among others, have failed vulnerable children. As a result children have been avoidably and needlessly subjected to further abuse that is beyond the comprehension of any right minded person. And I get comments from somebody who thinks the most important comment to leave is one of misquoting me about what the media are doing, or not.

    They then go on to say that I “hate” Jimmy Perchard, which is totally untrue, I don’t “hate” anybody and that word is classed a swear word in “The Voice” household (Châteaux Voice). I “pity” Senator Perchard, not “hate” him.

    But one of the saddest things is, the commenter makes no mention of Senator Perchard’s or Senator Shenton’s role in all this. The fact that these children were “avoidably” subjected to unimaginable abuse. The commenter wants to “protect” Jimmy Perchard with no mention of the children.

    Except for this.

    “ Who is actually interested is another thing though.” And that is probably the closest thing to the truth that the commenter has said. Who does care about our children?

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  8. You are making a big thing out of nothing as per usual. This was only a court case.

    You were just on the phone in moaning about Graham Power all over again. Do your seriously think they will bring him back or something? What will you do when Napier is found to be okay? Cry foul? You bloggers need to get out more.

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  9. “You are making a big thing out of nothing as per usual. This was only a court case.”

    A paedophile couldn’t have put it any better! I’m sure Senator Perchard and Shenton are grateful for your support. I however will carry on supporting the victims and survivors of Child Abuse…….And of this government.

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  10. I am interested in the fact that two States Members against all advice cost the taxpayer £600k.

    I wonder if those two ever criticised the costs of the HDLG investigation or paying Stuart Syvret whilst he was still working but staying in London!!

    Millions wasted by States Members!!!!!


    Wiltshire
    Chapman
    Napier
    Fighting Family "X"

    Meanwhile, Jersey has to succumb to cut backs and or tax increases. You just cannot make things like this up!

    To the poster who effectively claims not to be interested, you must be worried, why else spend time on a blog you claim to be of no interest, LOL.

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  11. Thanks for publishing the press release. The BBC may have mentioned it; but they have limited local webspace, so don't expect to see it there - but there is nothing sinister in that. As for the JEP, I don't know - I get the paper copy, so I'll let you know if it is tonights.

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  12. Anonymous.
    I have never heard anything so heartless as your statement ''This was only a court case'' making something out of nothing. Really you should listen to yourself. Regardless the court case related to childrens well being after dreadful abuse suffered that these children have to live with day after day for the rest of their lives.
    Voiceforchildren. Please keep doing as you are doing we need someone to ask questions it is the very least that can be done.

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  13. I agree with Tony, its not big the story of the week. Lawyers charge a bomb, everybody knows that.

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  14. Great Post VFC

    I have witnessed Perchard & Shenton on many occasions getting all upset when elected members were asking very important questions regarding the Child Abuse Investigation.

    I have never understood why this is

    I find it staggering that your stalker was so quick on his comments ( least it gave me a break ) and then emailed Jersey Radio just as you told the lady he would before going on, how funny ( who was he from St Brelade this time lol )

    This one person

    Follows you round on a blog ( that he dosn't read)

    Follows you on Jersey Radio ( when you talk about Power etc etc )

    Then will send an email in as soon as you put the phone down

    Runs/Comments on a blog site that

    Supports people who Attack Abuse Survivors

    Impersonates an Abuse Survivor

    Writes 100s of Comments on said blog

    Threatens my Job so in some way I will back away from finding the truth.

    Has a blind hatred of

    Power,Harper,Syvret and anybody who helps Abuse Victims. His Blog' site is Vile and im not surprised Jimmy P thinks its a good read.

    Any replies by Mr Anon can be sent my way so VFC is not cluttered up with your pro Abuse Stance.

    I have had it with your threats Gary/Gazza/ who ever your alto-ego might be.

    This a top post VFC

    rs

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  15. Credid to Anne Pryke.

    Did Mr. Perchard or Mr. Shenton simply not care or is their ego above reproach or was it simply the kids probably came from States rental what did it matter. The States of Jersey needs to get its house in order pretty damn quick and get to the bottom of why children need fight for rights others take for granted Mr. Perchard Mr. Shenton. I will be watching to see where they vote and where they deem monetary spending is important.

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  16. Rico is getting a little paranoid me thinks. A stalker on the radio? Oh come on this really is looking silly!

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  17. VFC

    Did you really tell the good lady that as soon as you stopped talking she would receive an email from St B lol if true how sad is this guy.

    As far as i know there is no mention in tonight's JEP

    Thank you for keeping the issues alive

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  18. Someone definately does not want victims of abuse in Jersey acknowledged outside the Island. Why else would you ignore expert advice.

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  19. I did tell “Emma”, before I went on air, that she would get an e-mail from somebody in St Brelade disagreeing with what I said. Not only that, I told her what the person would say. I was right on both counts!

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  20. No I don't swallow any of it. As if anybody can be bothered waiting for you to come on the radio for starters. RS has a compulsive Farcicle Blog disorder and they are taking the mick out of him for it.

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  21. OK then. Let’s just say that I am clairvoyant. But the subject of the post is “The needless and avoidable suffering of Family X”. Have you any views on that?

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  22. FACT !!!

    Most people who shun or ridicule child abuse victims, or mock/obstruct those trying to assist the victims, ARE abusers, or KNOW abusers....

    Think that sums up most of our anony-MOUSE posters this evening.

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  23. Pryke is no better than Shenton or Perchard - she is aware of a child in care being looked after by alcoholics who hit the child - they were approved as carers and were told they had to limit their drinking - I have many copies of this assessment to prove this.

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  24. Well said Ian! How can anyone defend what is totally indefensible unless they have a personal agenda?

    Lorna

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  25. "In July 2008, when Senator Perchard was the Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services, he welcomed the Williamson Report and its recommendations saying that he was delighted the report had given the island’s child protection services “a clean bill of health”. The Serious Case Review published in February, 2010 showed how complacent such an observation had been and the apparently superficial approach by some Ministers to legitimate child protection concerns."

    Pure class Jimmy, pure class.

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  26. Yes Jimmy you must be so proud

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  27. Another Jimmy momment 2minutes 57 seconds in

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  28. "Calling critics pedophiles, says it all."

    Well, you see, it's very difficult to come up with any other reason why people would be acting the way these sad weirdos are. If we could think of any viewpoint other than pedo support, then we would have less reason to have this suspicion.

    People don't behave in such a sickening way for the fun of it (without a mental age less than 12) unless they are covering up for something. Corruption? Avenging the sacking of bent cops? Pedos? Whatever it is, it sure ain't pretty and it sure ain't normal.

    (LOL, word verif. = couen)

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  29. Anonymous said...
    "Pryke is no better than Shenton or Perchard - she is aware of a child in care being looked after by alcoholics who hit the child - they were approved as carers and were told they had to limit their drinking - I have many copies of this assessment to prove this."

    OK, can you pass them on to us please? I know some people who will very much want to see them.

    Please contact me via my blog, thanks.

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  30. For the record.

    I did not call anybody a paedophile, It yet again was the commenter making it up as they go along. If you look through the comments on this Blog, you will see they have been making up things that I never said.

    I did say “A paedophile couldn’t have put it any better” to the commenter who said this “You are making a big thing out of nothing as per usual. This was only a court case.”

    One only needs to read the main post of this Blog and then ask yourself what kind of a person could make a comment like “You are making a big thing out of nothing as per usual. This was only a court case.”

    Children were needlessly and avoidably horribly abused. Senator’s Shenton and Perchard spent £600,000 pounds preventing these children from getting the specialist care they needed. They did this despite all the experts telling them they were wrong. The Court of Appeal proved they were wrong.

    The Senator’s wasted £600,000, so it wasn’t “only a court case” it was a £600,000 Court Case that should never have happened. Because the Ministers made it happen, vulnerable children suffered more than they had to. Try telling the victims of this Abuse “it was only a court case”

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  31. LOL

    Those links are winners

    Could get spicy between Sen Perchard & Hanson Renouf

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  32. Today in the JEP


    Serious case review cost the Island over £600,000
    By Dolores Cowburn


    Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand, Health Minister Anne Pryke and and Education Minister James Reed at a press conference on the serious case review
    THE legal costs of representing an abused family whose case was the subject of the first-ever serious case review in Jersey cost the taxpayer more than £600,000.

    Senator Jim Perchard had asked in the States how much each legal firm who had represented the individual members of Family X and the Crown had been paid from 1 January to date.

    That cost covers proceedings instituted by then Health Minister Ben Shenton in respect of the children of Family X and subsequent judicial reviews and appeal proceedings.

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  33. Yes Jimmy nearly got his potty mouth all flashed up again today in the States, he did manage to get a slight dig into Advocate Hanson but he was silenced by the chair.

    Interestingly he said, words to the affect, "you shouldn't believe everything you read in the JEP". Hope he remembers that when P100/2010 gets debated.

    It would also be interesting to see, if he believes the JEP are incorrect with their report, if he makes a complaint to the Press Commission.

    As I recently discovered (0n here) that I am Clairvoyant I predict that he won't. And yes the links to the video's are worth a look.

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  34. £600,000 Hmmm?

    So the States then get their own back on the kids by swiping their school milk off them!!!

    Awesome display of compassion towards the islands children.

    And they wonder why they are loathed???

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  35. Ian.

    Stealing the children's milk was in fact the kindest thing our government did to them today.

    I am hoping Deputy Trevor Pitman will be publishing a Blog on the astonishing and frightening things that were said and done to our children today by this government. Not least by the Education Minister and his assistants.

    Plenty will be written about these horrible turn of events, and with my clairvoyant hat on, I predict it won't be written by the "accredited" media......keep your eye on the Blogs.

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  36. With these clowns in charge our children will always be in danger

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  37. Ian, I ll forward the email I last sent, and dig out the assessment - no-one answers me anymore from the SS!

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  38. What we need now is a complete list of the names who have let our children down.

    Could the Voice at some stage put up the names so we can be ready at the next election.

    Anyone who supported finance and saked the children needs outing.

    They will pay with thier seat

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  39. Shenton and Perchard are like the Chuckle Brothers. Embarassing buffoons.

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  40. 14 September 2010 11:46
    Anonymous said...

    Look we all know you hate Jimmy Perchard so we know you will make a mountain out of this. Who is actually interested is another thing though.

    The world you complete fool. that's who is actually interested.

    also the world knows that those who appear to defend the the rot are nothing more than in collusion with those who have something to hide.

    14 September 2010 11:46
    Anonymous said... Remember there are ways of finding out who these people are and you may knock the bloggers but they are the ones who will sink you and your rotten mob of criminals and perverts.

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  41. last paragraph:

    "In July 2008, when Senator Perchard was the Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services, he welcomed the Williamson Report and its recommendations saying that he was delighted the report had given the island’s child protection services “a clean bill of health”. The Serious Case Review [re. Family "X"] published in February, 2010 showed how complacent such an observation had been and the apparently superficial approach by some Ministers to legitimate child protection concerns."

    Williamson ????? is that the same Williamson as they have brought in to undermine the perfectly good Verita ToR's for the COI ???

    Is Williamson a rent-a-buffoon or a rent-a-yes-man ?

    Shame on you Chief Minister Gorst

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