The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security yesterday said that the hearings into allegations of maltreatment of orphans housed at the Camal’s International Home, Albion begins today at 9 am at the Albion Sports Complex.
A release from the ministry said that persons desirous of expressing their views can do so at the public hearing.
It noted that the inquiry is being conducted following the recent arrest of three girls who resided at the Camal’s Inter-national Home and subsequent allegations of maltreatment of children at the Institution.
The Inquiry, chaired by Ayo Dalgetty-Dean, will review the operations of the home in accordance with the Minimum Operating Standards for Children’s Homes and Institutions. The release said that other persons conducting the inquiry are Saudia Feroze and Erma Bovell, both of whom are members of the Visiting Committee for Children’s Homes and Institutions; Joan Ann Edghill, Legal Counsel at the Child Care and Protection Agency; and Claudia Munroe, Senior Probation and Social Services Officer.
The ministry and child care authorities have been severely criticized for not being aware that the three girls had spent 24 days at the Albion police station. They were also charged with wandering and sentenced to time at the New Opportunity Corps. All of this occurred without the authorities being aware or intervening.
Commentators have also pointed out that had the visiting committee for the children’s homes been conducting regular checks it would have been aware of any problems at the Camal’s home.
