As the independent Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Keith Towler’s priority is to assist in ensuring that the victims of alleged abuse who were residents of North Wales care homes during the 1970s and 80s are finally listened to, and that the alleged instances of child abuse at the North Wales care homes are thoroughly investigated.
It is important that the formal structures put in place as part of Operation Pallial, (the independent investigation, led by Keith Bristow, Director General of the National Crime Agency, into recentallegations of historical abuse of children in care in North Wales) and the Macur Review (the independent review of the Waterhouse Tribunal) are robustly pursued so that questions are answered and lessons are learnt. We would encourage those who may have information or evidence to come forward and share their concerns with Operation Pallial and/or the Macur Review. There may be individuals who do not wish to relive their experiences and we should respect this, but for those who do wish to come forward, we must ensure there is adequate specialist support available to those who want to speak out.
Anyone requiring independent advice and support from the Children’s Commissioner’s Office prior to contacting Operation Pallial or the Macur Review can contact our Investigation and Advice Team who are available on Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.