Trudy Simpson and Andrea Downer, Staff Reporters
AT LEAST two of the four caregivers accused of sexually abusing children under their care in state-run children's homes and places of safety could be charged as early as this weekend, the police said yesterday.
Two others are to be charged after further statements are collected.
This follows a ruling by Kent Pantry Q.C., the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Mr. Pantry told The Gleaner yesterday that he made the ruling after examining a file containing 23 cases of alleged sexual abuse which were said to have taken place in some of the island's children's homes and places of safety.
TWO YEAR-OLD CASE
The ruling comes more than two years after the cases were turned over to the police and later to the DPP's office.
"From the total file, I came to the conclusion that these persons should be charged," Mr. Pantry said.
Officials at the Kingston Eastern Police Division said they received the case file from the DPP's office on Friday but were still familiarising themselves with case details.
"By the end of this week a report will be forwarded to Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) with the relevant information regarding how far the case has reached or if any persons have been arrested or charged," added Corporal Jean McDonald, CCN liaison officer. The charges are said to include carnal abuse and indecent assault.
In 2003, following a bombshell disclosure by social worker Kay Osborne that all was not right in the state-run homes for children, the Government ordered a probe into 57 children's homes and places of safety islandwide.
Reacting to the ruling, the Health Ministry, which oversees children's homes, said it hoped those involved would be brought to justice, adding that it was taking steps to protect children in state care.
"It is an unfortunate situation and one which we are concerned about. (However), the Ministry of Health is satisfied that the steps now being taken by the Child Development Agency and the provisions of the Child Care and Protection Act will stem any such practices in the future," said permanent secretary, Grace Allen-Young.
