Salvation Army Initiative In Children’s Homes Complaints

Recently retired Commissioner for Children, Honourable Roger McClay, has this week been appointed an observer/monitor/consultant for The Salvation Army. The appointment is to be made from today and it is expected that Mr McClay will immediately commence his duties in a monitoring role.

He will be an impartial and independent consultant of the processes being used to resolve the issues raised in recent times to do with allegations of abuse in Salvation Army Children’s Homes in years gone by.

“We are treating these allegations of abuse at Salvation Army institutions with absolute seriousness,” said Commissioner Shaw Clifton, “Mr McClay’s appointment is to ensure that our processes are absolutely right. Mr McClay is known as an outspoken proponent of fairness, and fairness is what The Salvation Army is determined to bring about too.” He said.

“Mr McClay brings a very strong and independent advocacy dimension to our enquiries.”

Mr McClay said that he “was pleased to have this opportunity to continue working toward ensuring a fair and just society for all.”

“Child abuse of all kinds is abhorrent and unacceptable. That most allegations of abuse are about physical rather than sexual abuse is of little comfort. It’s of no solace either that the abuse which is alleged to have occurred took place a long time ago.”

“I’m determined to make a substantial contribution, in my independent role, to helping solve and resolve these issues and any others which might surface.”

Mr McClay said that he expected to be involved for a few months initially and at the Army’s request is ready to be available to any persons wishing to be heard in connection with the abuse allegations already made or likely to be made.

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