Abuse at children’s homes is still happening

Historical child abuse which occurred in the 70’s and 80’s is appearing more and more in the news lately as survivors are now coming forward and reporting their experiences from children’s homes such as Beechwood Children’s home in Nottingham and Uplands Children’s home in Birmingham.

However this type of abuse unfortunately is not solely historical and does and has taken place in Children’s homes very recently.  In March 2021 Fullerton House Children’s home, Wilsic Hall School and Wheatley House all in Doncaster were all closed down by Government inspectors following an emergency inspection responding to allegations of abuse against severely disabled children, despite all being rated as Good by Ofsted previously.  

A report published in October 2022 by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel examined the experiences of 108 children placed at the three independent residential settings operated by the Hesley Group in Doncaster between January 2018 and March 2021. 

The outcome found a systematic culture of abuse and harm including evidence of physical, violence, neglect, emotional and sexual abuse.  These findings were described as one of the worst care scandals in the country.

Is it too late to come forward now and make a claim?

Simple answer No but there are a number of hurdles we need to overcome to bring a successful Claim for Abuse and receive compensation.

Limitation – Limitation is a legal principle which refers to the period of time a person has to bring a case to Court.  The ordinary rule in a Personal Injury case is that you have 3 years from the date of the event to bring a case to Court.  Where the event occurs when a person is a child, as with these cases, then that person has until the date of their 21st birthday to start formal proceedings.

In many of these cases against these three Children’s homes in Doncaster the survivors of abuse will likely still be within limitation.

If you or your child were subjected to physical or sexual abuse whilst a resident at Fullerton House Children’s home, Wilsic Hall School and Wheatley House, Doncaster please do not hesitate to contact us.