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Allegations of Abuse
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The government today welcomed the
report of the Confidential Forum for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric
Hospitals, which has allowed former in-patients to discuss their experiences
in an accessible, informal and confidential environment. Forum chair Judge Patrick Mahoney
today presented its report to Attorney-General Michael Cullen, Health
Minister Pete Hodgson, Justice Minister Mark Burton and Internal Affairs
Minister Rick Barker. "I thank Judge Mahoney, the
other Forum members and especially the participants for having the courage to
talk openly about their experiences," said Dr Cullen. The Confidential Forum was
established in 2004 to provide an opportunity for former in-patients, their
families and staff members to formally speak about their experiences of
psychiatric institutions in the period before November 1992. 493 people attended the Forum with
hearings held in 22 locations between July 2005 and April 2007. Many
participants were given follow-up counselling sessions and all were provided
with tailored information about local and national support services and
networks. "This was a new
reconciliation initiative and the right thing to have done. The Forum has
been a valuable vehicle to help former patients come to terms with their
experiences, many of whom were speaking for the first time about their stay
in the institutions," said Dr Cullen. "We have listened to Judge
Mahoney and that is why the government wants to build on the constructive
steps taken by the Forum," said Health Minister Pete Hodgson. "I know many of the those who
participated in the Forum process found the listening and assistance services
helpful and have helped to meet many of their concerns. "Therefore, listening and
assistance services offered to those who took part in the Forum, will now
become available to all former patients who have been in state care in the
period before November 1992." The services will: ·
provide former in-patients the opportunity to talk in a confidential
and respectful environment; ·
allow for the identification of the needs for the individual and/or
their family; ·
facilitate access to individual's records and related information and
expert assistance to understand those services; ·
explain and assist with application for existing welfare, health and
education services; ·
refer individuals, with their permission, to the responsible agency
for further review of their circumstances and potential claims. "The Forum has been a
successful process for those who participated and we hope it goes a long way
to resolving their issues," said the Ministers. "Former in-patients
have been shown the care and respect they deserve." The report of the Confidential
Forum is available at: http://www.confidentialforum.govt.nz/
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