Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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There are claims of a
conflict of interest in the Salvation Army's investigation into child abuse
after the organisation appointed former Children's Commissioner to review the
allegations. Roger McClay has been
appointed by the Salvation Army to look into the dozens of allegations, but a
number who claim they were abused as children while in the care of the
Salvation Army, are questioning McClay's independence. Jan Lowe, a former
children's home resident, welcomed the appointment of McClay, but since then
Lowe and other alleged victims of abuse have discovered McClay's fees will be
paid by the Salvation Army. Lowe says the
perception is that McClay is now part of the Salvation Army mechanism.
Because of this Lowe's group does not want to deal with him, which has
disappointed the Salvation Army. Commissioner Shaw
Clifton of the Salvation Army says McClay has a proven record of
integrity as a public servant and has sound and independent judgement. But McClay agrees with
the alleged victims that there could be the appearance of a conflict of
interest. McClay hopes that the problem can be overcome by another agency
paying expenses. Victims are also
concerned that two people accused of child sexual abuse in the past are still
working as part of the Salvation Army's management team Clifton says they are
still investigating the claim and are seeking clarity on the issue with the
people involved. However, McClay says
that is not satisfactory and the people need to be confronted immediately. McClay hopes his
initial work will be completed in a few months |