Investigation into Historical Clerical Child Abuse
Three separate research projects have been commissioned. When all three projects are completed, the findings will be consolidated into one report for Ministers, to include recommendations on any possible future actions.
Review of Historical Records
The research will review how the faith sector, social services and criminal justice agencies responded to historical allegations of clerical abuse within the faith sector, based on an examination of records held or previous investigations/inquiries undertaken.
A consortium of Outcome IMPS, Queens University Belfast and University of Birmingham was awarded this contract in June 2024.
The work includes a survey of faith organisations to understand what records they may hold, closing on 6th October 2024. Once this first stage is complete, a second stage examining certain records will be undertaken, which will complete in Spring 2025.
Review of Victims and Survivors Experience and Expectations
The research will take the form of an Oral History study of the experience of HCCA victim and survivors in Northern Ireland. It will have a particular focus on the rights and legitimate expectations of victims and survivors and review the extent of, and any deficits in, service provision available to victims and survivors of Historical Clerical Child Abuse.
A contract was awarded in July 2024 to Professor Tim Chapman Consulting. It is anticipated interviews will start in November 2024 and the project complete by April 2025.
If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact HIAImplementationBranch@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk for further information.
Review of Safeguarding Policy and Practices
The research will take the form of an in-depth review of safeguarding policies within faith organisations, including safeguarding oversight bodies for those faith organisations. A contract was awarded in September 2024 to Trilateral Research. Work commenced in October 2024 and is expected to be completed by February 2025.