Whitewash alleged in inquiry

10:39am Wednesday 26th September 2001

FURIOUS parents of children from Betts Way respite care home are taking legal action after a report into alleged abuse cleared those implicated of any wrongdoing.

Bromley Social Services issued the findings of its 19-month investigation last week.

The report said no evidence of abuse or of widespread poor practice was found at the care home, which was described as a “flagship” home of the Joint Children's Service.

But the group of parents who made the allegations have declared the report a “whitewash”.

They have demanded a public meeting be held involving Bromley Social Services and Bromley NHS Primary Care Trust.

Speaking on behalf of the 11 families which are now taking legal action, solicitor Nicola Harney said: “Many of the families are extremely dissatisfied with this report as they feel it does not take into account any issues relating to previous investigations into Betts Way.”

She added: “We will be seeking compensation to provide, in part, recognition that what they say happened to them was wrong and hopefully it will assist in rebuilding their lives.”

Bromley director of social services and housing, Jeremy Ambache, said: “We were thorough with our 19-month investigation into Betts Way in order that we discovered the truth.

“If the findings come up against a legal challenge, we will respond.”