Royal Commission Inquiry Abuse In Care
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island (PSUSI) welcomes the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into historical abuse in state care and in the care of faith-based organisations during 1950-1999.
The Inquiry is looking into what abuse happened, why it happened, and what the impacts were.
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island was one of a number of organisations throughout New Zealand that provided care of children and young persons on behalf of the state during the period covered by the Royal Commission Terms of Reference.
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island Co-CEO Barry Helem, says the organisation strongly condemns any form of abuse and is committed to its vision of an equitable, compassionate and inclusive society. He says they will continue to do their utmost to advocate for the protection of all vulnerable people.
“We are deeply committed to working with the Royal Commission of Inquiry and wish to acknowledge the hurt and pain that has been caused in the past to those in care. The abuse and mistreatment of children, young people and vulnerable adults was never ok, and this is certainly not who we are today. As these historical abuses have come to light, we have worked with the victims to apologise and support them as best we could. We will continue to work with the Royal Commission, and the survivors of abuse, and welcome any further recommendations we receive as a result of this Inquiry.”
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island requests that anyone who has experienced abuse through their connection with PSUSI care facilities, to make contact with them, to the Police, or the Royal Commission directly.
Presbyterian Support provides social and community services in seven regions around the country. The organisation works with people from cradle to grave to help them build strong families and supports people who are ageing and/or living with disability or injury. These services are offered by Presbyterian Support to all in the community regardless of age, ethnicity, background or gender.
Inquiries can be directed to Presbyterian Support Upper South Island Co-CEO, Barry Helem via email.
