Such an apology would follow the lead of other states, such as Ireland, Scotland and Australia, who have apologised to people for the abuse they suffered whilst in the care of the state.
In March 2010, Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologised for UK’s role in sending over 130,000 children overseas to Britain’s former colonies. Many child migrants suffered emotional, sexual and physical abuse in the countries to which they were sent. The CLA welcomed the apology, but believes there is also need for recognition by the government of the similar abuse suffered by children in care in the UK over many decades. The CLA ran a poll to see whether care leavers believed that the Prime Minister’s apology should be extended to those who were victims of abuse in care in the UK. Almost 90% believed that there should be an apology (Apology Poll).
Support our campaign by writing to your local MP and asking them to support the call for an apology. We have drafted a template letter, which you can download here: Election letter: call for an apology
You can find the name and address of your local MP on this website: www.theyworkforyou.com.
Next, just fill in the blank sections of the letter and send it off to your candidates, either by email or by post.
Let us know what response you receive by emailing: info@careleavers.org