News

A 19-month investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at a south east London home for children with learning difficulties has found no evidence that any young person suffered harm or abuse.

The independent investigation, led by the NSPCC and involving the police and social services, was commissioned by the London Borough of Bromley and Bromley Primary Care NHS Trust following allegations against staff at the jointly run Betts Way respite care unit in 1998-9.

The report on one of the largest and most complex investigations involving young people with learning difficulties in the UK found no evidence of abuse or of widespread poor practice that would have resulted in a culture of institutionalised risk for the children.

The council and NHS trust have agreed to implement recommendations made by the inquiry team that will strengthen best practice in the service, including a review of policies at the home and the publication of guidance on the use of agency staff, training needs and information for parents.

Because of the investigation, Betts Way has been closed since March 2000, but is expected to re-open in the future, although a date has yet to be set.