News

Solicitors representing parents who allege their children were abused while attending Betts Way special needs residential home in South London have criticised an NSPCC investigation into the allegations.

An independent investigation, led by the NSPCC and involving police and social services, found no evidence that any young person suffered harm or abuse at Betts Way home in Anerly, Kent.

But solicitors acting for eleven families who are taking legal action against Bromley social services and Bromley NHS Primary Care Trust, are alleging there was a failure to protect their children from abuse. They said the NSPCC report told "only part of the story" and "reality has been distorted".

Nicola Harney, who is representing the families, said that parents had been told by those that carried out earlier investigations at the home, and by NSPCC investigating officers, that it is likely that some of the children who went to Betts Way were sexually abused.

"Misleading reports of this nature do nothing but add insult to injury," she said.

Barry Graham, NSPCC director of education and community services, said: "We are an independent service that focuses on children and has a good reputation. As in any investigation, we are not declaring that no abuse has taken place, but that we didn’t find evidence."