The Shaw Report – 5 years on
An independent review of the systems in place to protect children and keep them safe in residential care between 1950-1995.
This report is the direct outcome of a debate in the Scottish Parliament on 1st December 2004. The debate was on a motion on behalf of the Public Petitions Committee, seeking an inquiry into past institutional child abuse.
The review depended on the availability of records to fulfil the remit. In practice, however, many aspects of records – from their accessibility to their very existence – proved extremely challenging.
The Keeper of the Records of Scotland conducted a review of Scottish public records legislation following recommendations made by the Shaw Report.
Read the full report:
Historical Abuse Systemic Review: Residential Schools and Children’s Homes in Scotland 1950 to 1995
Read more about the outcomes WRT recordkeeping:
Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011