Welfare Dept criticised

Press, 16 August 1984, Page 4

Welfare Dept criticised

PA Hamilton Social welfare failure to follow up a complaint of incest led to an “extra seven years of suffering” for the girl involved, a barrister, Mr Kevin Ryan, has said in the District Court at Hamilton. Mr Ryan was referring to the case of a man, aged 60, who had earlier been convicted on a charge of incest and sentenced to three years and three months jail. The man’s name was sup-

pressed to protect the identity of his daughter. During the trial the Court was told that when the girl was 11 her mother had left the house and she was made to take her place. The complainant, now aged 23, had told the Court that ip 1977 she told a social welfare officer about the home situation but nothing was done. Mr Ryan said the home situation should have been revealed a long time ago. “I am appalled that the Social Welfare Department

did nothing about it in 1977,” he said. “I also share your counsel’s disquiet about the attitude of the social welfare,” Judge Latham said. “When it was disclosed to them what was happening no action was taken and the girl was allowed to return to the home.” “One would have thought at least the department would, and should, have done some investigation to see if it was a proper place for her to return to,” the Judge said.