SACKED social worker Simon Bellwood is calling for a full public inquiry into the alleged ‘unlawful’ and ‘abusive’ mistreatment of former residents at Greenfields secure remand home for children.
Last week the Howard League for Penal Reform criticised past practices at the home and said they had been ‘shocked’ to hear from former residents who said that they had experienced ‘isolation, separation or solitary confinement’ at the home and staff who claimed that they did not trust the management.
Mr Bellwood, a former manager of Greenfields, said that he was dismissed shortly after he scrapped the ‘Grand Prix’ system for discipline in 2006 – a system which he says led to children, especially new arrivals, being locked up in solitary confinement for 24 hours at a time.
The behaviour management régime was started in 2004 as an official policy by Joe Kennedy, who had a background in the Prison Service. Mr Kennedy insists that periods of isolation described did not happen and that children were brought out for fresh air, exercise and meals.
• Picture: Simon Bellwood (right) is to write to Chief Minister Frank Walker and Health Minister Senator Ben Shenton left) in his bid to have suspended anyone involved in the alleged cover-up over practices at Greenfields
Article posted on 18th November, 2008 - 2.56pm
One Article Comment
Why should it fall to Simon Bellwood to bring this action?
Given the huge publicity this has created surely this should dealt with by the States and in specific the Minister for H&SS in a very open and transparent manner?
Good luck Simon Bellwood.
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