Public Statement from Sister Clare Condon, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will conduct a public hearing in Sydney from Monday July 11, 2016.
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan have been advised that one of the case studies which will be the focus of that hearing will look at child safe practices and incidents from the 1990s at Mater Dei Special School in Camden, NSW.
Any incidents of sexual abuse are an absolute tragedy, especially for the children against whom the acts were committed.
Children and young people are by definition vulnerable. Abuse of a young person with a disability is beyond comprehension.
On behalf of the sisters, I express profound sorrow to victims and their families for the devastating consequences of the abuse they endured.
We are aware that for all victims and their families, staff and former staff, students and their families, a public hearing will be difficult and distressing.
Since 2012, Mater Dei Special School has been under the governance of Good Samaritan Education. The care and safety of all its students are paramount. Rigorous policies and procedures are in place, focused on doing everything possible to ensure the safety of the children and young people in its care.
Mater Dei School, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and Good Samaritan Education will work closely with the Truth, Justice and Healing Council in responding to the work of the Royal Commission.
Sister Clare Condon SGS
Congregational Leader
