CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ROCKHAMPTON

SI. Joseph's Cathedral

10 June 2002

Dear Father

Attached, please find the Pastoral Letter - drawn up for the Anglican and Catholic Churches "Children in Church Institutions - Owning Past Hurts -Meeting Real Needs" .

As I indicated earlier, it is the Churches' response to a request from the Forde Enquiry Report, that Government and Churches offer some practical aid to former residents in need.

We have sought to offer our genuine apology to all who have suffered harm and to provide a listening heart and counselling to any former residents who have suffered harm. As you know, the Sisters of Mercy and the diocese have also provided financial support for a number of former Neerk:ol residents .

While this occasion focuses on an appeal, I see it a see it as an opportUnity to bring a pastoral, compassionate approach to what has been a tragedy for some former residents. I ask you to present this Pastoral Letter, or at least the most important points to your people and thereby help to bring honesty and closure for the sadness of the past.

It is not easy to deal with these issues and I thank you for your understanding and sensitivity. I ask you to make the appeal on the 15 - 16 June so that it will be a combined Anglican / Catholic focus and appeal, throughout the state.

Yours sincerely

. .,--------Brian Heenan Bisho, of Rockbamptou

168 William Street P.O. Box 611, Rockhampton, Old. 4700 Phone: (07) 4922 1149 Fax: (07) 4922 1224 Email: bheenan@rok.catholic.net.au

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Hence our appeal to your generosity. We therefore ask you to contribute through the Retiring Collection being taken up today.

Yours sincerely In Christ,

~ John Bathersby DD Archbishop of Brisbane

Brlan Heenan Bishop of Rockhampton

lames Foley Bishop of Cairns

-flJwru£~ Michael Putney Bishop of Townsville

Wllllam Morris Bishop of Toowoomba

Phllllp Asplnall Archbishop of Brisbane

Ron Stone Bishop of Rockhampton

lohn Noble Bishop of North Queensland

+

JOINT PASTORAL LE' 1 ER Anglican and Catholic Bishops of

Queensland

Childtwn in Church IlI$titutiDM Owning Past Hurts - Me.ting R.al Ne.ds

for dllHlftlncatlon In an ParilhI' on thl W •• k.nd 115/16 J' .... , 2002

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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We write to you on a sensitive and complex Issue, one needing our deeper understanding, compassion and sorrow.

The Church for decades has been Instrumental In supporting the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children. This outreach traditionally had been through the provision of orphanages, homes and hostels. However, while this work was noble In Its original vision and comprehensive In Its mission, members of our Church family, along with other Christian communities, have been dismayed recently by proven Instances of abuse. This Is a concern for the whole of our community and, In the case ~f abuse within Church facilities, It is a betrayal of the Christian Gospel.

The Forde Commission of Inquiry into the Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions heard of tragic cases of emotional, physical, sexual and systems abuse. Where It occurred, this abuse and deprivation, have deeply affected some former residents. While many of them have subsequently done well, some former residents have been unjustly disadvantaged by their limited life skills and educational opportunities. Recommendation 39 of the Forde Inquiry called for government and religious bodies to work together to balance the financial and ongoing personal support offered.

A charitable trust, known as the Forde Foundation, has been established by the Queensland Government to support those who have been disadvantaged by Institutional methods In the past. The Foundation Is administered by the Public Trustee, who acts on recommendations for assistance made by a Board of AdVice. To date, modest grants have been given for family reunificatlon, education, training, personal development, health and dental care, and other items or services to Improve the quality of life of some former residents. These resources have beel1 drawn largely from a Government financial contribution.

The Government's expectations were made clear In Its response to the Recommendations of the forde Inquiry: "The Government is looking towards the relevant Churches to contribute to this new Trust Fund" (Report, pA3). So far, most of the Churches have not contributed directly to this Trust Fund. Their response, to date, has consisted largely In the provision of counsellng and limited financial assistance to Individuals, and In the specific settlements negotiated between relevant Church bodies and some former residents.

The Churches who were Involved In this work In Queensland are now moving to address more comprehensively the Forde Inquiry's recommendation that they "balance the services being provided with explicit financial assistance". So we ask for your appreciation of the needs of former residents and seek your financial support to the Forde Foundation which Is dedicated to healing and to meeting the practical needs of those who have been adversely affected by the experience of Institutional care.

This 'one-off' appeal Is made for those who stili bear the pain of Inadequate past care. It will supplement other funds and the pastoral responses that will try to ease this hurt which was tragically brought about in Church institutions and for which we are deeply sorry.

Associated with the appeal will be our ongoing service, through the processes InltiatE!d by our Churches, to those who need support and assistance. Through this endeavour we want to reach out to all those who have suffered abuse by those who worked in the name of the Church. Our processes seek to extend the healing of Christ to those who have been hurt and to express our commitment to realiSing the Kingdom of God In our particular community.

This response to those so disadvantaged Is consistent with the central New Testament challenge that: "pure, unspoilt religion, in the eyes of God our Father ;s this: coming to the help of orphans ... when they need it. .. " (lames 1 :271

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Donna Donna was born the youngest of 3 children to a violent and abusive father and a mother who was so stricken with fear she was unable to protect herself or her daughters.

When she was 13 Donna sought help and was placed under the care and protection of the State. She lived in several foster homes but with the disruption she was unable to progress with her schooling.

When released from care with a record of educational failure, her future looked bleak. Now, at 33 with the support of her partner of 10 years, their children and the Forde Foundation, Donna has achieved academically, gained self esteem and is proudly studying for a Diploma of Multimedia at college.

"I feel like I've come almost full circle -Like soon I can comfort my inner child And present her with a future built upon love, career and stability And she can be proud of herself for surviving and retrieving success."

how you can help

If you wish to make a gift that will assist to rebuild lives that have been affected by abuse, neglect and disadvantage as children, you can donate to The Forde Foundation. Your funds will be administered by the Public Trustee of Queensland which has vast experience with the safe and responsible management of trusts. Your donation will provide opportunities that will have positive and lasting effects.

r----------------- , I Please find enclosed my donation of:

I $----------------

I Please make cheques/money orders payable to the I Forde Foundation Trust Fund

I I All donations over $2.00 to the Forde Foundation Trust I Fund are tax deductible.

I To obtain a receipt, fill in the information below:

I I Name: -------------------------------

: Address: ----------------

I Suburb/Town: _____________ _

I I State: -----------------------

I Postcode: _____________________________ _ I I Thank you for your donation that will brighten many lives. L _________________ ~

If you would like more information about the Forde Foundation, please contact the Executive Officer on: (07) 32393489 Freecall: 1800 035 588

or write to: The FordeFoundation PO Box 129 Paddington Qld 4064

Email: maitbox@thefordefoundation.org.au Website: www.thefordefoundation.org

'~T H E

FORDE FOUNDATION

A Foundation for the Future

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Why a Forde Foundation?

In June 1999, the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions was tabled in the Queensland Parliament. The 'Forde Inquiry', uncovered widespread and unacceptable abuse and neglect of children in institutions charged with their care in the period from 1911 to 1999.

The experiences of many children placed in homes, orphanages and detention centres included emotional, physical, sexual and systems abuse. This and the trauma of separation from parents and siblings, deeply scarred many of them and continues to have immeasurable impacts on their lives.

Educational neglect and emotional distress in childhood causes many former residents to endure the embarrassment of limited literacy and numeracy. Consequently they experience restricted employment opportunities and poverty. They report difficulty in forming and sustaining personal relationships, high levels of marriage break-up, estrangement from children and isolation. The number of suicides appears to be high.

A foundation for the future

The Forde Foundation aims to help former residents rebuild their lives while providing some redress for the harm and disadvantage that occurred, but it is not a compensation scheme.

The Foundation distributes grants to people formerly in State care or who, as children lived in institutions examined by the Forde Inquiry. The emphasis is on creating opportunities. It provides assistance with:

• Family reunification • Education, training and personal development • Health and dental care • Homelessness and relocation • Other items or services to facilitate opportunities

and improve quality of life.

How does the foundation operate?

In 2000 the Queensland Government established the Forde Foundation as a charitable trust and contributed $2 million to the Trust Fund.

The Public Trustee of Queensland administers the Trust Fund and invests the monies provided by the Government and other donors. A Board of Advice advises the Trustee on how the income should be distributed to former residents.

Members of the Board volunteer their time to formulating grant criteria, advertising grant rounds, assessing applications and making recommendations to the Public Trustee after considering all applications.

Stories of people assisted by the Forde Foundation

Hannelore Hannelore was born in 1958 of post-war immigrant parents. She lost her mother shortly before she was 3. She and her brother were made wards of the State and placed at a church orphanage.

There was a relentless work routine and children were beaten and subjected to harsh physical and psychological punishments. The only kindness she recalls as a child came from a priest who was later found guilty of the sexual abuse of children.

Hannelore was not prepared for life and suffered 3 nervous breakdowns. Wishing the best for her daughters Hannelore began a courageous journey to regain her mental health, self­esteem and to learn about her family. In 2001 the Forde Foundation provided assistance for her to make a trip to Germany to meet an elderly aunt and other members of her family.

Being able to see and communicate with her mother'S family is a constant source of joy. Hannalore says that because of the assistance she has received she has begun to piece together her broken heart and to rebuild her sense of herself.

William William was born in 1933 and was placed in a church orphanage at 11 months.

William remembers a childhood shadowed by fear and hunger. He developed a stutter and so was regarded as being unable to learn. At 11 years of age he was sent to hospital with a broken nose, black eyes and face after a beating by a male staff member.

When he was 16 William was put to work at the orphanage dairy farm. Because he asked for more food he was sent in handcuffs to Westbrook, a harsh prison farm.

After 3 months at Westbrook the Superintendent told William he had been wrongly placed there and released him. Despite this recognition of his innocence, William had lost his confidence, dignity and self-esteem.

In 2001 William was feeling low because of gradual loss of eyesight and the risk of losing his driving licence. He was assisted by the Forde Foundation to have an operation that has improved his eyesight so that he can drive again and resume normal life. William said that being recognised by the Forde Foundation was a great boost to his confidence and self-esteem.

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