Introduction
F.A.C.T. has its roots in the decisions of various police forces in the UK to undertake historical investigations into alleged abuse in former children's homes and residential schools.
The first to do this was the North Wales Police Force who began their inquires in 1991. They were followed by Merseyside. Within a decade virtually every police force in the UK was either undertaking retrospective investigations into alleged abuse, or planning to do so. In North Wales and in Liverpool the scale of the investigation was so great and misinformed that huge numbers of carers and teachers banded together for mutual support. The first support group was set up in North Wales in 1992.
In the Spring of 2000 hundreds attended the first ever F.A.C.T. National Conference held at St Helens. The huge numbers struck a chord with other carers and teachers throughout the UK in a similar position. Local activists were joined by concerned academics, lawyers, professionals and politicians. As more individuals were accused and the injustices became more apparent other local groups and individual campaigns merged to form a powerful and respected national network, and an organisation to be reckoned with.
F.A.C.T. has now settled into the role of an active campaign and lobbying group and an organisation which provides advice and support to falsely accused and wrongly convicted carers and teachers. An important part of our work has been to bring to the public's attention the vulnerability of carers and teachers to false abuse allegations, and to network with similarly minded groups and other 'justice' organisations. We also support a number of carers and teachers (and their families) who are (or have been) imprisoned, and work tirelessly to bring to the notice of the general public any evidence of investigative malpractice by the police, child protection agencies, and by employers.
F.A.C.T. played an influential role in ensuring that the Home Affairs Select Committee on Investigations into Past Abuse in Children's Homes was properly briefed on the scale of the problem and the extent to which innocent men and women have been convicted on false abuse allegations. F.A.C.T. receives a great deal of support from leading academics, commentators, respected authors, journalists, lawyers and politicians (in particular Claire Curtis-Thomas, MP for Crosby, and Lord 'Freddie' Howe) to whom we are especially grateful.
F.A.C.T. holds regular conferences and attracts speakers of international repute. It has a strong regional presence especially in the North West, the Midlands, North and South Wales, Yorks/ Lancashire as well as extensive representation in the North East England, South East England, and the South West of England. F.A.C.T is also has a presence in Scotland, Northern Ireland and is in touch with similar group in Eire and overseas
The current membership includes men and women who work (or have worked) in children's homes, day and residential schools, colleges, playgroups, nurseries, or as childminders or foster carers; the voluntary sector, in health care provision, or for church communities. The group is therefore well-placed to comment on the vulnerability of carers and teachers at all levels throughout the UK.
F.A.C.T. is a voluntary organisation with well defined objectives. It is run by volunteers and a dedicated committee consisting of a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, three other committee members, regional representatives and co-opted members. It is responsible for its own fund-raising and receives no financial or other help from Government or local authorities.