Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care

The scope of the Inquiry included an investigation of the events that occurred at Marylands School, run by the Catholic religious order the Hospitaller Order of the Brothers of St John of God, from the 1950s to 1984.

St John of God Hauora Trust is a Registered Charitable Trust formed in 2008 to assume the services formerly operated by the Brothers of St John of God. Those services include what is now the organisation’s 60-room residential care facility in Halswell and social services agency in Christchurch East.

St John of God Hauora Trust Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hillier said “we condemn and deplore all forms of abuse, including against the most vulnerable in our society, and have the utmost sympathy for all survivors of abuse at Marylands School and Hebron Trust. They endured abuse at a time when they were most vulnerable, most in need of responsible, qualified and monitored support.”

“We acknowledge the bravery of victims to speak up, and support their efforts to seek answers that helps them heal and to grow. In telling their stories they affirm our collective commitment and responsibilities in protecting children, particularly those from vulnerable communities.”

“Our organisation supports the important work of the Royal Commission in seeking answers for survivors of abuse and in their efforts to support their individual needs. Our own Catholic Ministry is a healing one, based on compassion and respect for human dignity. We are committed to continued learning and growth in the development of care that provides healing, hope and a greater sense of dignity especially to those most in need.”

St John of God Hauora Trust maintains independently audited partnerships with a range of agencies involved in the care and protection of vulnerable young people including the Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, Canterbury District Health Board and the Ministry of Health.

The organisation maintains checks and balances to ensure a safe environment for residents, clients, visitors and employees. This includes Child Protection Policies and safeguarding frameworks, and training for all staff on appropriate workplace and clinical behaviour. To the best of our knowledge, no allegations of child abuse have ever been raised against St John of God Hauora Trust.

Enquiries relating to care provided by the Hospitaller Order of the Brothers of St John of God should be directed to:

National Office for Professional Standards