Child abuse inquiry: 13 investigations to be carried out

Britain's child abuse inquiry, which has been thrown into fresh turmoil with the resignation of its third chairman Dame Lowell Goddard, is to carry out 13 investigations.

The Home Secretary's assurances that the inquiry, set up in March 2015 to investigate historical child sex abuse allegations, would "continue without delay".

Here is an overview of the investigations:

An overarching inquiry will probe allegations linked to people associated with Westminster. Credit: PA

  • Westminster

An "overarching inquiry" into allegations of abuse and exploitation involving "people of public prominence associated with Westminster".

Claims involving "current or former" MPs, senior civil servants and members of the intelligence and security agencies will be scrutinised.

  • Roman Catholic Church

The probe will look into institutional failures to protect children from abuse in the Catholic church in England and Wales.

It is expected to identify specific case studies. One of the first to be examined is the English Benedictine Congregation which has been the subject of numerous allegations of child sexual abuse.

The Catholic church in England and Wales said it has set up a council to assist the inquiry.

The inquiry will look at failures within the Catholic Church to protect children from abuse. Credit: PA

  • Anglican Church

The Anglican Church will also be investigated to look at the extent of any institutional failures to protect children from abuse.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has requested the church to be one of the first institutions to be considered in the work of the inquiry.

  • The internet

The inquiry will look into institutional responses to child sexual abuse and exploitation "facilitated" by the internet.

This will include investigations of the policies of internet companies.

  • Residential schools

Abuse and exploitation of children in residential schools, both state and independent, will be investigated.

The former Beechwood Children's Home in Mapperley, Nottingham. Credit: PA

  • Nottinghamshire councils

The probe will look into the extent of any institutional failures to protect children in the care of Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire councils.

The investigation follows allegations of widespread sexual abuse and exploitation.

Former residents at Beechwood Children's home in Mapperley, Nottingham have lodged complaints of abuse at the council-run institution.

In a joint statement, the councils' chief executives said: "From the outset, we have taken these allegations seriously. The safety and well-being of children in our care today must be, and is, of the highest priority."

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  • Lambeth council

The London authority is also to be examined to find out the extent of any institutional failures to protect children after allegations of abuse in children's homes.

Council leader Lib Peck said the authority welcomes the inquiry into "serious, historic failings" in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

"I know how important it is for the victims of these offences that the suffering they experienced is re-examined, and I have apologised on behalf of the council for the historic failings that let down so many young people," she said.

Claims against the late politician were due to be aired during proceedings starting in September but were adjourned. Credit: PA

  • Lord Janner

Allegations of child sex abuse against Lord Greville Janner will be investigated.

Claims against the late politician were originally expected to be aired during inquiry proceedings starting in September, but Dame Lowell adjourned the hearing until March.

The peer, who died aged 87 in December, is alleged to have abused children in children's homes and hotels over a period spanning more than 30 years and dating back to the 1950s.

His family said he was "an honourable man, entirely innocent and never convicted of any crime".

  • British institutions and organisations abroad

This will scrutinise "grave allegations" that have emerged regarding abuse by individuals working for British institutions and organisations abroad.

The inquiry will examine bodies which recruit people to work abroad including the Armed Forces, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Council and private companies and charitable organisations.

More than 900 former detainees of Medomsley Youth Detention Centre complained of abuse. Credit: ITV/Tyne Tees

  • Custodial institutions

Abuse within secure estates for children and young people will be investigated.

The inquiry has identified Medomsley Youth Detention Centre in County Durham as the first case study, that was investigated after more than 900 former inmates complained of abuse.

  • Child sexual exploitation by organised networks

The inquiry will focus on institutional responses to systematic grooming and sexual abuse of children by networks of offenders in cities following cases in Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford.

It will include examining whether the regulation of the night-time economy and taxi licensing is effective in protecting children from abuse.

Rochdale is at the centre of two arms of the inquiry. Credit: PA

  • Cambridge House, Knowl View and Rochdale

An investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of children living at or attending Cambridge House Boys' Hostel, Knowl View School and other institutions used by Rochdale Borough Council.

Rochdale's chief executive Steve Rumbelow said it will provide its full support to the inquiry.

  • Accountability and reparations for victims and survivors of abuse

This arm of the inquiry will focus on the support services and legal remedies available to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

It was added to the inquiry following reports of inadequate support services and a civil justice system that may not deliver genuine reparation.