Case Study: Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit He Kaupapa Rangahau: Te Wāhanga Tamaiti, Taitamariki o Lake Alice
As part of the investigation into abuse in psychiatric care, the Inquiry investigated what occurred at the Child and Adolescent Unit at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital.
This is the first comprehensive investigation into the Child and Adolescent Unit at Lake Alice. The Royal Commission has the unique authority to independently investigate and address the issues and allegations that have persisted for decades and caused significant distress, despite previous inquiries and investigations.
We acknowledge Ngā Wairiki and Ngāti Apa, mana whenua of the rohe around Lake Alice. No one has sought their views and insights before.
We are grateful to the many survivors, supported by whānau and support networks, who spoke to us about their experiences of the tūkino, the abuse, harm and trauma suffered at Lake Alice, and the enduring impacts of those. We acknowledge that reliving your experiences took a significant toll on your personal wellbeing, and that you did this to make a difference. Your experiences, whakaaro and insights underpin this report. Without your courage and determination, we could not have written this report. To those survivors who have not been able to come forward – we acknowledge you and your whānau and your survivor journey.
Many who suffered at Lake Alice died too young. Although they are no longer able to share their kōrero, we acknowledge them and their whānau. [Moe mai ra ki a koutou]
This investigation and report would not have been possible without the persistence of the advocates and investigators who worked tirelessly over decades to seek justice for survivors. They made sure that the horrors of the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit were not forgotten. In particular, we acknowledge members of the Auckland Committee on Racism and Discrimination and the Citizens Commission on Human Rights.
View the report Beautiful Children: Inquiry into the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit