THE independent inquiry into the abuse of children in care is to prioritise gathering evidence from some seriously ill and elderly victims, with its chairwoman announcing it would do so "as a matter of urgency".
Susan O'Brien QC said that while the inquiry was "not quite ready" to call for survivors and witnesses to come forward, it had decided to take evidence from a small number of people.
Ms O'Brien also said there would be a name change, with the investigation now being called the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, adding that references to historical abuses were "misleading" and could deter survivors from coming forward.
The inquiry, which could take up to four years, will cover allegations of abuse of children in formal institutional care including faith-based organisations, children's homes and secure care as well as those in foster care, long-term hospital care and boarding schools.
It covers the period ''within living memory'' up to December 17, 2014 and will have the power to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence.
Since it was formally established in October, the inquiry has engaged with a range of organisations with an interest in the work of the inquiry to listen to their suggestions on what should be examined.
Ms O'Brien previously indicated that the inquiry would engage with as many groups as possible to understand their views on how the inquiry should be carried out, with interested parties given until January 31 to make their views known.
She said: "We are not quite ready to issue a call to all survivors and witnesses to come forward, as we are arranging to put support in place for people who will find giving evidence upsetting.
"Unfortunately, not everyone can wait even a few more weeks, so we have decided to take evidence from a small number of survivors as a matter of urgency."
The Historical Child Abuse Inquiry Scotland will investigate the nature and extent of abuse of children in care and the effects of such abuse on children and their families.
The inquiry is intended to create a national public record and commentary on the abuse of children in care during the relevant timescale, and it is expected that it will make recommendations.
It was announced by Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, in December 2014.
One of the leading campaign groups made up of people who suffered abuse in children's homes or residential care accused Ms Constance of reneging on a pledge to meet them and a commitment to remain personally involved in helping them achieve justice.
The In Care Abuse Survivors Scotland group had threatened to walk away from the process as a result.
Yesterday Ms O'Brien said the inquiry had been asked to change the name by the group but added: "There may be other witnesses in the same position. If they make contact with us, we will try to take their evidence early."
On the decision to change the name of the inquiry, Ms O'Brien stated: "I have taken a decision to accept evidence of abuse which happened up until December 17, 2014.
"However you look at it, that is not a date far back in history and I have concluded that the reference to 'historical' child abuse is misleading.
"Anything which might prevent survivors of abuse from coming forward is not a good idea and we can change the name without expense or difficulty at this early stage."
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