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Welcome to the website for the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse
This is your space to be heard, to connect, and to ensure your experiences inform Ireland’s path forward. We stand ready to amplify your voice and bring your perspectives directly to government.
Patricia Carey is the Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse
Patricia was appointed to the role in March 2024 by the Irish Government.
In this role, Patricia’s focus is to ensure a strong and amplified voice for those affected by institutional abuse and forced family separation.
Who does the Special Advocate engage with?
As the Special Advocate, Patricia’s most important engagements are directly with Survivors and Affected Persons that have experienced non-recent institutional abuse and forced family separation. This includes people living in Ireland and abroad.
Her remit covers people who have spent time in the following categories:
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Industrial School and Reformatory Institutions
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Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions
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People who were adopted, illegally trafficked, boarded or fostered out
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People who were the subject of an illegal birth registration
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Those resident in other institutions related to Ireland’s network of mother and baby institutions & system of forced family separation
As Special Advocate, Patricia also engages with many other stakeholders including: service providers and support organisations working directly with Survivors, government departments and state agencies, advocates, international experts and academics.
Click the button below to read more about the work of the Special Advocate.
What information can I find on this website
The Special Advocate team have developed this website to function as an useful, informative, and easy-to-access online space for Survivors and Affected Persons, their families, as well as support organisations who assist them.
The website includes information about the work of the Special Advocate for Survivors, the key issues being raised by Survivors as well as information on available supports, resources and upcoming projects and events, and resources.
Find out more by exploring the website under the sections below.
About Us
Learn more about the role of the Special Advocate and the priorities of the Special Advocate team
Our Work
Learn more about our engagements with Survivors and Affected Persons and the key issues being raised with the Special Advocate.
Information for Survivors
Explore this section to learn more about Records, Redress, Supports for Survivors here.