Children from the Thorvaldsens Crèche Receive Psychological Support but Appeal to the Prime Minister for Compensation
Children placed in the Thorvaldsens Crèche between 1974 and 1979 are set to receive psychological support while also seeking compensation from the Prime Minister for past grievances.
The city of Reykjavík is moving forward to provide ten psychological sessions for children who were placed in the Thorvaldsens Crèche from 1974 to 1979, an initiative that follows the publication of a report addressing the facility's operations during that period. While the report does not definitively state that the children experienced abuse, it notes several deficiencies in care practices. As a result, some former residents have petitioned the Prime Minister for just compensation, reflecting their unresolved grievances from their time in the crèche.
The crèche, operated by the Thorvaldsensfélagið, has faced heightened scrutiny through two appointed committees that examined its operations in different time frames ranging from 1949 to 1979. The findings from these inquiries revealed various shortcomings in the care provided to children, leading to calls for a more thorough acknowledgement of past wrongs and the need for reparative actions. The Reykjavík city council's decision to fund psychological assistance aims to address the mental health needs of those impacted by these historical inadequacies.
This move not only underscores the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations within care systems but also signals a broader acknowledgment of responsibility by local authorities. As former residents and advocates continue to seek compensation, it raises important discussions about how society reconciles with its past mistakes, particularly regarding the care and treatment of children, and the ethical obligations of governmental bodies to rectify these issues.