St. Joseph’s Orphanage abuse survivors disappointed in task force report conclusions

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Abuse survivors with the group Voices of St. Joseph’s Orphanage, shared stories Wednesday of what they experienced at the orphanage decades ago.

Some of the group of more than 30 are sticking to their claims that children were murdered while they were being cared for. In a nearly 300 page report released on Monday, Attorney General T.J. Donovan says evidence of abuse exists, but there isn’t enough evidence to substantiate murder. Donovan also says law enforcement and the state should have investigated when the claims were first made.

Following the release of the task force report on abuse and murder allegations, the group of survivors says they hoped for a different outcome.

“No report will ever fully capture or accurately reflect the abuse, pain and suffering that each of us experienced at St. Joseph’s Orphanage. As you may understand, several in our group have experienced disappointment,” said Walter Coltey with the group Voices of St. Joseph’s College.

The group says it is thankful the task force was formed and appreciates the state is finally listening to their concerns. It is also calling for Vermont’s Catholic Diocese to make its records from the orphanage available to survivors. They also want the Catholic entities involved to help pay for counseling for those who need it.

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