Family Liaison

In every case we ask families about the issues which concern them. In our experience these issues and questions are many and varied but the HET tries to bring honest answers to them all, irrespective of whether a case can be progressed evidentially.

The views of the families in individual cases are the most important factor when we conduct our case assessments. If, for example, they request no further action, this is likely to be very persuasive.

Exceptions may be made when a particular incident is linked to another, or to a series of other incidents. Some aspects about possible connections may have to be re-examined or there may be clear evidence to connect someone to a death.

These are the sorts of circumstances in which the HET family focus is crucial, and families are kept informed of all developments.

Every family is given a Review Summary Report. This summarises in writing the circumstances of the death, details of the investigations which have taken place, including any further HET investigations, and most importantly answers family questions. However not all families want to become involved with the Historical Enquiries Team and we respect the wishes of those who prefer not to.