Info wanted on Dartmouth home abuse allegations

Police in Nova Scotia are asking anyone with information of alleged criminal acts at the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children to contact them.

The RCMP and Halifax Regional Police said several former residents have already come forward through media reports in the past few months with allegations of physical and sexual abuse at the Dartmouth home.

"We just felt that given the amount of people coming forward that it was important that we have a co-ordinated effort and to reach out to any other person that may have allegations of abuse at the home to come forward," said Chief Supt. Brian Brennan.

"Allegations that date back 30, 40 years potentially, can be large in scope."

Brennan said he knew of at least four people who had filed formal complaints with the RCMP of alleged abuse suffered at the home in the 1970s and 80s.

"I do know that the number is worthy of us going out and looking for more information on those particular allegations as well as looking into any further ones that might be out there and people looking to report the same," he told CBC News on Tuesday.

"It's important that we get the information as soon as possible to make a determination on next steps forward in an investigation."

No charges have ever been laid against any former staff at the home and Brennan said he was not aware of any previous criminal investigations against the home.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia ordered the orphanage to hand over documents covering a five-year period of its existence, wherein a former resident alleges he was abused at the home.

Ray Wagner, the lawyer for the plaintiff, said whether or not the documents reveal any evidence of abuse, the exercise could further support his claim of a coverup that will make up a large part of a class-action suit he hopes will be certified this fall. Nearly 60 former residents of the home have joined in the lawsuit.