abuse.

He will be the chairman of Government's special task force.

His deputy will be ex-director of social services Sen. Norma Astwood.

Yesterday's appointments were made by Social Services Minister the Hon.

Quinton Edness.

"These are two highly qualified and well respected individuals, whose expertise, one in the law and the other in social work, will be absolutely vital to this study,'' he said.

"Other members of the task force who will bring special expertise to this work will be announced shortly.'' He added: "The task force has been asked to treat their work as a matter of some urgency.

"I hope to have their report and recommendations by the summer of next year.'' Mr. Edness said the aims of the investigation had been hammered out.

He explained the probe would be wide-ranging -- not just limited to physical and sexual abuse.

It would focus, among other things, on: The extent of abuse; The ability of Government and community services to cope with the problem, and the strength of current policies; The training of those dealing with victims, including the departments of health, education, and social services, and the Police and legal system; Education programmes or ways of helping people, including children, recognise and report abuse; and Plans to curb abuse, such as the treatment of offenders.

Laws related to protecting children from abuse will also come under the microscope.

In particular, the prosecution, trial and completion of abuse cases will be examined.

Under scrutiny as well will be the reporting of abuse, and the subsequent investigation.

Mr. Edness said the task force would be free to consider any other matters.

And it would be expected to come up with recommendations.

"I think these terms of reference are broad enough to enable Mr. Froomkin and his group to examine every aspect of child abuse, including the investigation and the laws which affect it.

"If Bermuda is deficient in any respect, then the task force will have the power to recommend ways in which we can overcome that deficiency. I expect that the task force will want to consult widely in the community.

"Children may be exposed to abuse in a variety of institutional and community settings, and there are a number of Government and private organisations which can be involved in dealing with child abuse.

"I hope those who have a part to play will cooperate with the task force in any way they can.'' Mr. Edness has stated other members of the task force will be, among others, doctors, social workers, and nursery school teachers.

A parent of a child abuse victim may also be included.

Possible members of the task force have been receiving training from experts from the Toronto-based Institute for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Fourteen Policemen and seven Department of Social Services' workers are enrolled on a six-month course at Police headquarters in Prospect.

The review follows growing concern over child abuse on the Island.

Police and social workers had investigated allegations of abuse at Paget's Nambour Day Nursery.

It was later announced no charges would be laid.