In this week’s episode of HJ Talks About Abuse, Kathleen and Feleena share their thoughts on the Scotland Redress Scheme, which was set up for survivors of historical child abuse in care in Scotland. They also explain the process of submitting an application and how you can make a claim if eligible.
Scotland’s Redress Scheme
Scotland’s Redress Scheme is for survivors of historical child abuse in care in Scotland. It is now open for applications. It makes redress payments to people who were abused while in care as children before 1 December 2004, and some next of kin. It has been set up to recognise and acknowledge what happened, and the harm this abuse caused. The scheme covers:
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- emotional abuse
- neglect
You can apply if you were abused:
- as a child (when you were 17 years old or younger)
- before 1 December 2004
- in Scotland
- in a relevant care setting
What is a relevant care setting?
The Scheme only covers certain care settings. These are known as “relevant care settings” and include:
- children’s homes
- “List D” or approved schools
- penal institutions, including young offenders’ institutions and borstals
- residential care facilities (including hospitals) which provided long-term residential accommodation
- school hostels and some other accommodation provided for a child to go to school
- secure accommodation
- boarded out
- foster care
There might be other settings that are relevant, depending on your circumstances.
At Hugh James we have many years’ experience of successfully guiding applicants through redress schemes including:
- The two Jersey redress schemes
- The Northern Ireland redress scheme
- The Lambeth redress scheme
- Redress schemes in Australia
How to apply?
We are available to talk to you free of charge. Please note that if you engage a solicitor to advise you that the Scheme provides for the payment of legal fees. We will not charge you.
Alternatively you can go the Scheme’s website at: https://www.mygov.scot/apply-for-scotlands-redress-scheme
If you apply, you may be offered:
- a payment
- an apology, if you would like one, and help to get an apology from others
- emotional support
