Redress Scotland is pleased to announce that from today (9 December) the scheme to provide survivors of historical child abuse in care in Scotland with financial redress is open for applications.
Inviting survivors and their next of kin to apply, Redress Scotland Chair Johnny Gwynne, said:
“This is an important day in the lives of survivors, and a milestone in Scotland’s journey to addressing some of the deeply troubling incidents in its past.
“We are committed to supporting survivors, and working with campaigners and groups that support them, to acknowledge each individual experience and help people with compassion and care as they continue on their journey to healing.
“The Redress Scotland team and panel members consider it a privilege to be able to undertake this significant work and we stand ready to receive and make decisions on applications for redress.”
The scheme will be delivered by Redress Scotland in conjunction with the Scottish government, with a clear focus placed on the experience of the survivors who have put their trust in the process and shared their stories.
Survivors have been integral to the design and development of the scheme, lending their voice to help shape it and in the recruitment of the Chair Johnny Gwynne, Chief Executive Joanna McCreadie and panel members.
The scheme’s opening comes after the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021 received Royal Assent in April.
Announcing that the scheme has opened for applications, Deputy First Minister John Swinney, said:
“Across Parliament, we have come together to confront the scale and horror of the abuse Scotland’s most vulnerable children suffered. We cannot make up for that pain, and we cannot take away the devastating impact it has had on people’s lives. But we can provide acknowledgement and tangible recognition of the harm caused, by offering redress to survivors through this scheme.
“I invite all survivors who are eligible for the scheme to apply, if it is the right choice for them. There is funding for independent legal advice to help survivors make that choice and support is available at every stage of the application process.
“There has been a strong survivor voice throughout the process of designing and developing the scheme and I want to thank all survivors who have contributed their time, commitment and insight. Their input has been crucial.”
How to apply
From 10am on Thursday, 9 December, phone lines will open for those who would like application packs posted to them. They can call 0808 175 0808 for survivor applications or 0808 281 7777 for next of kin applications. A team of specially-trained case workers, working on behalf of Scottish Government, stand ready to help all applicants at each stage of the application process. One an application is made, it will then be referred to Redress Scotland for consideration.
Callers from abroad should call +44 131 297 6500. Phone lines are open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm until 21 December and again from 5 January 2022.
Further information on the scheme, applications forms and guidance