What Redress Scotland does
If you apply for redress in Scotland, your application is made to the Scottish Government, who will make a payment if the application is successful. It’s the job of Redress Scotland to tell the Government which people should get redress, and how much any payment should be.
Why Redress Scotland is here
Redress Scotland was set up following an act passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2021, called Redress for Survivors (Historical Abuse in Care) (Scotland). Although Redress Scotland works with guidance and funding from the Scottish Government, it is not part of any Government department.
Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)
Historical abuse
Historically, children have been abused while living in care settings.
The redress scheme in Scotland applies to abuse which occurred in relevant care settings. It does not apply to abuse that happened in a place arranged by a parent or guardian, like a private school, or settings where children were placed with family members. Only abuse which happened to children under the age of 18 and before 1st December 2004 will be considered for Scotland’s redress scheme.
Not all care settings are covered by the scheme. Relevant care settings include children’s homes, some residential schools, boarded-out and foster care environments and, in some cases, long-stay hospitals. Short term care settings for holiday and respite care are not included.
Who are Redress Scotland?
The team at Redress Scotland is made up of:
- Panel members, who make decisions about applications
- Board members, who oversee the running of the organisation
- Employees
Redress Scotland is led by a Chair and a Chief Executive.