The National Redress Scheme
What is the National Redress Scheme?
The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
It was created in response to the recommendations by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.
The National Redress Scheme can provide three things:
• access to counselling
• a Redress payment
• a direct personal response from the institution (for example, an apology) for people who want one.
The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.
Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts.
Redress is available to survivors who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse, if the institution involved has joined to the Scheme.
How can SAMSN help?
SAMSN is a Redress Support Service provider. We offer free, confidential, face to face and telephone support to anyone considering applying to the National Redress Scheme.
The support includes:
• help to understand the scheme and if you are eligible
• assistance with filling out the application form and getting relevant paperwork and documents
• supporting you and your family through the process of applying, and afterwards
• referral to free specialist legal and financial support services where needed
• have a consistent SAMSN support worker(s) who can prioritise your needs and wellbeing
For more information on the National Redress Scheme:
Visit the website for the National Redress Scheme (NRS) for people who have experience institutional child sexual abuse.
Visit the knowmore website for free independent legal advice regarding the National Redress Scheme.
Visit the website for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse