In a renewed commitment to addressing the traumatic legacy of child abuse and neglect within institutional settings, the Victorian Government has announced further details of its forthcoming redress scheme for survivors. The initiative is targeted at individuals who were physically, emotionally, or psychologically abused or neglected as children in Victorian institutions prior to 1990. This follows a formal apology delivered by Premier Jacinta Allan in Parliament earlier this year.
The redress scheme is designed to provide meaningful support to those who suffered abuse in state-run or affiliated institutions before 1990. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for three key elements of redress: a financial payment, a personal apology, and access to counselling services. Applications for the redress scheme are expected to open in December 2024, with the scheme running for an 18-month period.
Survivors will receive up to $20,000 in compensation for the abuse they endured. The amount aims to provide financial recognition of the harm inflicted during their time in institutional care. For individuals who are critically or terminally ill, an advance payment of $10,000 is available, with this amount deducted from any future redress payment they may receive once their application is approved.
A cornerstone of the scheme is the option for survivors to receive a personal apology from the institutions responsible for their care. Survivors can choose to engage in a restorative conversation with senior representatives of the institution, where they will have the opportunity to share their experiences and receive an apology acknowledging the impact of the abuse they suffered. These apologies can be delivered in person or in writing, depending on the survivor’s preference.
Recognising the ongoing emotional and psychological toll that institutional abuse can take, the scheme offers up to 20 counselling sessions. These services will be available throughout the redress period and can extend for one additional financial year after the closure of the scheme. Counselling will be delivered by qualified professionals, including psychologists and mental health practitioners, with an emphasis on incorporating existing therapeutic relationships where possible. Alternative therapies and culturally specific healing options will be available for First Nations applicants.
To be eligible for redress, individuals must have lived in a Victorian institution for at least six cumulative months before January 1, 1990, and experienced physical, emotional, or psychological abuse or neglect during their time in care as children. Applicants will need to provide consent for the sharing of their information with relevant government and non-government institutions to process their application.
For survivors who are critically or terminally ill, the Victorian Government has introduced an advance payment of $10,000 to ensure immediate financial support. This payment does not preclude survivors from applying for the full redress scheme once it opens, though the amount will be deducted from any subsequent financial compensation they receive.
The redress scheme is scheduled to open for applications in December 2024.. The scheme will run for 18 months, during which time eligible individuals can submit their applications.
Survivors who have previously received compensation through other redress schemes or civil claims can still apply for this scheme. However, note that any previous payments may be considered when determining the final amount of financial redress.
Further updates regarding the redress scheme will be made available on the Victorian Government website as the December 2024 launch date approaches. Survivors and their families are encouraged to stay informed and seek support from the available services.
For more information on the redress scheme and eligibility, visit Victorian Government Redress Scheme.
Further informationYou can email the Redress team at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing: VictorianGovernmentRedressScheme@dffh.vic.gov.au.