Redress Scheme Scotland
The Redress Scheme Scotland was set up to compensate people who were abused as children before the 1st of December 2004 in relevant care settings, such as children’s homes, foster care, or approved schools.
Compensation awards range from a fixed payment of £10,000 to individually assessed amounts of up to £100,000.
Additionally, next of kin (such as spouses, civil partners, or children of deceased survivors) are also able to apply to the scheme if the survivor had not previously received a redress payment.
We will inform survivors of their legal rights and discuss their options, ensuring they can make informed decisions about the best path to achieving financial justice.
Survivors of historical child abuse would benefit from seeking compensation via Redress Scotland as it is a relatively simple process, requiring less proof than other compensation schemes and there is a quicker settlement timescale on claims.
Each case is assessed on an individual basis and for that reason we are unable to provide an exact timescale, however 6 to 12 months is a broad estimate of how long survivors can expect to wait before receiving compensation.
However, please note there are some terms which may be seen as a drawback to Redress Scotland. These are:-
- Survivors are required to sign a waiver that prevents them from pursuing legal action.
- The compensation amounts are considerably lower than those previously seen awarded in historical abuse claims.
- Survivors may not receive the personal acknowledgment they rightfully deserve.
- Abusers and responsible organisations may evade public accountability.
- There is no option for an independent tribunal to review payment decisions or outcomes.
Given these considerations, it is crucial to consult with an independent solicitor who specialises in historical abuse cases. Only a knowledgeable expert can advise you on the best course of action. Our team at Moir and Sweeney are here to support you through this process.
What happens after I apply to Redress Scotland for a claim?
If your claim is unsuccessful, you may still have the option of a civil action, which is again why it is crucial to obtain legal advice.
If you are offered a compensation payment and feel this should be of a greater value, we can provide further advice in this regard.
In order to complete your application, your solicitor will make efforts to obtain medical records, police reports, old school records, official documents, court paperwork, witness statements, together with any other document they may deem relevant. This can take some time, however, is beneficial to ensuring your application is thorough.
Given all of the above, we would suggest speaking to a solicitor before applying to Redress Scotland.
If you have already started an application to Redress without the support of a solicitor we can, however, step in to help you progress it.
Speaking to Moir & Sweeney in the first instance will enable you to evaluate your options. We take the time needed to look into your case and work out what course of action is best for you.
Should you require any further information regarding how Redress Scotland works, please use the link below.
Useful link – https://www.redress.scot/applying-for-redress/step-by-step-guide/
