Redress Scotland Applications now Open

The Scottish Government’s Redress for Survivors of Abuse Compensation Scheme (“Redress”) has now opened for applications. The scheme is open to all survivors who were abused whilst under the age of 17, in a relevant care setting in Scotland prior to 1 December 2004.

Survivors who were cared for in List D or approved schools, residential care facilities, boarded out or in foster care can apply, as can survivors who suffered abuse in young offenders’ institutions or borstals.

You can apply for the Scheme even if you no longer live in Scotland; you may require extra help and assistance to locate supporting documentation

The Scheme

The Redress Scheme has two applications. You can apply for either:

• A fixed-rate payment of £10,000; or

• An individually assessed payment of up to £100,000

In order to qualify for an individually assessed payment you require to submit evidence of the abuse that you suffered; documentary evidence would include social work records, medical records, or any evidence of criminal convictions in which you were the complainer.

How we can help

It is important that anyone seeking to make an application to Redress receives legal advice about the options available to them.

If an offer of payment is made, applicants require to sign a waiver which will prevent you from being able to raise or continue with any civil court action related to your abuse. You may be able to achieve a higher level of compensation through a civil court action than you would be entitled to under the Redress Scheme. It is therefore important that you speak with a qualified solicitor who can explain the options available to you and help you understand your legal rights.

If you would like any advice or assistance with an application to Redress, please do not hesitate to contact our litigation department and one of the experienced solicitors will be able to assist you.