Claim compensation as a survivor of child abuse

Make a civil claim

Survivors of child abuse can make a civil claim for damages if the abuse happened after, and including, 26 September 1964.

Financial Redress Scheme

The Scottish Government has established a Financial Redress Scheme for people who were abused in a relevant care setting before 1 December 2004 and were under 18 years old at the time. The scheme is now accepting applications from people who experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or neglect, in a care placement. There is a telephone helpline (0808 175 0808) to help applicants with the process. Lines are open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.
 
Survivors will be able to choose at the point of application whether to apply for a fixed rate redress payment or an individually assessed redress payment. The amount payable for fixed rate applicants is £10,000. Individually assessed payments of up to £100,000 can be made under the terms of the scheme. In some cases, next of kin may also apply for a redress payment of £10,000.
 
Independent legal advice will be available to applicants as to the most appropriate course of action in respect of financial redress for their individual circumstances. You can apply to Redress Scotland without first obtaining your social work records. Redress Scotland will request any information needed directly from Midlothian Council.
 
In addition to financial redress, the legislation also includes provision for psychological support for survivors and apologies from the organisation implicated in allegations of abuse within their care establishments.
 
Advice for applicants can be found at Apply for Scotland's Redress Scheme - mygov.scot

Data protection

Your information will be treated as confidential. As an authority that handles personal information on individuals, we must protect that information under the Data Protection Act 2018.

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