Scotland's financial redress scheme approved
MSPs have today (11 March 2021) passed legislation to establish a Redress Scheme for survivors of historical child abuse in care in Scotland to apply for financial payments. An independent body, Redress Scotland, to administer the scheme will be set up under the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act, which will be open for applications before the end of 2021, and will replace the Scottish Government's Advance Payment Scheme which has been running since early 2019.
The intention behind the new legislation is to provide tangible recognition of the harm caused to those who were abused as children in residential care settings in Scotland.
Survivors will be able to choose to apply for a fixed-rate payment of £10,000, or a more detailed individually assessed redress payment of between £20,000 and £100,000, based on their experiences.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:
"I am pleased that Parliament has passed a Bill that will establish a survivor-focussed route to redress. It has been a long and difficult journey for survivors of historical abuse in care, who have campaigned with dignity and dedication for this law. Scotland's redress scheme is an important part of our response to survivors and to this dark chapter of our nation's past.
"As a society, we are still coming to terms with the scale and horror of the abuse and the impact it had. Those responsible for the harms of the past have a responsibility to do the right thing today.
"This Bill is for survivors. Their courage, determination and perseverance has made a difference and will ensure others never have to experience the horrors they went through."
Claire Burns, Director of CELCIS (Acting) said:
"Scotland has reached a landmark moment. While redress doesn't compensate for the harm done, it's a step forward in providing recognition for all survivors. It has been a privilege to work alongside all those who have campaigned for so long."
The Scottish Government is seeking financial contributions from organisations involved in caring for children at the time they were abused.