The National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) commenced on 1 July 2018, in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The Scheme is a way to support people who experienced child sexual abuse while in an institution that was supposed to be looking after them. It acknowledges the widespread sexual abuse of children in Australian institutions, recognises the suffering endured by survivors, holds institutions accountable for the abuse and helps people who have experienced child sexual abuse to gain access to counselling, a direct personal response from the institution responsible, and a redress payment.
An institution can be a children’s home, mission, orphanage, congregation, school, hospital or sports club.
The Uniting Church has affirmed its commitment to justice for survivors, is committed to proactively participating in the Scheme in a trauma informed way and is encouraging people who may be eligible to approach the Scheme to apply for redress. To be eligible you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and have been sexually abused in a participating institution before you were 18 years of age and before 1 July 2018. You are required to tell the Scheme about what happened to you at the institution.
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2027. No applications will be accepted by the Scheme after this date.
If you or someone you know would like to know how to apply, it can be done online via myGov or in writing by completing a paper-based form, calling 1800 737 377 or by asking a confidential Redress Support Service for help. You will find these by visiting https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/support
If you have already received redress from a Uniting Church Institution and have indicated that you would like a Direct Personal Response, and are ready for the next step, please contact UCA Redress on 1800 411 739 or [email protected]
Fact sheets have been distributed to congregations to ensure that Uniting Church members are aware of the Scheme and how to respond to a survivor who discloses past sexual abuse experienced in our former Institutions or seeks help to access the Scheme. You can contact the Uniting Church WA Culture of Safety team for more information on [email protected]
If you have concerns about a child or any person currently being harmed or at risk of harm, please contact the police on 000 or child safety authorities.