National Redress Scheme

What is Redress

In response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the Australian Government set up the National Redress Scheme. The National Redress Scheme’s purpose is to support people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse by recognising the harm caused, holding the responsible institutions accountable, and connecting applicants to free, confidential support services. The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 with applications needing to be made by 30 June 2027 and ending 30 June 2028.

You can apply if:

  • you experienced institutional child sexual abuse before turning 18, and
  • the abuse occurred before 1 July 2018, and
  • you were born before 30 June 2010, and
  • You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident when you apply, unless an exception applies to you.

Please see Who can apply | National Redress Scheme for further information

The National Redress Scheme can offer eligible survivors:

  • access to counselling and psychological care
  • a redress payment (also referred to as a monetary payment)
  • a Direct Personal Response (DPR) from the responsible institution(s), including an apology or acknowledgement.

Further information is available here: What is an offer of redress? | National Redress Scheme

Applying for Redress in the ACT

If you have experienced child sexual abuse while in an institution and are considering whether you should apply or would like help applying for the National Redress Scheme, there are Redress Support Services available to support you through this process. Redress Support Services (RSS) are specialist, trauma-informed, culturally safe, survivor-centred services offering free, confidential, practical and emotional support to people before, during, and after applying for redress.

Specialist Redress Support Services are available for First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, young people, women, men, care leavers and former child migrants.

Knowmore, is a nationwide free and confidential service, provide trauma-informed legal support, social support and financial counselling to help survivors understand their options, make informed decisions, and understand the National Redress Scheme or an offer from the scheme. Specialised cultural support for First Nations peoples is also provided.

For those living in the Australian Capital Territory, the specific Redress Support Services available are:

Relationships Australia Canberra & Region, provide casework, practical support, counselling, and outreach services to people before, during, and after applying for redress. This support includes guidance and practical support to complete an application and other support to help people through their journey with the National Redress Scheme.

  • Phone: 1800 960 540
  • Online Form: Contact Us - Relationships Australia Canberra & Region
  • Website: Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Support - Relationships Australia Canberra & Region
  • Operating hours: 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Please see information on the National Redress website for information on how to apply for redress here: How to apply | National Redress Scheme.

Please see further information regarding the Redress Support Services available here: Redress Support Services | National Redress Scheme.

ADACAS, provide advocacy support for people with a disability, experiencing mental ill health, and older people to apply for redress.

  • Phone: (02) 6242 5060
  • Email: adacas@adacas.org.au
  • Website: Accessing the National Redress Scheme - ADACAS | ADACAS
  • Operating hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

How Victim Support ACT can help

If you are living in the ACT and are considering applying for redress, Victim Support ACT (VSACT) is available to answer questions, coordinate and link you with the relevant Redress Support Services.

If you are living in the ACT and have received an offer of redress, Victim Support ACT (VSACT) can provide free and confidential counselling services. VSACT currently provides initial contact and coordination for clients requesting a Direct Personal Response (DPR) where the ACT Government is the responsible institution. Where the ACT Government is not the responsible institution, we connect the client with the Scheme’s Direct Personal Response (DPR) Information and Support service or relevant Redress Support Service including legal support.

If you contact VSACT, a Case Coordinator will talk with you about your support needs.

Redress counselling and psychological care are provided by approved private practitioners and through Relationships Australia Canberra & Region. If you wish to access redress counselling and psychological care through VSACT, a case coordinator will discuss your counselling preferences and therapeutic needs and refer you to an appropriate provider in accordance with our Redress guidelines and policies.

Please contact us to seek assistance or find out more about what we do.