The Victorian Government is establishing a redress scheme for Victorians who experienced abuse and neglect as children in institutional care.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced further details about redress for Victorians who experienced physical, psychological or emotional abuse or neglect in orphanages, children's homes and missions before 1990.
The scheme was developed in consultation with those with lived and living experience and their support agencies.
Before 1990, more than 90,000 children were placed in institutional care in Victoria. Many children experienced harm, and carry that trauma and grief with them as adults, at times leading to poverty and homelessness.
Redress for Historical Institutional Abuse will include payments of $20,000, access to up to 20 counselling sessions, and a personal restorative engagement process. This will involve an acknowledgment or apology with responsible institutions.
The scheme will build on support available through the National Redress Scheme set up after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Victorian Redress for Historical Institutional Abuse acknowledges the trauma of abuse and neglect. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 allocated $165 million for redress after the formal apology in Parliament in February by the Premier.
Applications are expected to open in December 2024 and the Government will work to ensure payments are processed as soon as possible.
Since November, the Government has provided $10,000 advance redress payments to more than 175 people who are terminally or critically ill.
Applications for advance redress payments are still available for eligible Victorians at services.dffh.vic.gov.au/advance-redress-payments.
More information about redress for historical institutional abuse can be found at dffh.vic.gov.au.
People who need support can contact Open Place (Relationships Australia Victoria) or Care Leavers Australasia Network. Crisis help is also available through Lifeline on 13 11 14.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Today we acknowledge the physical, psychological and emotional abuse that too many Victorians experienced in institutions before 1990 and take the next steps to redress those wrongs."
"We are grateful to everyone who worked with us to design redress - meaning payments to thousands of Victorians are made as quickly as possible."
As stated by Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency CEO Aunty Muriel Bamblett
"VACCA is proud to work alongside the Victorian Government in support of Redress for historical institutional abuse. This scheme is an integral step towards healing and reminds us of the importance and power of truth telling and saying sorry."
As stated by Alliance for Forgotten Australians Chairperson Caroline Carroll
"Forgotten Australians or Care Leavers are all ageing and have waited a long time for redress in Victoria. Access to redress is another part of a lifelong journey for recognition and healing."
