Our Approach to Redress
What is The Benevolent Society’s approach to redress?
In 2004, we provided a full and unreserved apology for all abuse, mistreatment or harm experienced by children in our care. A copy of our statement of apology is available here.
The Benevolent Society’s focus is on supporting people to heal from the harm caused by institutional child abuse whilst in the care of The Benevolent Society.
We adopt a restorative justice approach when responding to people who have experienced institutional child abuse. We are trauma-informed and survivor-focused. Our interactions will always be guided by the principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment.
If you wish to obtain redress from The Benevolent Society for abuse whilst in our care as a child, you have one of three options:
- National Redress Scheme
- Direct Redress Application to The Benevolent Society (where you cannot access National Redress Scheme)
- Civil Claim
You can access our full Historical Child Abuse Redress Policy here.
What is the National Redress Scheme?
The Scheme was established in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abused in Australia.
The Scheme:
- acknowledges that many children were sexually abused in Australian Institutions
- holds institutions accountable for this abuse; and
- helps people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse gain access to counselling and psychological services, a direct personal response and a monetary payment.
Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts.
People who successfully apply can gain access to:
- counselling;
- a redress payment; and
- a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it.
Applications to the scheme are open until 30 June 2027.
How to access the National Redress Scheme?
You can apply to the National Redress Scheme online or by paper. For more information on how to access the National Redress Scheme, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377.
Free Redress Support Services are also available for anyone applying, or considering applying, for redress. These services are confidential and can help explain the Scheme and who can apply.
What if I can’t access the National Redress Scheme?
If you cannot access the National Redress Scheme for any legal reason, you can make a direct redress application to The Benevolent Society, by emailing us at [email protected].
Applications do not need to take any particular form but must be in writing, and clearly set out the basis of the application including the reasons for not being able to access the National Redress Scheme.
Your application, if assessed to be eligible for redress may offer a range of assistance including (but not limited to):
- redress payment;
- counselling; and
- direct personal response similar to the National Redress Scheme.
You also have the option to bring a civil claim against us in a court of law.
We recognise that such civil claims can be a long drawn-out process that could be retraumatising. For that reason, we encourage you to choose the National Redress Scheme or, where you cannot access the National Redress Scheme, to make a direct redress application to us.
We also encourage you to seek independent legal advice before bringing a civil claim. Please note, Benevolent will not be responsible for any legal costs incurred in the process of bringing a civil claim.
Direct Personal Response
A direct personal response is one of the key foundations of redress, available to applicants under the National Redress Scheme or if directly applied to us.
Where desired, The Benevolent Society is dedicated to providing a direct personal response to applicants by providing them an opportunity to share their experience, and for us to listen to, recognise and acknowledge their story.
Upon your application being processed by the Scheme (or directly by us, as relevant), you will be offered the opportunity to receive a direct personal response from The Benevolent Society. We are committed to providing a direct personal response in writing, in a face-to-face meeting or any other reasonable method, depending on your individual wishes and requirements.
If you would like a direct personal response from The Benevolent Society, you may contact our Director, Practice:
- By Email: [email protected]
- By Post: 2E, Wentworth Park Road, Glebe, NSW 2037
- By Telephone: 0417 790 146
Once you contact The Benevolent Society, we will:
- communicate with you to understand how you would like to receive your direct personal response. This may involve a discussion with you or your representative regarding the type of response you are seeking that will reflect your individual circumstances and how best this can occur.
- determine who is the best person within The Benevolent Society to provide you with the direct personal response. You can choose the representative who you would like to provide the direct personal response to you.
We can support you through this process with a trained facilitator. If desired, we can also appoint an independent facilitator. The facilitator will be available to meet or contact you prior to a direct personal response occurring, and to assist you through what you may be looking for. The facilitator will, where required, also attend and support the process to ensure your requirements are met.
For further information on direct personal response under the National Redress Scheme, please visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377.