The National Redress Scheme provides support and acknowledgement to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse across Australia.

The scheme started on 1 July 2018 and is scheduled to end on 30 June 2028. Applications can be made any time before 30 June 2027.

About the scheme

The National Redress Scheme was established in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The National Redress Scheme acknowledges that many children were sexually abused in Australian institutions, and that those institutions should be held accountable.

This includes children's homes, foster care, schools, correctional facilities, churches and other religious organisations, sports clubs and other institutions.

What you may be entitled to

Applying for redress through the National Redress Scheme is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts.

Under the National Redress Scheme, you might be entitled to:

  • access to counselling and psychological care
  • a redress payment
  • a direct personal response (eg an apology) either face to face or in writing, from the institution responsible.

Counselling and psychological care can play an important role in the healing journey and can help you to deal with trauma and difficult emotions, and overcoming feelings of distress.

If you have accepted an offer of redress through the National Redress Scheme and you live in South Australia, you may receive a payment of up to $5000 for the purpose of accessing counselling or psychological services of your choice.

The National Redress Scheme provides more information on how to access these services when they write to formally offer redress.

Redress payments are determined on an individual, case by case basis. Payments can range from less than $10,000 to a maximum of $150,000.

For more information about redress payments, visit the National Redress Scheme's website.

Survivors who have received an offer of redress through the National Redress Scheme can choose to participate in a direct personal response.

This can include:

  • an apology for the abuse experienced
  • the institution taking responsibility for the abuse
  • an explanation by the institution on what they have done (or will do) to stop abuse from happening again.

A direct personal response can take different forms, including a face-to-face meeting, video call or a written letter. You can choose to have a support person present throughout.

Information on how to accept and obtain a direct personal response is included in an offer of redress from the National Redress Scheme.

For more information about the scheme, including elibility requirements, see:

How to apply

All applications for redress must be made to the National Redress Scheme - the Commissioner for Victims' Rights cannot take any applications.

You can apply by filling in an online or paper form on the National Redress Scheme website.

Who can help with an application

There are many services that can help with the application process.

The National Redress Scheme website includes information about free and confidential legal, financial and community services that can assist survivors at all stages throughout the process, including with the decision to apply for redress.

See the National Redress Scheme website for a comprehensive list of support services in South Australia.

Support services

The contents of this webpage may be confronting or distressing. Words or images can cause sadness or distress, or trigger traumatic memories, particularly for people who have experienced past abuse or childhood trauma.

Support is available if you need it.

Beyond Blue

1300 224 636

Lifeline

13 11 14

MensLine Australia

1300 789 978

1800 RESPECT

1800 732 732

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 467

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000)

Contact the National Redress Scheme