What is Redress WA?
Redress WA is a West Australian Government scheme for adults, who as children, were abused and/or neglected in State care in Western Australia.
The scheme was designed to:
- provide eligible applicants with an alternative to taking a claim through the court process to get some payment for abuse and/or neglect
- offer counselling and support services
- offer an apology
- offer an acknowledgement of the abuse and/or neglect and
- provide an opportunity to record personal stories
The deadline for applications has now closed and applications are now being processed.
I have been made an offer of payment by Redress WA. What should I do?
If a lawyer helped with your application you could contact your lawyer otherwise if you have any questions you can contact Redress WA on 1800 617 233.
Redress WA has told me that I have 28 days to give more information before my application will be finalised. No offer of payment has been made yet. What should I do?
Redress WA can ask for more information if:
- Redress WA is not satisfied you were eligible to apply under the scheme.
- if you did not make a statement that you were abused and/or neglected.
- Redress WA is not satisfied you were placed in State care.
You may want to contact Redress WA if you are not sure what information to put in.
Can I get the reasons for Redress WA's decision in my case?
Yes, you can ask Redress WA for the reasons.
What if I am not happy with the amount offered or I was refused an offer? Is there a complaints process?
The amount of the ex gratia payment cannot be reviewed or be the subject of a complaint.
A complaint can be made only on the grounds:
- an error of process occurred and/or
- an error of fact was made
How is the complaint handled?
The complaint will be managed by the Redress WA Complaint's Manager according to the Redress WA Complaints Internal Policy and Procedures Guidelines.
If your complaint is found to have merit it will go to an Independent Review Panel for another review and a decision.
Contact Redress WA on 1800 617 233 if you want more information on this process.
What if I am not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint?
You can make a complaint to the Department for Communities Complaint's Manager.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint under these processes you can go to the WA Ombudsman.
I have been abused in care but did not apply under Redress WA. What should I do?
You should get legal advice as soon as possible.
I am still in care and have been abused. What should I do?
If you are still in the care of the Department for Child Protection you should talk to your case manager as soon as you can. Your case manager should then make inquiries with the Duty of Care Unit on (08) 9222 2693 to start the process for you to get independent legal advice.
Are there any other ways I can get compensation for abuse in care?
If you have been abused in care you may be able to make a claim for compensation through:
- a common law claim
- a criminal injuries compensation claim
For more information see Compensation for victims of crime.
Get legal advice about your best option as soon as possible. Time limits apply to make these claims.
Where can I get more information?
- For information or support if you have made a Redress WA application contact Redress WA on 1800 617 233
- For more information and support for victims of crime go to the Victims of Crime website
Last reviewed: 19/02/2010