Financial compensation scheme could be put in place for survivors of abuse
Adult abused while in care are being encouraged to come forward in a bid to claim compensation.
A consultation launched this week by the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (Celcis) is to consider reponses to see if pursuing compensation is viable.
It will present its findings to the Scottish Government.
Joanne McMeeking, head of improving care experiences at Celcis, said: "Completing this consultation questionnaire gives survivors a way to have their ideas about alternative forms of financial redress seen and heard.
“All of the information gathered in the consultation will be used to present options to the Scottish Government for consideration when it decides whether to establish a financial compensation/redress scheme."
Survivors are supporting others to contribute to the consultation.
Helen Holland, chair of In Care Abuse Survivors (Incas), said the consultation gives everyone who has experienced abuse in the Scottish care system the chance to share their views.
She added: “This allows all of us the opportunity to have our voices and opinions heard as we continue to work forward towards redress and reparation."
Judith Robertson, chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, said: “We welcome the consultation on financial redress for historic abuse, and particularly the human rights based approach they have taken to ensuring the views of survivors of childhood abuse are truly at the heart of the process.
“We look forward to a successful conclusion that leads to clarity on the terms of such a fund in the future. Anyone who has been subjected to abuse has a human right to access justice and to an effective and fair remedy. Everyone has the right to live and be treated with dignity.”
The consultation questionnaire will be circulated widely to survivor and victim groups, and can also be accessed online.
