First payments to be made to survivors of childhood abuse

The first payments to survivors of childhood abuse in care have been approved - within three weeks of the scheme opening.

Five applicants will receive the flat-rate payment of £10,000 under the Scottish Government’s Advance Payment Scheme, which provides acknowledgement for those who were abused in care in Scotland and who are terminally ill or aged 70 or over. 

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“I am pleased that five payments have already been approved under the Advance Payment Scheme in such a short space of time, with a further 36 applications currently being considered.

“While nothing can take away the pain that individuals have suffered, the payments are recognition of the harm done to children who were abused while in care in Scotland.

“We put in place a simple yet robust application process and are focused on helping survivors and their families throughout the process.”

The Scottish Government has now sent out more than 100 application packs to abuse survivors. Around 150 calls have been received in the first two weeks of a dedicated phone line set up to help abuse survivors apply to the scheme.

Details on the Advance Payment Scheme

The free telephone support line is operated by specially trained staff. The number to call is 0808 169 9740.

The Advance Payment Scheme comes ahead of planned legislation for a statutory redress scheme, which the Scottish Government intends will pass its final Parliamentary stages before March 2021.