Scotland's Redress Scheme: combined annual report 2025

4.25 The Sisters of Nazareth

In recent years there has been much discussion and effort to engage with survivors to understand and address the harm caused by historical child abuse. The Sisters of Nazareth welcomed all children who were referred to us and, in many cases, we made a positive contribution to their lives, but we recognise that we did not get in right in all cases. Survivors of historical abuse have the option of seeking justice through the criminal and civil courts. The financial redress scheme provides an alternative to the criminal and civil court process and is sensitive to the needs of survivors.

The Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth recognises that financial redress is only one aspect of acknowledging the harm that past child abuse has caused to survivors. Nothing can ever compensate for any suffering endured whilst in the care of the Sisters of Nazareth. Making redress payments for survivors of historical child abuse in Nazareth House Children’s Homes in Scotland is an important part of dealing with the past.

Advice and assistance on accessing historical records

All of us want to have knowledge of our background and family history, so we can understand that care records are a vital link for an individual who has been in care to understand their identity and childhood. Access to records and information can be challenging due to the records kept at the time and those that have survived; in the past the requirement to keep records was not the same as is required today. Our archivists work hard to maintain the records and to provide timely, accurate and complete access to records in support of an applicants’ claim for redress or to gain a better understanding of their care experiences, and to Redress Scotland the administration of the scheme. The archivists work tirelessly to identify the requested records, including when names and dates do not match.

During the year to December 2024, 31 requests for individual in-care records were verified or provided to support a redress application. In addition, Redress Scotland sought and received verification of previous payments made to 131 applicants to the scheme.

Advice and assistance on tracing and reuniting families

We haven’t specifically provided advice and assistance on tracing and reuniting families in addition to the provision of records and verifications above. However, there have been cases where records have been requested but the individual has not resided in a Nazareth House, in which case we have provided advice on where else they may make enquiries. These may be related to redress claimants or others who approach the Congregation looking for their care records or family connections.

Funding for emotional, psychological or practical support

There have not been any specific requests for funding for emotional, psychological or practical support during the last year relating to children who were cared for in our former children’s home in Scotland. Should we receive requests we would consider them and where appropriate provide funding as we do in other parts of the UK.

Apology Framework

The Sisters of Nazareth have engaged in the Apology Framework for Scotland’s Redress Scheme. Whenever an individual asked for a written apology, we welcomed the opportunity to provide them with a sincere, unreserved and heartfelt apology. In each of the four requests for an individual apology, the survivors gave consent to share their personal statement, thus making the apology more personal and meaningful.

The Sisters warmly welcome former children, survivors and their families to visit a Nazareth House. Many lessons have been learnt as we engage with survivors and our prayer is that a healing process may commence and lead to reconciliation. Every day we remember in our prayers all survivors whose childhood memories were contrary to the love, care and nurturing they should have received.

We do not intend to publish this report on the Sisters of Nazareth website.

Sr Brenda McCall,

Superior General