Lambeth Council has announced a Redress Scheme which will cover Shirley Oaks Children’s Home and Primary School. Many children were abused at Shirley Oaks over decades and the Council has accepted liability for the abuse.

Claims can be made even if there was no abuse (as a ‘harm’s way’ payment) if attendance can be proved.

The Scheme is now open to applications which can be made up until the closing date of 1st January 2020.

The Scheme is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK and I can confirm that this does appear to be the case.

A similar scheme was set up in the Republic of Ireland called the RIRB (Residential Institutions Redress Board) which closed some years ago. There was also willingness for the Board to accept the applicant’s account so the adversarial nature of making a civil claim was absent.

Making a claim can be very stressful and take many years so anything that can avoid this is to be welcomed.

Speaking to a solicitor regarding abuse can be very difficult. However, the department at Farleys have many years’ experience of dealing with child abuse claims. If you, or someone you know, was at Shirley Oaks Children’s Home or Primary School and wishes to make a claim under the scheme we will speak to you in the strictest of confidence  on 0330 134 6430 or email me.