Redress Scotland: Compensation for Survivors of Historical Abuse in Care
Last updated: June 2026
If you experienced abuse as a child in care in Scotland, a government scheme called Redress Scotland may provide financial redress.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- ·Redress Scotland is a Scottish Government scheme providing payments of £10,000 to £100,000 to survivors of childhood abuse in care settings in Scotland before 2004.
- ·Eligible care settings include residential schools, children's homes, secure care, borstals, and foster care.
- ·Accepting a Redress Scotland payment requires waiving your right to a civil court claim against the Scottish Government or local authority — take legal advice before accepting any offer.
- ·CICA and civil court claims may also be available and can be considered alongside Redress Scotland.
- ·The scheme is separate from criminal proceedings — no police report or criminal conviction is required to apply.
Redress Scotland is a government-funded scheme established under the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021, following the findings of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. It came into operation in 2021 to acknowledge and provide financial redress to survivors of childhood abuse in care settings in Scotland, and is separate from the criminal justice system and civil court proceedings.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for Redress Scotland you generally need to have been a child resident in a relevant care setting in Scotland and to have experienced abuse while in that care setting. You can apply as a survivor, or as a close relative of a survivor who has died.
The care settings covered include residential schools, children's homes, residential care homes, secure care settings, borstals and young offenders institutions (in some circumstances), and foster care (in some circumstances). The abuse must have occurred before 1 December 2004.
What Payments Does the Scheme Offer?
Redress Scotland offers fixed payments ranging from £10,000 to £100,000. The amount offered depends on the type of abuse experienced, its frequency and duration, and the number of placements where abuse occurred. A higher payment band is available in the most serious cases.
In addition to the financial payment, the scheme can provide an acknowledgement of what happened and access to support services.
Redress Scotland vs a Civil Claim
| Redress Scotland | Civil claim | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Scottish Government | Organisation or individual responsible |
| Award amount | Fixed bands up to £100,000 | Individually assessed — no cap |
| Process | Application-based, less adversarial | Formal legal process |
| Time to resolution | Generally faster | Can take longer |
| Waiver required | Yes — waives right to civil claim against Scottish Government | No waiver |
If you accept a Redress Scotland payment, you waive your right to bring a civil court claim against the Scottish Government or relevant local authority for the same abuse. This is a significant decision and one where legal advice is strongly recommended before you accept any offer.
Other Compensation Routes
Redress Scotland is one of several routes that may be available to survivors of historical abuse in Scotland. You may also be able to pursue a civil compensation claim through the Scottish courts, or a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if the crime was reported to police.
Legal advice can help you weigh these options based on your own circumstances — whether to apply to Redress Scotland, pursue a civil claim, or explore both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply to Redress Scotland?
Redress Scotland is open to people who experienced abuse as a child while resident in a relevant care setting in Scotland before 1 December 2004. Eligible care settings include residential schools, children's homes, residential care homes, secure care settings, borstals and young offenders institutions, and foster care in some circumstances. Close relatives of a survivor who has died may also be able to apply on their behalf.
How much money does Redress Scotland pay?
Redress Scotland offers fixed payments ranging from £10,000 to £100,000. The amount offered depends on the type, frequency, and duration of the abuse experienced, and the number of care placements where abuse occurred. A higher payment band is available for the most serious cases. In addition to financial payment, the scheme can provide acknowledgement and access to support services.
Do I have to give up my right to go to court if I accept a Redress Scotland payment?
Yes. Accepting a Redress Scotland payment requires you to waive your right to bring a civil court claim against the Scottish Government or the relevant local authority for the same abuse. This is a significant and irreversible decision. Before accepting any offer from the scheme, it is strongly recommended to take independent legal advice to understand whether a civil claim might achieve a higher outcome.
Can I apply to Redress Scotland and also make a civil claim?
You can apply to Redress Scotland and simultaneously seek legal advice about a civil claim, but if you accept a Redress Scotland payment, you must waive your civil claim against the Scottish Government or local authority. A civil claim against an organisation other than the Scottish Government or local authority — such as a church or private school — may still be possible. A lawyer can advise on how these routes interact in your specific circumstances.
Is Redress Scotland the same as CICA?
No. Redress Scotland and CICA are entirely separate schemes. Redress Scotland is specifically for people who experienced abuse in care settings in Scotland before 2004, and is funded by the Scottish Government. CICA is a UK-wide government scheme covering victims of violent crime in Great Britain who have reported the crime to police. Both schemes may be relevant to some survivors, but they have different eligibility rules and application processes.
Legal Content Team
Abuse Compensation Specialists
This article was prepared by the Abuse Claim Lawyers content team and reviewed for legal accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in law and policy. It is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Get Advice on Redress Scotland and Your Other Options
A qualified lawyer will advise you on whether to apply to Redress Scotland, pursue a civil claim, or both. No obligation, complete confidentiality.
