Accessing the National Redress Scheme
ADACAS provides free and confidential assistance for eligible people living in the ACT or on the South Coast to submit an application to the National Redress Scheme.
Whether you are just interested to learn more about the scheme or would like the support of a professional to assist you to be in your application, the ADACAS team is here to listen and help. We understand that this can be a stressful process and so we will work with you in a way that will best support you.
If you experienced institutional abuse or child sexual abuse, you may be entitled to: financial payment, support and counselling, free legal advice or a direct personal response.
We help people in the ACT and NSW South Coast to apply for an acknowledgement, apology, payment and free legal and financial advice through the Scheme, and gain access to counselling.
To keep you safe and in control, we use trauma informed practices to help you with your application. We will discuss your options with you and help you to write a personal statement that details the abuse, and how this has impacted your life.
The National Redress Scheme is a response to the abuse experienced by children in orphanages, childrens homes, schools, churches and other religious organisations, sports clubs, disability service organisations, social services and other organisations.
The National Redress Scheme offers support to people who have been affected by institutional abuse. It allows these people to gain access to counselling, a direct personal response, and a redress payment. Although we understand money can never make up for the harm that’s been caused, support services and redress payments can help survivor victims move forward.
We are proud to work with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people to seek justice for abuse they may have suffered at the hands of institutions.
Our team can help you gain access to free support services, assist with issues impacting payments, and connect you with the appropriate organisations should you choose to tell your story.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also included within the Redress scheme, through the National Indigenous Australians Agency. This means redress can be accessed wherever there was abuse at institutions that were run by the Commonwealth.
Some people may also be eligible for the Territories and Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, with applications open until February 2026.
This scheme recognises the trauma and harm caused to Stolen Generations survivors who were removed from their families or communities in the Northern Territory or the ACT before self – government, or in the Jervis Bay Territory.
It’s important to note, payments from this scheme will not impact payments from the National Redress Scheme, as the schemes are for two different purposes.
Please note, payments made under this scheme will not impact payments from the National Redress Scheme as the schemes are for two different purposes.
Need help from ADACAS to take the next step? Were ready to help. Start the process using our referral form.
We are your advocates.
ADACAS is a not for profit, independent human rights organisation that provides free support to complete your Redress Application. ADACAS also provides individual advocacy for people with disability and/or mental ill-health living in Canberra and regions across NSW. We ensure your voice is being heard on matters that are important to you and we can be your contact with the Redress Scheme.
ADACAS is an inclusive organisation that welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those where English is not their first language and people from the LGBTIQA+ community.
