Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 214 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.496 Redress. Scottish Government has progressed a package of reparations for survivors of abuse in care in the context of the Action Plan on Justice for Victims of Historic Child Abuse (2014) and the SHRC Human Rights Framework for Justice and Remedies for Historic Child Abuse (2010). This includes a statutory financial redress scheme under the Redress for Survivors (Historical Child Abuse in Care) (Scotland) Act 2021, which received Royal Assent on 23 April 2021 and is due to be implemented in the course of 2021. In advance of the statutory scheme, the Advance Payments Scheme was established by the Scottish Government in reliance of common law powers on grounds of urgency in the public interest, to enable redress payments on a discretionary basis to those who experienced abuse in care in Scotland and have a terminal illness, or who are aged 68 or over. For further information and guidance on eligibility and how to apply for an Advance Payment, see https://www.gov.scot/publications/financial-redress-for-survivors-of-child- abuse-in-care-advance-payment-scheme/. The Advance Payment Scheme will remain open until the statutory redress scheme is operational. Further support and information People reporting historical abuse should be offered on-going emotional support. Local guidelines should set out referral routes to local services that specialise in childhood abuse and trauma and may be able to offer immediate helpline support, including: • Breathing Space • Samaritans Scotland National support initiatives • Future Pathways Scotland’s In care survivor support fund – Future Pathways is the Scottish Government-funded national support service for adult survivors of childhood abuse whilst in care • The Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support Fund (2020-2024) is a new fund which will commence in April 2024 which is aimed at Third Sector and community-based organisations who support adult survivors of childhood abuse Further information • The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry i n to the abuse of children in care (up to age 18) is on‑going, with investigations in to allegations of historical abuse of children in care, including children in foster care and residential schools. The Inquiry will report to Ministers upon recommended changes in policy, law and practice • Social Work Scotland co‑ordinate a national Historical Abuse Practice Network for staff involved in improving practice in relation to historical abuse

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