The National Redress Scheme and Institutional Abuse at Stubbs Terrace
The National Redress Scheme has received over 70,000 applications. There are still survivors of institutional child sexual abuse who have not even heard about the National Redress Scheme.
Applications to apply to the scheme will close on 30 June 2027. The scheme will end sometime in 2028.
If you were a child who suffered sexual abuse whilst in an institutional setting such as a school, children’s home, juvenile detention facility, children’s hospital or sporting organisation for example, you may be eligible to receive a payment for the harm you suffered.
Organisations that have joined the scheme are listed on the scheme’s website. Some of those entities are Children’s hospitals.
One of those hospitals was Stubbs Terrace Hospital in Stubbs Terrace, Shenton Park. It was a government run facility that operated from the early 1970’s to around 1994 and was an inpatient unit for children in need of attention for their developmental, behavioural and psychological needs. Child residents were aged between 4 and 17 and the hospital targeted treatment of these children for temporary care needs under the mental health system.
Researcher, Delphine Jamet describes her lived experiences at Stubbs Terrace. It was an environment of harsh control and punishment. Some punishments could include being confined to your bedroom for a week, being excluded from activities and using isolation rooms. She noted the staffing team across day and night shifts included visiting doctors, welfare workers, nurses, admin staff, child care officers and support workers such as cooks and cleaners. Two staff members would work the nightshift.
Ms Jamet’s experiences paints a bleak picture of Stubbs Terrace under a mental health system that failed to treat and care for our most vulnerable children. She writes:
“there were things that happened, violence, distress, neglect, that were never written down and never followed up” – Delphine Jamet
If you’ve been injured and want to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, reach out to the Injury & Compensation (ACT/NSW/WA) Team at Chamberlains Law Firm. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way.
We value our clients and their lived experiences. Contact us today. We listen. We’re with you.
If you may be eligible under the National Redress Scheme, contact Injury & Abuse Compensation Director Jon May on 1300 676 823