2000 abuse victims apply for cash
NEARLY 2000 people have applied for ex-gratia payments of up to $40,000 for their childhood abuse and neglect last century in Queensland government and church-run institutions.
But advocates yesterday warned many more might be unaware of the $100 million redress scheme, while others might lack the emotional or intellectual capacity to apply.
"Significant numbers, including people who are indigenous, who, due to their mental health, lack of education, the fact they've never disclosed their abuse before, will need support in getting their application organised – particularly those applying for the second level payment for serious abuse," said Karyn Walsh, spokeswoman for Lotus Place, which provides support services to the victims of institutional abuse.
"Our concern and our challenge is how we're going to reach the whole state," she said.
The State Government announced the $100 million scheme in June, finally implementing – at least in part – a key recommendation of the 1999 Forde inquiry into the abuse of children in Queensland institutions.
The type of institutions included orphanages, industrial schools, youth detention centres and reform schools.
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said there had been a broad advertising campaign, with another planned before the scheme's closing date.
Ms Nelson-Carr said people could get help with their applications from Lotus Place and from approved service providers in their regions.
She said that of 1936 applications so far received, 1257 were for both the level one $7000 payment and the level two extra $33,000 payment.
To date, 28 letters of offer had been sent out.
"Level one payments will be made progressively to eligible applicants, with priority being given to people 70 years and older or those who have a life-threatening illness," she said.
"Level two payments of up to $33,000 will be finalised after the June 30, 2008 closing date.
"The payments will be made from within the $100 million allocation for the scheme."
Ms Nelson-Carr said applications were being processed as fast as possible, though delays could occur if forms were not completed correctly or if there was insufficient supporting documentation provided.
Redress Scheme information line 1300 769 291.
But advocates yesterday warned many more might be unaware of the $100 million redress scheme, while others might lack the emotional or intellectual capacity to apply.
"Significant numbers, including people who are indigenous, who, due to their mental health, lack of education, the fact they've never disclosed their abuse before, will need support in getting their application organised – particularly those applying for the second level payment for serious abuse," said Karyn Walsh, spokeswoman for Lotus Place, which provides support services to the victims of institutional abuse.
"Our concern and our challenge is how we're going to reach the whole state," she said.
The State Government announced the $100 million scheme in June, finally implementing – at least in part – a key recommendation of the 1999 Forde inquiry into the abuse of children in Queensland institutions.
The type of institutions included orphanages, industrial schools, youth detention centres and reform schools.
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said there had been a broad advertising campaign, with another planned before the scheme's closing date.
Ms Nelson-Carr said people could get help with their applications from Lotus Place and from approved service providers in their regions.
She said that of 1936 applications so far received, 1257 were for both the level one $7000 payment and the level two extra $33,000 payment.
To date, 28 letters of offer had been sent out.
"Level one payments will be made progressively to eligible applicants, with priority being given to people 70 years and older or those who have a life-threatening illness," she said.
"Level two payments of up to $33,000 will be finalised after the June 30, 2008 closing date.
"The payments will be made from within the $100 million allocation for the scheme."
Ms Nelson-Carr said applications were being processed as fast as possible, though delays could occur if forms were not completed correctly or if there was insufficient supporting documentation provided.
Redress Scheme information line 1300 769 291.
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