The Anglican Diocese of Grafton - which takes in the Nambucca Valley - has received formal notification from the Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, that the diocese has been accepted as a participating institution in the National Redress Scheme.
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The Anglican Diocese of Grafton welcomes the announcement which means that those who are victims of sexual abuse in church institutions as a child have an independent body through which to make their claim and ensure that their story is heard.
"This is good news for those seeking redress" Chris Nelson, registrar of the diocese said.
"Although we will still welcome claims directly to the diocese through our Pastoral Care and Assistance Scheme, victims of abuse now have an independent body that they can approach."
"The Diocese realises that the National Redress Scheme will pose new financial challenges but we are committed to meeting that challenge as part of our commitment to justice for victims and safety for all in our care."
Diocesan involvement in the scheme relates to a historical association with the now defunct North Coast Children's Home, Lismore
- Diocesan spokesperson
Background:
The scheme, established by the Federal Government, provides redress to people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
The offer of redress may include: access to counselling, redress payment and a direct personal response.
Diocesan involvement in the scheme relates to a historical association with the North Coast Children's Home, Lismore, a defunct organisation of the diocese.
"The diocese has been handling claims against the home for more than 15 years," a diocesan spokesperson said.
"Most of the claimants from the former Home have been participants of the diocese's Pastoral Care and Assistance Scheme which remains open for further claimants.
"During those 15 years the Diocese has paid out more than $2 million dollars to claimants.
"Case Study 3 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was critical of the way the Diocese has handled those claims. In response the Diocese has adopted all of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission in that case study.
"The Diocese of Grafton has been accepted as a participant in the National Redress Scheme and claimants will have the opportunity to make claims for abuse in the North Coast Children's Home through either scheme.
"The National Redress Scheme has been advised that Anglican Diocese of Grafton will be the institution responsible for claims against the North Coast Children's Home.
"While we expect most claims to be lodged via the National Redress Scheme, as recommended by the Royal Commission, claims may also be made to the Diocesan Director of Professional Standards.
"The director ensures that all claims are handled sensitively and confidentially."
A contact telephone number for the director is available from the diocese on 6642-4122.
