Redress Support Services

The WASH House is a National Redress Scheme Support Service.

We can provide support to women applying, or considering applying for the National Redress Scheme.

What is the National Redress Scheme?

The National Redress Scheme was a response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual abuse, to acknowledge the harm done to people who experienced this abuse.

Through the national Redress Scheme, eligible survivors can access:

· A Redress Payment

· An apology from the responsible Institution(s)

· Access to free counselling

Who is Eligible?

You can apply if you:

· Have experienced Institutional child sexual abuse under the age of 18

· An Institution was responsible for bringing you into contact with the person that harmed you,

· If the responsible Institution has joined the scheme

· The abuse occurred before the 1 July 2018, when the scheme started

· You turn 18 before 30 June 2028

· The responsible institution was within Australia

· You are currently an Australian Citizen or Permanent resident

What is an Institution?

Institutions can include:

Welfare services, hospitals, detention centres, training facilities, sporting clubs, churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, youth groups, missions, orphanages, group homes, schools, foster care, children’s homes, clubs,

Advocacy & Support

What support can The WASH House provide?

Case management and advocacy

· Provide more information about the Scheme

· Guide you through the application process

· Link you in with free legal advice, and Free financial counselling

· Provide referrals to other relevant services

· Become a nominee and liaise with the NRS on your behalf

· Support you through the apology process from the responsible institution

· Free counselling

Redress Case Management (How We Can Support You)

Understanding Your Options
We help you explore your options, including applying to the National Redress Scheme, seeking a direct personal response (apology), or exploring other legal pathways.
Personalised Support
Every person’s journey is different. We take the time to understand your needs and provide support that’s right for you.
Application Assistance
We can support you with completing the redress application, gathering documentation, and navigating the process at your pace.
Emotional Support
The redress process can bring up difficult memories. Our team offers caring, non-judgmental emotional support and can connect you with specialist trauma counsellors.
Legal and Financial Referrals
We can connect you with free legal services for advice and with financial counselling if you receive a redress payment.
Advocacy and Liaison
We act as your advocate, working with other services or institutions to ensure you are treated with dignity and respect.
Support After Redress
After a decision is made, we continue to support you with your next steps, whether that’s managing payments, coping with emotions, or moving forward in your healing.

All services are free and confidential.

Counselling

· Support is offered in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential setting with a trauma-informed therapist.

· Counselling is a personal journey; you will not be pressured to retell your story or discuss anything you are uncomfortable with. You decide how much or how little to share.

· Counselling can help you navigate difficult or overwhelming emotions, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks, and to manage stress more effectively.

· Counselling can provide strategies to rebuild trust and a sense of safety, enhance self-acceptance and self-esteem, and develop effective coping skills.

· Information is provided on the impacts of trauma and ways to improve quality of life after childhood trauma.