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HIA – Historical Institutional Abuse – Compensation Scheme

Posted on: 24 March 2020

Update 27.01.21

BREAKING NEWS: Mother and Baby Homes NI

Calls for a full inquiry into the operation of mother and baby homes in NI – Read our article here.

The issue of abuse and neglect was omitted from the HIA Redress Compensation Scheme for residents of mother and baby homes in NI.

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HIA Redress Compensation Scheme

The Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Act was formed in 2019 following the HIA Inquiry of 2017. This independent inquiry acknowledged the institutional abuse suffered by children throughout Northern Ireland between 1922 – 1995.

HIA Compensation Recommendations

Several recommendations emerged from the inquiry, including an abuse compensation scheme to be administered by the HIA Redress Board. An application for compensation may be made for a person who suffered abuse while a child and while resident in an institution between 1922 – 1995.

This particularly resonates with the communities of North Down and Ards, as well know institutions such as Millisle Borstal, Rathgael (Bangor) and Rubane in Kircubbin where all subject to abuse findings by the HIA inquiry.

HIA Inquiry – Abuse

Abuse is referenced as being sexual, physical, emotional, neglect or maltreatment. Or, in fact having witnessed this kind of abuse upon children within these institutions. Abuse can also be defined as been exposed to a harsh environment.

HIA Inquiry – Institution

Institution means an institution in Northern Ireland in which a body, society or organisation with responsibility for the care, health and welfare of children provided residential accommodation for children.

HIA Redress Compensation

For a successful application, the minimum compensation is £10,000, but not exceeding £80,000 depending on the severity of abuse.

The HIA Redress Scheme is due to be open for applications by the end of March 2020, with first payments to follow as soon after the Board Panel sits from the end of April 2020.

HIA Compensation for Deceased persons

Claims can also be submitted in the case for a deceased person, where the beneficiary can be a surviving spouse, civil or cohabiting partner, or surviving child. Contact us for further details.

HIA Redress Applications – Free Legal Service

Russell and Company Solicitors are positioned to make HIA redress compensation applications on behalf of our Clients. There is no cost implication to discuss or to make an application for compensation. To discuss this further, please contact us today.

FREE Legal Service, call now 02891814444

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