Baptist Churches of South Australia, including all member churches, have joined the National Redress Scheme.

The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse and was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts. The National Redress Scheme can provide three things:

• access to counselling;
• a payment; and
• a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it.

The scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years. Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available throughout the process. They can help explain the Scheme and who can apply.

For any queries regarding the participation of Baptist Churches of South Australia in the National Redress Scheme, please email redress@sabaptist.asn.au or call 8357 1755.

For more information about the National Redress Scheme, visit nationalredress.gov.au or call the National Redress Scheme line on 1800 737 377.