Quakers Have Joined the National Redress Scheme

                                                        To neglect, injure or exploit children is the greatest dereliction of our part, humanity’s place, in creation.

The National Redress Scheme (NRS) provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

It was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.

The National Redress Scheme can provide three things

• access to counselling
• a Redress payment
• 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 until 30 June 2028.

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) has joined the National Redress Scheme so that people can access redress. Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime. As a caring community, we are determined to ensure that there is an accessible, compassionate and confidential resolution process for people impacted by anyone associated with The Religious Society of Friends. We will respond with respect and, if requested, with a direct personal response.

Help is available from the NRS.  Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available for anyone applying for, or considering applying for, redress.

To make an application, you can either apply online at https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/applying/start-continue-application or through your MyGov account or by post to NRS Reply Paid 7750, Canberra BC, ACT 2610 Australia. You can get help on how to do this either on the website or by phone: 1800 737 377.Once the NRS has processed your application, you may apply for a direct personal response, if you wish to do so. This will be available on request even after the close of the Scheme in 2028.

To ask for a direct personal response, please email nrs@quakersaustralia.info, or phone 0423 308 550. Please let us know if you have a preference, e.g. if you would prefer a letter, a phone call, an email. If you have a problem or complaint, please email us or contact the NRS.

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