Ministers’ compo vow on child abuse
The Scottish Government has vowed to sue institutions and strip them of legal protection if they don’t pay compensation to abused children.
New guidelines show Scottish ministers are prepared to go to court to force organisations to cough up under a redress scheme.
Groups have also been warned to pay an “up-front contribution” so they can’t pull out of any deal.
It comes amid concerns some charities were dragging their heels over signing up to an agreement to pay victims who suffered under their care.
The redress scheme – due to begin next year – has also been criticised for making victims sign a waiver that prevents them from suing institutions at a later date.
Organisations named in the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, chaired by Lady Anne Smith, have been told they will be protected from future court actions if they contribute to a compensation fund now. But new documents show the Government is ready to remove that protection if they don’t pay up.
Helen Holland, of survivors g r oup I n Ca r e Abu s e Survivors, said: “It’s good to see the Scottish Government taking a strong line on this. In Scotland, many religious organisations and other institutions identified as being where abuse took place by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry are still active charities.
“These rules make it clear to them that they will be taken to court if they refuse to pay up.”
The Scottish Government said: “There is a strong moral responsibility to do the right thing, which is why we are committed to the provision of financial redress.”