Recently, Switalskis Solicitors have been instructed by survivors of historical childhood abuse at Lambeth children’s homes who are currently serving a prison sentence.

Switalskis Solicitors are representing over 200 victims of childhood abuse under the Lambeth Children’s Home Redress Scheme. The scheme went live at the beginning of January 2018 and we have already secured a substantial amount of redress for our clients.

As a result of the hard work and campaigning by Shirley Oaks Survivors Association  (SOSA), Lambeth council accepted that historically, many children were psychologically, physically and/or sexually abused in their care. Towards the end of 2017, Lambeth council agreed to compensate survivors through a redress scheme .

All former residents of Lambeth children’s homes and Shirley Oaks Primary School will be eligible and the scheme includes a “Harm’s Way Payment” of up to £10,000. This payment aims to compensate former residents for the environment they were subjected to whilst in Lambeth children’s homes and does not depend upon whether or not a person was subjected to abuse whilst they were in the care of Lambeth. Children that were subjected to abuse in foster placements whilst under the care of Lambeth are also eligible under the scheme. If former residents were sexually, physically, racially and/or psychologically abused then such residents would also be entitled to further redress under the “Individual Redress Payment”.

The redress scheme is open until 2nd January 2020 – just less than 18 months away. Switalskis is therefore concerned that a number of survivors who are currently serving a prison sentence will be unaware of the redress scheme until it is too late. If you know someone who you believe would be entitled to redress under this scheme but is currently in prison, please pass them our details and we will be more than happy to assist.

If you were subjected to abuse whilst in the care of Lambeth and/or you would like some advice please email Amy Clowrey or phone 0800 138 4700.