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Switalskis settling high value cases for survivors of Lambeth abuse

By David Greenwood

Published In: Switalskis News

Further to previous blogs about the Lambeth Children’s Home Redress Scheme, which went live in 2018, Switalskis are now settling a number of high value cases.

lambeth council

The scheme was set up after Lambeth council accepted that historically, many children were psychologically, physically and sexually abused whilst in their care. Due to strong evidence put to them by Shirley Oaks Survivors Association , who urged Lambeth to do right by survivors, Lambeth council agreed to compensate survivors through a redress scheme. The redress scheme is two-part for people who feared abuse/ were placed in a harmful environment or subjected to physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

All former residents of Lambeth children’s homes and Shirley Oaks Primary School prior to the closure in the 1980s will be eligible and the scheme includes a ‘Harm’s Way Payment’ of up to £10,000.

The ‘Harms Way Payment’ aims to compensate former residents for the environment they were exposed to whilst in Lambeth children’s homes or Shirley Oaks Primary School and this payment does not depend upon whether or not a person was subjected to abuse whilst they were in the care of Lambeth.

This scheme also makes provision for those who were abused by foster carers in circumstances whereby the person was removed from a Lambeth Children’s Home into a foster care placement.

Additionally, in circumstances where a victim has passed away, an application may be made by the Personal Representative on behalf of the estate of the deceased.

Switalskis Solicitors are representing a number of survivors of historical abuse suffered whilst in the care of Lambeth council. Applications to the redress scheme should not be delayed and we are able to advise you on making an application to the scheme and any alternative remedies.

Lambeth have agreed to pay the legal fees if a survivor wishes to instruct a solicitor to assist them in making the application.

The scheme is limited to £125,000 but a number of claims have already exceeded this financial limit.

Testimonials from our clients

“The HWP for which you have already applied for will be a welcome sum and give me a more secure life, it will also act as compensation for past events. At my age life is short and I now need peace of mind to live the remainder of it. People like you and SOSA have enhanced my life with caring, honesty and kindness you have given me and for this I thank you.”

“A couple of years ago I learned of the redress scheme for children who’d been placed in care and were abused. I wasn’t sure how it would all come together as I live abroad, and I’m not able to return to England. Once it was verified I indeed had been in care, the SOSA (Shirley Oaks Survivors Association) team put me in touch with Amy Clowrey of Switalskis Solicitors.

Amy was a beacon as she did all the work necessary for me to receive my money. When papers needed signing or she required further information, phone calls and emails went back and forth. Her calm and patient demeanour gave me the hope and assurance needed to continue on till the end.

If you were in care, and are now living abroad, i.e.: USA, Canada, Australia, etc. I encourage you to get in touch with Amy Clowrey, and let her help you navigate all the hoops and hurdles necessary so you too can get what is owed you.

Thank you”

“Paul Durkin and those who have helped you to aid all those broken souls to get compensation for the neglect and harm Lambeth subjected us to all those painful years ago. Thank you for your swift help. Thank you for taking us on. With thanks and appreciation for being so kind and thoughtful.”

“I can’t thank Mr Rob Casey enough for his help. He has been very professional, tactful and honest when needed.”

If you were subjected to abuse whilst in the care of Lambeth and would like advice please contact us. Call 0800 138 4700 or email amy.clowrey@switalskis.com
 

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David has worked in the legal sector for 30 years. He is a Solicitor, Director and Head of Switalskis' Child Abuse Compensation department.

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