Les Chênes Compensation Scheme Opens

Monday, 1 July 2019 12:31

A new compensation scheme has opened for former Chênes residents abused at the secure unit.

It is also for anyone who suffered abuse in care or foster care between 1945 and 2005.

This is the second Redress scheme by Jersey's government.

The first was launched in 2012 for abuse survivors from 1945 to 1994.

It received 132 claims and paid out £2.3 million.

Since then, the Jersey Care Inquiry uncovered failings in foster care, and at Les Chênes - concluding children there were sometimes subjected to 'excessive use of force'.

Children's Minister Senator Sam Mezec has been given responsibility for the scheme.

"This new redress scheme recognises that, over a period of many years, the government did not act as it should have to protect children from harm and abuse in foster care and in Les Chênes secure residential unit, as well as residential care. We are sorry that we failed those children and their families."

Funding has been allocated from government contingencies.

Applications can be made for the next 12 months.

Application forms are available:
• online (www.gov.je/redress)
• by email: enquiries@redress.je
• by phone: 01534 441014
• by post: Redress Team, Morier House, Morier House, Halkett Place, St Helier

Or from:
• Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau, St Paul’s Centre, New Street

• Customer and Local Services, Philip Le Feuvre House, La Motte Street

• States Assembly Information Centre, Morier House, Halkett Place

• Jersey Library, Halkett Place.

All application forms must be submitted to the Redress Team at Morier House, Halkett Place, St Helier Jersey JE1 1DD by 30 June 2020 at the latest. After that date the scheme will be closed to new applications.

If you have been affected by abuse in residential or foster care and would like to speak to someone, you can contact Victim Support Jersey on tel: 01534 440496. Or, if you want to talk to someone out of hours, call Jersey Samaritans on Freephone: 116123