‘Hope’ in bid for abuse compensation scheme

‘Hope’ in bid for abuse compensation scheme

Earlier this year, UK-based lawyer Alan Collins threatened legal action against the States unless it rolled out a compensation scheme to former residents of Les Chênes, which opened in the 1970s and closed in 2003.

Dozens of Islanders claim they were subject to abuse, including being kept in solitary confinement for long periods during the 1990s and early 2000s. However, unlike those who suffered abuse while in long-term care, they have not been able to apply to the States for compensation.

Ministers are due to meet next month to discuss details of a historical abuse redress scheme – code-named HARS 2 – for former Les Chênes residents, with a States source confirming there is enough ministerial support for the scheme to go ahead.

The move follows a meeting between Mr Collins and lawyers representing the States. Mr Collins said: ‘We met and we hope that things move on in a positive direction. The position is we’re pleased that we’ve met and we hope things will now move forward speedily and to a just solution.’

In a statement to the JEP, the States said: ‘Officials met Alan Collins last week. It was a constructive meeting which focused on matters relating to a potential new redress scheme, and another meeting has been scheduled.’

In December the Council of Ministers will be asked to consider whether a new scheme should be established to provide redress beyond the existing Historical Abuse Redress Scheme (HARS) criteria. Provisionally known as HARS 2, the new scheme would provide awards that fairly reflect the severity of the harm or abuse suffered, it is understood.

The previous redress scheme for victims of historical abuse was announced in 2012 but was only eligible for those who had suffered abuse in States of Jersey full-time residential care between 1945 and 1994. A total of 132 people applied for compensation.

A second meeting between Mr Collins and the States’ legal representative is due to take place before the end of this month.

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