We’d like to share important information with you regarding the National Redress Scheme, an initiative that offers support and acknowledgment to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse throughout Australia. As representatives of the Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Service (LCMS), we introduce ourselves as a Redress Support Service and highlight the collaborative approach we take in assisting survivors.
Understanding the National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme was established to address the harm and trauma experienced by survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. It provides survivors with access to counselling and psychological services, a direct personal response from the institution involved, and a monetary payment of up to $150 000 as redress. Through this scheme, survivors are offered recognition, support, and an opportunity for healing and recovery.
Supporting Survivors as Financial Counsellors
As financial counsellors, you are at the forefront of supporting individuals and communities facing a variety of challenges, including coping with historical abuse and trauma. Many of you may already be familiar with the National Redress Scheme, either through direct experience or contact with KnowMore, the national legal service supporting survivors. Your knowledge and expertise in navigating the scheme are invaluable in helping survivors access the support and redress they deserve. Successful applicants often need the support of Financial Counsellors as they may be in receipt of a large lump sum of money.
Introducing Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Service as a Redress Support Service
At LCMS, we are a Redress Support Service, and provide trauma-informed support and assistance to survivors navigating the National Redress Scheme. We are well-equipped to help survivors understand their options, investigate alternatives access counselling services, prepare and submit applications, and offer ongoing support throughout the process.
We are located in Central Victoria, and accept clients from any background who live in on near the Loddon Campaspe Region.
We consider clients who live outside of our geographic area where those clients are happy to work with us remotely – by telephone, mail, Zoom video call etc.
As a multicultural service, we also accept client from across Victoria who identify as multicultural or who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. We have a number of bi-cultural support workers who can assist to navigate cultural sensitivities.
We strongly believe in a collaborative approach to support survivors, and we value the partnership with financial counsellors. We understand the unique challenges survivors face, and we are committed to providing culturally sensitive assistance. By working together, we can ensure that survivors receive comprehensive, trauma-informed support tailored to their specific cultural needs.
Collaboration with Other Redress Support Services
While LCMS strives to support survivors in the most inclusive and culturally sensitive manner possible, we understand that there may be instances where our services may not be suitable for certain clients. In such cases, we encourage financial counsellors to guide their clients to other Redress Support Services available through the National Redress Scheme.
A list of services is available here: https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/support/explore/vic-redress-support-services
Take Action
As financial counsellors, we encourage you to leverage our service for the benefit of your clients. By collaborating with us, you can enhance the support you provide to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Together, we can make a significant impact on their journey toward healing and recovery. In cases where our services may not be suitable, please remember to refer clients to other Redress Support Services.
To learn more about the National Redress Scheme or connect with LCMS, please visit our website at https://lcms.org.au/community-programs/national-redress-scheme-support-services/ or contact us at 03 5441 6644. We are here to assist you and survivors every step of the way.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and communities facing adversity. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for all.