The Victorian Government is offering Redress for Victorians who experienced physical, emotional or psychological abuse and/or neglect as children in institutions before 1990.
Redress recognises and acknowledges what happened, and the harm caused.
How to apply
To apply, applicants will have:
- lived as a child (before the age of 18) in a Victorian institution for at least 6 months (in total) before 1 January 1990
- experienced physical, psychological, or emotional abuse or neglect in the Victorian institution.
Redress includes:
- a payment of up to $20,000
- a personal acknowledgment or apology
- up to 20 counselling sessions.
Eligible people will be able to choose one or all these options.
If you have received a prior payment from certain schemes or institutions, the payment will be deducted from the $20,000. For more details, visit the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Redress web .
Support
If you need help to apply for Redress, you can ask someone you trust to help with the application form.
Support is available to applicants, at any stage of the process. There are free and confidential Redress support services available to help you.
Find out more, visit the DFFH Redress web .
Reviewed 03 October 2025