Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme

Compensation Scheme for survivors of abuse at Eastwood Park Detention Centre

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that there is to be a compensation scheme for former detainees who suffered physical abuse/assaults at Eastwood Park Detention Centre.

The Scheme has taken some time to be finalised and dedicated lawyers have been pushing for the scheme and in talks with the MOJ for some time now, so we are really pleased that the scheme has finally been confirmed.

What is Eastwood Park?

Eastwood Park, located in Falfield, South Gloucestershire opened in 1964. Originally accommodating 95 boys, it was extended in 1975 to accommodate 146. It became a Young Offenders Institution in 1989, and since 1995 has operated as a women’s prison.

Detention Centres were first introduced by the 1948 Criminal Justice Act and were intended to be a ‘short sharp shock’ for 14-20 year-olds who were serving sentences of up to three months.

It is clear that many of the staff working in Detention Centres took the intended regime too far and saw it as a green light to physically abuse young men.

A former Officer, Patrick Devaney, was found guilty of misconduct in a public office and repeatedly assaulting boys in his care when he worked there between 1970-1983.

How will the scheme work and who will be able to claim compensation?

There will be three categories of compensation under the scheme:

Those who spent up to three months at the Centre
Those who spent over three months at the Centre
Those who sustained a lasting physical or psychological injury as a direct result of their treatment at Eastwood Park, irrespective of how long they were at the Centre

How much compensation could I be awarded under the scheme?

Awards for compensation will range between £3,000-£9,500.

The Ministry of Justice has also confirmed that it will also provide an apology as part of any settlement.

Anyone awarded compensation under the scheme will receive 100% of their award, as the scheme will make provision for separate payment for your legal fees, so no fees will need to be deducted from your award.

What if I suffered sexual abuse at Eastwood Park, can I still claim?

It is anticipated that claims arising out of sexual abuse will also be considered under the scheme, but your solicitor will advise you regarding this as you may be able to pursue a claim for sexual abuse through the usual civil litigation process in any event.

What should I do if I want to pursue a claim under the scheme?

At Oakwood Solicitors, we have a dedicated team with over 20 years’ experience of acting for survivors of abuse. Our specialists have dealt with many similar scheme cases as well as civil claims.

We can do all the work for you and ensure that you recover the maximum award that you are eligible for under the Scheme.

If you want to enquire about your Eastwood Park claim or regarding entitlement to compensation, please contact our team on 0113 200 9720, or fill out the enquiry form at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

At Oakwood Solicitors, we have dedicated lawyers with over 20 years of experience, acting for survivors of sexual and physical abuse.

We understand how difficult it can be to bring a claim, and we are committed to dealing with your case in a sensitive way.

You will have a dedicated solicitor who will deal with your claim from start to finish, and who will be able to speak to you at times convenient to you – even if this is outside our normal office hours.

Welcomed and at ease

I was made to feel welcomed and at ease. Details taken swiftly and sympathetically. Then was given a positive response within a very short space of time.

- Satisfied Client

Quick and professional

Response was quick, and professional.

- Satisfied Client

Molly Frost - Abuse Claims Solicitor

Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her field. Molly has acted as lead Solicitor in several group litigation matters arising out of abuse in children’s homes, and has been involved in several high-profile cases.

0113 200 9720

enquiries@oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk

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