Kirklevington Detention Centre Abuse Claims

Compensation for survivors of abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre

If you were detained at Kirklevington Detention Centre and experienced physical or sexual abuse, you may be entitled to compensation. Our dedicated abuse claims solicitors are here to support survivors and help them begin their journey toward justice.

Ongoing Investigation into Historical Abuse at Kirklevington

Since 2014, Cleveland Police have been conducting Operation Magnolia, an extensive investigation into historical abuse allegations at youth detention centres, including Kirklevington. Now in its eleventh year, the operation continues to uncover shocking evidence of systemic mistreatment.

Kirklevington Detention Centre, which operated from the 1960s to the 1990s, was designed to deliver a ‘short, sharp shock’ regime for young offenders aged 14 to 17. Over the years, it has become the focus of hundreds of claims involving serious allegations of physical and sexual abuse by staff.

To date, police have received reports from over 800 victims and interviewed 21 suspects, highlighting the widespread nature of the abuse.

How to claim compensation for abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre

At Oakwood Solicitors, we believe that a Kirklevington Detention Centre compensation scheme is likely to be launched in the near future. This expectation is based on the volume of victims, the seriousness of the allegations, and the evidence gathered through ongoing investigations.

We urge anyone who suffered abuse while detained at Kirklevington to come forward now. By registering early, you can ensure your experience is documented and be among the first to benefit when a formal redress scheme is announced.

Who is the claim against?

Any civil compensation claim for abuse at Kirklevington would be brought against the Ministry of Justice, as the Home Office was responsible for the facility during its years of operation.

Other options for compensation

In some cases, victims may also be eligible to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This government scheme offers financial support to victims of violent crimes, including abuse. However, specific criteria and time limits apply.

Our abuse solicitors can help you explore both routes civil claims and CICA applications – and provide clear, confidential advice with no pressure to proceed unless you are ready.

Do I qualify to claim for abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre?

Many survivors of abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre have voiced understandable concerns about whether they’re eligible to make a claim. The short answer is: yes, in most cases, you do qualify regardless of how much time has passed or your personal circumstances.

Below, we address some of the most common worries:

“I thought the claim would be against the individual staff member”
No. Claims are made against the Ministry of Justice, as the Home Office was responsible for operating the detention centre and overseeing its staff.
“The abuse happened a long time ago”
You can still make an historic child abuse claim. There is no strict time limit when it comes to seeking justice for the abuse you endured as a child.
“I’ve been in trouble with the law since, can I still claim?”
Yes. Your criminal record does not affect your right to justice. What happened to you as a child in the care of the state was wrong, and you are entitled to pursue compensation for that abuse.
“I was a young offender, does that matter?”
Absolutely not. Regardless of why you were at Kirklevington, you had a right to be safe. Being a young offender does not justify or excuse the abuse you may have suffered.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, our friendly, non-judgmental legal team is here to help. We provide free, confidential advice and support you without pressure or obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Kirklevington Detention Centre?

Kirklevington Detention Centre is now HMP Kirklevington, an open prison in Stockton-on-Tees for men resettling in the north-east of England.

Investigation into historic abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre continues, working tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

If you experienced abuse at Kirklevington Detention Centre but have not yet reported it, please contact Cleveland Police on 101.

What is an historic abuse claim?

If you are a survivor of abuse in the past, whether that be sexual abuse or physical assault, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the impact it had upon your health.

A claim can be made for the physical impact to your health but also, and often more importantly, it can also be made for any damage it may have caused to your mental health.

Compensation can be claimed for personal injury and also any financial losses you may have suffered as a result of your ill health.

What action should I take in the event of abuse?

If you or someone you know has been subjected to abuse, it is crucial to report it to the police immediately. Abuse is a criminal act that requires thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities.

Reporting can help prevent further harm and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

Will I have to face my abuser?

It is very unlikely that you will have to face your abuser, either in court or at any point in the claim.

Most claims are brought against the institution or organisation rather than the perpetrator.

The organisation’s insurers or solicitors will handle the claim. It is unusual for the person who abused you to have to give evidence in a civil case.

What is the CICA?

The CICA is a government-funded authority that aims to compensate blameless victims of an assault or other violent crimes. It was originally formed in 1996 with the sole purpose of providing compensation to blameless victims of violent crime.

The value of compensation that it offers for a single injury can vary from £1,000 up to £250,000, with a maximum total payment of £500,000 being available for a CICA claim.

A physical assault is the most generic form of claim that is submitted to the CICA. They can often involve unprovoked attacks, sometimes with the suspect using a weapon to inflict the injuries.

How long will the CICA take to complete a sexual abuse/assault claim?

The CICA advises that, from the date that it receives an application, it aims to take around twelve-eighteen months to make its initial decision on a claim.

This timescale can vary depending on the circumstances of the assault, the severity of injuries, and the complexity of the overall claim.

There could be many reasons why your claim is taking a while. These could include, but are not limited to, the following reasons:

The police are not responding promptly to the CICA’s requests for information.
The CICA has an extensive workload and many claims to address.
You have delayed in providing any requested evidence to the CICA.
Medical professionals have delayed in providing any requested evidence to the CICA.
You have reviewed or appealed a CICA decision (the average 12–18-month time scale no longer applies after a decision is challenged by an applicant)
You have impending criminal convictions.

Please note, due to the nature of how the CICA works, it can often appear that your claim is taking a while when in fact it is within the CICA’s usual timescales. It is important to keep in mind that CICA timescales are not equivalent to day-to-day timescales.

What if my abuse happened a while ago?

There are time limits for making a claim for compensation. Each case is considered on its own facts, so depending on circumstances, a claim may still be successful, despite being outside of the time limit.

It is, however, important that a claim is pursued as soon as possible to avoid any time limit complications.

Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to make my claim?

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your historical abuse claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny.

If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.

You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. If it is preferable to you, we can assign you one of our female advisors to conduct your claim.

Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.

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.