An extension has been granted for new applicants to the Eastwood Park Detention Centre Compensation Scheme.
In a surprise piece of news, the Ministry of Justice has announced that it is extending the deadline for Eastwood Park Detention Centre Claims until the 14th of July 2027.
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd welcomes the deadline extension
After much online interest and a large volume of enquiries, the Medical Negligence team at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd is glad to learn that claimants who missed the initial cutoff earlier in 2026 now have a second and final chance to put their case forward.
We can assist you with your claim and help you seek justice for the abuse you suffered. We have a team of solicitors who have many years of experience in claiming against institutions such as Eastwood Park, and will ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us today for a free consultation and to find out how we can assist you.
Extended Compensation Scheme for survivors of abuse at Eastwood Park Detention Centre
The Ministry of Justice Compensation Scheme opened for former detainees who suffered physical abuse/assaults at Eastwood Park Detention Centre. Due to the sheer volume of enquiries, this additional period of time will allow many more survivors to finally get some form of justice.
The Scheme initially took some time to be finalised, and dedicated lawyers had been pushing for the scheme and in talks with the MOJ for some time, so we are really pleased that the Scheme has been allowed more time to accept claims.
Molly Frost, Abuse Claims Solicitor at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd said:
“There were hundreds of young people that would have attended Eastwood Park and we are concerned that there are people out there who do not know about the Scheme or that they may be entitled to compensation. We would urge anyone who attended Eastwood Park to contact us.”
What is Eastwood Park Detention Centre?
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 does the scheme work and who will be able to claim compensation?
There are 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
When does the new deadline expire?
The new deadline for claims to be submitted is the 14th of July, 2027.
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 righthand corner of this page.
Further reading
Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
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 fie…
Historic abuse claims FAQ
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or physical assault in the past, it is possible that you might be eligible to seek compensation for the negative impact it has had upon your health.
&nb…
View
Historic sexual abuse claims
If you have been a victim of historical sexual abuse, you may have suffered physically and psychologically for many years. But even if decades have passed since the abuse took place, it is never t…
View
