Scheme to open 'any day' for Eastwood Park compensation claims

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Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme is due to open ‘any day’ to victims who suffered abuse whilst attending the Eastwood Park Detention Centre.

Located in Falfield, South Gloucestershire, Eastwood Park opened in 1964 to accommodate 95 boys.

Scheme to open

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.

However, it has since become 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 the young men.

Now, former Eastwood Park attendees may be entitled to claim compensation for the abuse they suffered at the hands of staff who were supposed to be looking after them.

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd 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.

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.

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?

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.

Eastwood Park Compensation Scheme to open ‘any day’