Reflecting on the past, improving redress for survivors
This pānui shares the latest progress on the government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
In this issue, read about the significance of the National Day of Reflection and the new single claim option for survivors.
12 November is the National Day of Reflection
The National Day of Reflection is an opportunity to remember and acknowledge the survivors of abuse, harm and neglect in care.
It is a day to honour all survivors, remember those who have passed away, and reflect on the lasting impact of harm in care. It is also a time to listen and learn from survivors’ experiences and ensure they are never forgotten.
Read about the work that has already been undertaken across the Crown to address the wrongs of the past and improve the care system, and areas where further work is still needed, in the latest Crown Response to the Abuse in Care Royal Inquiry Annual Report here:
www.abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz/about-us/publications(external link)
On this day, it is important to remember the past, reflect on what it has taught us, and renew our commitment to building a safer future together.
Read the message from the Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions here:
www.beehive.govt.nz/release/national-day-reflection-remembering-survivors-abuse-care(external link)
New single claim option for survivors
Survivors with claims involving more than one State redress agency can now choose to have them managed as a single claim.
This means a survivor can avoid having to navigate multiple redress claims processes.
The single claim option is part of the Government’s work on improving access to redress services. It supports the recently introduced State redress service, a central service for people seeking information about State redress, making a new claim or finding out what happens next.
The State redress service receives all new claims and, in cases where more than one agency is involved, identifies a lead agency that will be the survivor’s main point of contact.
With the single claim option, survivors only need to share their care experience once. The agencies involved will work together to process the claim, and survivors will receive one letter outlining the outcome of each agency’s assessment.
Survivors should contact the State redress service if they would like to use the single claim option.
Read the policy on the single claim option here:
Read more about the State redress service, including how to make a claim, here: