Your restoration journey

We are a team of people who understand that it takes significant courage for survivors of abuse to come forward and share their experiences.

Our team guides each person through the process of seeking redress through The Salvation Army Personal Injuries Complaints Committee. We operate with sensitivity to survivor’s individual needs, in order to help them move forward in their own personal journey of healing and peace.

A guide to the process

The following is a guide to the process you can expect.

1. Provide basic details

After you contact the Centre for Restoration, we will send you a client information form to complete or you can download these forms here.

• Download client information pack (pdf)

This will provide us with your basic details. We will also ask you for copies of 2 identifying documents.

A qualified case manager can assist you if necessary and answer any of your questions.

2. Share your story

We need to understand your experience of abuse, and so it is important that you provide us with an 'impact statement'. This is your opportunity to tell us what happened and express the impact it has had on your life. We recognise this may be difficult, and so we will help you to share your experience in a way that is most comfortable for you.

Refer to our impact statement guidelines in the client information pack (pdf)

3. Receive a care plan

Once we have received your client information form and impact statement, we will work with you to develop a personalised care plan. This can include:

• Funding for counselling or psychological support
• A personal apology from a leader of The Salvation Army (this can be face-to-face)
• Assisting you with reporting the matter to the police
• Assisting you with seeking legal advice

4. Claim considered

Your case will be taken to the Personal Injuries Complaints Committee, which meets once a month. Salvation Army officers and other qualified personnel, including an independent clinical psychologist, will consider your case carefully and compassionately. You are not required to meet with the committee.

5. Offer of redress

Once the Committee has discussed your case, the outcome will be communicated to you on the same or next working day by your case manager. An offer of financial redress may be made. If you accept this offer, we will send you the necessary paperwork to complete, including a 'Deed of Release', which is a legal document. We will pay for you to seek independent legal advice before signing the Deed of Release.

6. Ongoing support

Your case manager will continue to work with you to achieve any remaining care plan goals.

Following this process, you may or may not wish to engage with The Salvation Army on an ongoing basis. We will be guided by your wishes. If you want to have ongoing support after your claim is finalised, we will connect you to a local program for that support. We will also provide funding for up to two years of counselling and psychological support with a qualified, registered provider of your choice.