Eastwood Park Detention Centre: Compensation Scheme for Survivors of Abuse

We are very pleased to report that The Ministry of Justice have today (14th January 2025) confirmed the launch of the Eastwood Park Detention Centre Compensation Scheme.

The settlement scheme will apply to all claims notified to the Ministry of Justice by no later than one year from the start of the scheme i.e. by the 14th January 2026.

The scheme will pay compensation to former detainees who were physically abused/assaulted whilst at Eastwood Park.

To be eligible for the scheme it is just necessary to provide proof of your detention at Eastwood Park.

The categories of compensation are:

1. A Category for those who served 3 months or less;
2. A Category for those who served over 3 months;
3. A category for individuals who have sustained a lasting physical or psychological injury as a direct result of their treatment at Eastwood Park.

Awards of compensation will range between £3000 and £9500. The Ministry of Justice will provide an apology as part of their settlement offer.

Category 1: The Claimant was detained at Eastwood Park for 3 months or less and alleges abuse by a former staff member :- £3000

Category 2: The Claimant was detained at Eastwood Park for more than 3 months and alleges abuse by a former staff member :- £4,000

Category 3: The Claimant was detained at Eastwood Park, alleges abuse by a former staff member and has provided medical evidence to show that they sustained lasting physical or psychological injury as a direct result of their treatment at Eastwood Park: £7500 to £9500

The Ministry of Justice have also confirmed that they will consider allegations of sexual abuse under the scheme, as well as claims pursued through civil litigation.

The Ministry of Justice have established a dedicated team to deal with these claims quickly.

Claimants will receive 100% of their award and will not have to pay any legal costs for the work undertaken on their behalf.

Having spoken with hundreds of survivors of historic abuse, we know that the long-term effect and impact that these experiences have had on many former detainees is immense. Whilst we appreciate compensation will not erase the lasting physical and psychological impact on our clients, we also know that receiving justice and the acknowledgment of what happened is a significant factor in helping our clients to move forward. That is why at Jordans we are committed to assisting individuals to seek compensation, achieve justice and hopefully a form of closure.