This website is for survivors of abuse and neglect in State care who are seeking redress from a relevant government agency. Here you can find out about the government’s work to improve the redress system.
You can use this website to:
- learn about State redress
- find out how to make a claim
- understand what happens after you make a claim
- access support and guidance
- learn about improvements to the State redress system
What is State redress?
The purpose of the State redress process is to recognise a person’s experience of abuse in State care and offer an alternative to litigation for redress in abuse in care.
Redress includes one or more of the following:
- a personalised apology
- financial payment
- counselling or other wellbeing support
- assistance with accessing care records
The type of redress available will depend on your individual circumstances and the outcome of the assessment process.
About the State redress system
The State redress system includes government agencies that respond to people seeking redress for abuse or neglect experienced while in State care.
These agencies include:
- Ministry of Social Development
- Oranga Tamariki
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Health
- Health New Zealand
- Te Puni Kōkiri
- Department of Corrections
Each agency is responsible for responding to claims that relate to its area of responsibility.
About the State redress service
The State redress service is a central service that provides information about State redress, helps people make a claim, and connects them with the appropriate government agency or agencies.
The service can:
- answer questions about State redress
- help people start a new claim
- provide information about what happens after a claim is registered
- help connect people with the appropriate agency or agencies
- provide updates on existing claims, where available
- help people access information about care records and wellbeing support
The State redress service is designed to make it easier to access information, understand the process, and know what happens next.
Improvements to State redress
Improvements have been introduced to make State redress easier to access, easier to understand, and more consistent across agencies.
This includes:
- the State redress service
- common policies and processes
- a more coordinated approach across government agencies
To learn more about these changes, visit the About Redress Improvements page
Where would you like to start?
If you would like information about applying for redress, understanding the process, or accessing support, visit:
- Applying for redress - find out who may be eligible, how to make a claim, and what information may be helpful when you contact us.
- What happens when you make a claim - learn what happens after you contact the State redress service and what you can expect during the process.
- Support and guidance - find support services, answers to commonly questions, forms, care records information, privacy information, and guidance.
- Wellbeing and support services - find wellbeing, cultural, peer, and practical support services that may help you before, during, or after the redress process.