Scotland's Redress Scheme: combined annual report 2023

6.15 Sisters of Nazareth

Making redress payments for survivors of historical child abuse in Scotland’s Nazareth House Children’s Homes is an important part of dealing with the past. The Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth recognises that financial redress is only one aspect of acknowledging the harm that past child abuse has caused to survivors. Nothing can ever compensate for any suffering endured whilst in the care of the Sisters of Nazareth.

In recent years there has been much discussion and effort to engage with survivors to understand and address the harm caused by historical child abuse. The Sisters of Nazareth welcomed all children who were referred to us and in many cases we made a positive contribution to their lives but we recognise that we did not get it right in all cases. Survivors of historical abuse have the option of seeking justice through the criminal and civil courts. The financial redress scheme provides an alternative to the current criminal and civil court process because it is sensitive to the needs of survivors.

Advice and Assistance on accessing historical records

Access to records and to information about past circumstances and identity can be challenging. The limited information that is available by the way in which records were kept and statistics recorded in the past presents significant challenges for our archivists. Care records are a vital link with an individual’s identity and childhood. Access to information is required for applicants in support of their applications for redress. They are also needed by Redress Scotland in the administration of the scheme.

Last year the number of requests for individual in-care records totalled 83. There were 55 requests for in-care record verifications. In addition, Scotland’s Redress Scheme sought and received verification of all relevant previous payments made to 81 applicants in relation to abuse they experienced as children. Our team of archivists have worked tirelessly to identify records, including when names and dates do not match.

Advice and assistance on tracing and reuniting families

We have verified 55 records and 81 pre-payments to Redress Scotland. We have also provided in-care records in 83 cases, which have come from multiple sources. We haven’t specifically provided advice and assistance on tracing and reuniting families. However, there have been cases where records have been requested but the individual has not resided in a Nazareth House, in which cases we have provided advice on where else they may make enquiries. These may be related to redress claimants or others who approach the Congregation looking for their care records or family connections.

Funding for emotional, psychological or practical support

There have not been any specific requests for funding for emotional, psychological or practical support during the last year relating to children cared for in Scotland. We have funded such requests in previous years and would consider similar requests in the future should they be received.

Apology Framework

The Sisters of Nazareth have engaged in the Apology Framework for Scotland’s Redress Scheme. Whenever an individual asked for a written apology we welcomed the opportunity to provide survivors with a sincere, unreserved and heartfelt apology. In each of the three requests for an individual apology, the survivor gave consent to share their personal statement, thus making the apology more personal and meaningful.

The Sisters warmly welcome former child residents, survivors and their families to visit a Nazareth House. Many lessons have been learnt as we engage with survivors and our prayer is that a healing process may commence and lead to reconciliation. Every day we remember in our prayers all survivors whose childhood memories were contrary to the love, care and nurturing they should have received.