Foster Care Abuse

Abuse leaves an indelible mark on victim-survivors. It’s particularly challenging for people who experienced abuse in their formative years and at the hands of people entrusted with their care. If you were a victim of child abuse while in foster care, you have rights and with the right team of dedicated legal professionals, you have the chance at receiving justice.

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We can help you with:

At AJB Stevens, we’re a dynamic law firm that puts your needs first. We pride ourselves on our personalised and professional service and our compassionate team will develop the best strategy to get you the best results.

National Redress Scheme

We specialise in claiming compensation through the National Redress Scheme

Child Abuse

Know where you stand when it comes to child sexual abuse

Civil litigation and Child Abuse

We can advise you on legal action where the National Redress Scheme does not apply, or is not the best option for you

Can AJB Stevens help me?

You are an Australian citizen (or permanent resident)
You were born before the 30th of June, 2010
The abuse occurred before the 1st of July, 2018
You are 18 years old (or will be before the 30th of June, 2028)

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the NRS, AJB Stevens can help you on your path to justice.

Foster Care Abuse Claims

Foster care is supposed to provide children with a safe space to call home. Unfortunately, many children in the system experienced abuse at the hands of the people trusted with their care. Child abuse includes neglect, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

If you were the victim of abuse in foster care, you have options available to you. The National Redress Scheme is one avenue and seeks to hold the responsible party (or parties) accountable for their part in the abuse you suffered. While it includes financial compensation, you may also be entitled to an apology directly from the institution responsible for the abuse you suffered.

In the case of foster care abuse-survivors, an NRS claim is lodged against the institution. You won’t have to confront the person who harmed you and the claims process won’t end up in court.

At AJB Stevens, we will work with you to establish the facts of your care and identify the responsible parties. We’ll work with you to gather the necessary evidence, document the impact it had on your life, and if necessary, we’ll get expert testimony to support your claim.

If it does go to court, we’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

The National Redress Scheme is not your only option. You can also take the civil litigation path and the procedure is similar to the NRS process described above. When we sit down and discuss your case, we’ll weigh up your options and advise you on your best route to success. Civil claims are more challenging than NRS claims. If we can show that the institution who was responsible for your care has let you down, then you may be entitled to bring a civil claim. If we can prove the impact that it’s had on your life, the costs of treatment to recover, and the pain and suffering you endured, then the civil route might be a more meaningful way of receiving financial justice.

AJB Stevens has a team of experienced institutional abuse lawyers who will work with you to understand the severity of abuse you suffered while in foster care, the duration, and its impact on your life, education, employment, and relationships.

Our goal is to exhaust every avenue in the pursuit of justice because everyone deserves to have their voice heard.

Why Choose Us?

Foster care is supposed to provide children with a safe space to call home. Unfortunately, many children in the system experienced abuse at the hands of the people trusted with their care. Child abuse includes neglect, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

If you were the victim of abuse in foster care, you have options available to you. The National Redress Scheme is one avenue and seeks to hold the responsible party (or parties) accountable for their part in the abuse you suffered. While it includes financial compensation, you may also be entitled to an apology directly from the institution responsible for the abuse you suffered.

In the case of foster care abuse-survivors, an NRS claim is lodged against the institution. You won’t have to confront the person who harmed you and the claims process won’t end up in court.

At AJB Stevens, we will work with you to establish the facts of your care and identify the responsible parties. We’ll work with you to gather the necessary evidence, document the impact it had on your life, and if necessary, we’ll get expert testimony to support your claim.

If it does go to court, we’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

The National Redress Scheme is not your only option. You can also take the civil litigation path and the procedure is similar to the NRS process described above. When we sit down and discuss your case, we’ll weigh up your options and advise you on your best route to success. Civil claims are more challenging than NRS claims. If we can show that the institution who was responsible for your care has let you down, then you may be entitled to bring a civil claim. If we can prove the impact that it’s had on your life, the costs of treatment to recover, and the pain and suffering you endured, then the civil route might be a more meaningful way of receiving financial justice.

AJB Stevens has a team of experienced institutional abuse lawyers who will work with you to understand the severity of abuse you suffered while in foster care, the duration, and its impact on your life, education, employment, and relationships.

Our goal is to exhaust every avenue in the pursuit of justice because everyone deserves to have their voice heard.

AJB Stevens will provide you with a cost-free and obligation-free consultation, listening to the details of your case before offering you expert legal advice.

The NRS might be the right course of action to resolve your case, but the award is capped at $150,000, which may not adequately reflect what you went through. If you pursue a claim through the National Redress Scheme, you lose the right to pursue litigation in the civil courts so, you must understand all your options before you decide which path to take.

You can learn more about the National Redress Scheme here and if you want free legal advice, you can reach out to AJB Stevens today. We’re ready to fight for you, whether you want to file a claim with the National Redress Scheme or pursue civil litigation.

Request a Consultation

Complete our online enquiry form below and speak with an experienced Senior Lawyer today.

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Adrian Barakat Lawyer at AJB Stevens

How can we help?

Abuse leaves an indelible mark on victim-survivors. It’s particularly challenging for people who experienced abuse in their formative years and at the hands of people entrusted with their care. If you were a victim of child abuse while in foster care, you have rights and with the right team of dedicated legal professionals, you have the chance at receiving justice.

Each Divorce and Separation case is different and unique in its own right. Seeking the help of AJB Stevens will ensure that you receive the compensation and entitlements you deserve to help get your life back on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether I'm eligible to claim?

If you spent time in foster care and were abused during that period, you are more than likely to meet the eligibility requirements. AJB Stevens can advise you on your options, whether the NRS is the best course of action or you have the evidence to file a civil suit to receive the justice you deserve.

Can I pursue a criminal case?

While it isn’t impossible, the burden of proving a criminal case is much greater than a civil claim or the National Redress Scheme. The right lawyer will provide support and advice on your options and recommend the best course of action. Criminal charges depend on a formal investigation and a prosecutorial decision, but if you have evidence, a lawyer can help you pursue that avenue.

Is there a time limit?

If you are pursuing a criminal charge, no, Australian states and territories suspended statutes of limitation to allow for historical child sex abuse cases. Likewise, the National Redress Scheme allows for survivors of historical child sex abuse to pursue justice. The NRS is open for new claims until the 30th of June, 2027. However, the sooner you speak to a lawyer about your case, the better, as the NRS claims process can take up to 24 months.

How do I apply?

You can complete a paper application or file your claim online. Before you make your claim, consult with an experienced lawyer. You can only file a claim once and once you accept or reject the offer, your claim is complete. You must understand all of your options and have a proper handle on the appeals process. It’s also important to know you can appeal the amount awarded if you feel it does not adequately reflect what you went through.

Do I need a lawyer?

Yes, whether you decide to pursue an NRS claim or want to move forward with a civil claim, a lawyer will stand by your side and ensure you take the necessary steps to receive the justice you deserve.

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Small enough to care, big enough to fight

We pride ourselves on personalised and professional services to protect your rights. Our focus is your case and how we will win.

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Small enough to care, big enough to fight

We pride ourselves on personalised and professional services to protect your rights. Our focus is your case and how we will win.