Importance of Trauma-Informed Support for Stolen Generations Survivors reaffirmed at Garramilla Redress Roundtable

The importance of the trauma-informed support services, and the need to continue to improve service delivery to Stolen Generations survivors, were key takeaways at a stakeholder roundtable in Garramilla (Darwin) on 17 September.

The Healing Foundation presented as one of many support services at the event, which brought together key stakeholders who support survivors of the Stolen Generations.

Providers gave an overview of how they help survivors in accessing redress through the Territory Redress Scheme and the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. It was an incredible learning opportunity but also a chance to reflect on how providers can work together to ensure better support for survivors.

We heard about:
- How people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse may apply through the National Redress Scheme, but applications must be submitted by 30 June 2027

- The Territories Redress Scheme for Stolen Generations survivors in NT, ACT and Jervis Bay is open until 31 August 2027, offering one of payments plus healing assistance

- Relationships Australia helps people apply for redress by sitting with them where they feel comfortable, having a yarn and using a ‘ýour story is your evidence’ approach, and puts the information shared in the application form for applicants

- Full Stop, which offers phone and online counselling support, can also help survivors with applications through their trauma informed redress support service

- Knowmore, a free and independent legal service, helps with applications to the scheme. But they’ve also advocated for changes in the legal system to stop claim farming and reduce class actions where limited funds actually reach survivors

- The Aboriginal Interpreter Service plays a vital role in ensuring cultural barriers in communications are reduced by providing interpretation services for 18 languages in the NT and ensure survivors can understand the information being given to them

We thank Knowmore for the invitation to attend and present