Update about a survivor focused fund and proactive release of information on Lake Alice redress
Kia ora,
In this newsletter we share information about a new survivor focused fund and the release of decisions about redress for survivors of torture at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit.
The survivor focused fund
The Survivor Support and Recognition Fund is now available for:
- local authorities to care for unmarked graves
- non-government organisations and community groups to deliver support and services to survivors of abuse in care.
The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry found there are at least 4,000 unmarked graves associated with psychiatric and psychopaedic sites in Auckland, Waikato, Nelson, Rangitikei, Horowhenua, Porirua, Otago, Westland and Canterbury.
All local authorities with sites in those areas can apply for the fund to memorialise, remember and honour those who died in care and are buried in unmarked graves in ways that are appropriate for local communities.
The fund is also available to support initiatives by non-governmental organisations that help survivors in practical ways, like connecting with their communities, navigating redress processes, finding their care records, and reconnecting with family and whānau.
The fund is administered by Community Operations Hāpai Hapori. Eligible local authorities or non-government organisations and community groups can find out about the fund:
- Website: Survivor Support and Recognition Fund » Community Matters(external link)
- Email: SSRF@dia.govt.nz
- Phone: 0800 824 824 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).
Proactive release of information on redress for Lake Alice survivors of torture
The Government has proactively released the following information about decisions relating to redress for survivors of torture at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit.
- Cabinet paper – Redress for Survivors of Torture at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Unit
- SOU-24-MIN-0158 Cabinet Social Outcomes Committee Minute of Decision,4 December 2024
- CAB-24-MIN-0516 Cabinet Minute of Decision, 16 December 2024
Summary of redactions:
- Section 9(2)(g)(i) - to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinion.
- Section 9(2)(h) - to maintain legal professional privilege.
Ngā mihi,
Crown Response Office