Youth detention centre abuse compensation

If you were sexually or physically abused as a child while held in a youth detention centre, training school, or boys’ or girls’ home in Australia, you may be entitled to compensation. These facilities were run by state and territory governments, which sets them apart from the church-run schools and homes most often associated with historical abuse claims. The children held in them were often among the most vulnerable in the care system, and many had nowhere to turn.

This page provides general information about your options. It does not make findings or allegations against any institution, government department, or individual. Its purpose is to help former detainees and their families understand the pathways available to them.

Why youth detention claims are different

Unlike a school or children’s home run by a church or charity, a youth detention centre is operated directly by a state or territory government department. Children were held there involuntarily, often on remand or under a court order, with little or no ability to leave, complain to anyone outside, or be removed by a parent. That is why a claim is usually brought against the state or territory itself.

A government that takes a child into its custody generally owes that child a non-delegable duty of care: a duty it cannot hand off to the staff it employs. In 2026, the High Court confirmed in AA v Maitland-Newcastle that intentional abuse by the person entrusted with a child can breach a duty of that kind.

If you were abused while detained as a child, whether by a staff member, another detainee, or a visitor, you may have a claim, regardless of how long ago it happened, whether you reported it at the time, or why you were in detention.

Youth detention centres and homes we have information on

The table lists the centres covered by Koffels articles and witness appeals. If your facility is not listed, that does not mean you do not have a claim. Contact us to talk through your circumstances.

Parramatta Training School for Girls

The Parramatta Training School for Girls, often called Parramatta Girls Home, was a NSW Government institution for girls in State care. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse examined it, together with the Institution for Girls in Hay, in its Case Study 7. The Commission heard evidence covering 1950 to 1974 of physical and sexual abuse alleged against 11 staff members, and found that complaints were often not acted on. None of those men was ever charged with a criminal offence.

At the time, the Commission noted that many former residents’ civil claims had failed because too much time had passed. That has since changed: NSW has removed the time limit for civil claims arising from child sexual abuse, so in most cases a former resident can now bring a claim against the State. If you were at Parramatta or Hay, we can talk you through your options.

Bidura, Glebe

The NSW Government bought Bidura at 357 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, in 1920 and used it as a receiving home and shelter for children removed from their families, including girls awaiting Children’s Court hearings or transfer to other institutions. It operated alongside the Metropolitan Girls’ Shelter on the same site and closed as a residential facility in 1977. Many former residents, including Forgotten Australians and members of the Stolen Generations, entered care through Bidura. If you were held there, you may have a claim against the State.

Your options for compensation

There are two main pathways for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse in Australia: a civil compensation claim, or an application to the National Redress Scheme. At Koffels, we recommend a civil claim for most survivors with a viable case.

We assess a civil claim based on the actual harm you have suffered, including the impact on your health, career, relationships, and quality of life, and it is not subject to a fixed cap. Virtually all claims settle before a hearing, and confidentiality is standard.

The National Redress Scheme can be appropriate in more limited circumstances, particularly where a civil claim is not viable. For most survivors with a viable civil claim, however, the Scheme works more to the institution’s benefit than theirs. The maximum payment is $150,000, a figure rarely reached, and the average payment for serious abuse is closer to $80,000, with many payments significantly lower. Accepting a Scheme payment permanently extinguishes your right to bring a civil claim over the same abuse, and applicants are not routinely offered independent legal advice before signing.

We strongly recommend speaking with an independent lawyer before you apply to the Scheme, so that you understand what you would be giving up. Read our review of how the Scheme works in practice and five things survivors should know before applying.

Time limits

Every Australian state and territory has removed or relaxed the time limits that once stopped survivors of child sexual abuse from bringing a civil claim later in life. In most cases, the years that have passed since the abuse will not, on their own, prevent a claim. Individual circumstances still matter, claims for physical abuse alone can be treated differently, and the position depends on where the centre was, so get specific advice rather than assuming a claim is not possible. See our guide to limitation periods for historical abuse claims.

The National Redress Scheme is closing

Applications to the National Redress Scheme close on 30 June 2027, and the Scheme itself ends on 30 June 2028. If you are weighing up your options, give yourself enough time to make an informed decision rather than deciding under last-minute pressure. Read more about what happens when the Scheme expires.

A survivor’s account

Read one man’s account of his time at Daruk and the claim that followed: I’m a survivor of the Daruk Boys Home.

Speak to us confidentially

A first conversation with Koffels is free and confidential, and it does not commit you to anything. Call 02 9283 5599 or use the form below.

If you need support now, you can contact the Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380, Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours), 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Frequently asked questions