Institutional child abuse at Reiby Training School
Reiby, at Airds near Campbelltown, has been known over the years as Reiby Training School, Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre, and Reiby Youth Justice Centre. It has been the subject of serious allegations of historical child sexual abuse. This article sets out what is on the public record, and where former detainees can find information about their options.
If you were held at Reiby and want to know whether you can claim compensation, see our page on Reiby juvenile detention centre abuse claims.
Historical charges
In 2017, NSW Police’s Strike Force Redcliffe charged three former juvenile justice officers over alleged historical sexual offences against detainees at Reiby. The alleged offences dated from about 1996 to 2004, and the charges included aggravated sexual assault and indecent assault. A charge is not a finding of guilt.
The impact on survivors
Former detainees have spoken publicly about the abuse they experienced at Reiby and its effect on their lives. Many describe lasting psychological harm, and the long struggle to rebuild after it. Their accounts are a reminder of survivors’ resilience, and of why justice and support matter.
Can former detainees still claim?
In most cases, yes. New South Wales has removed the time limit for civil claims arising from child sexual abuse and serious physical abuse, so a claim is not barred simply because the abuse happened decades ago. Individual circumstances still matter. See our guide to limitation periods for historical abuse claims.
Being in detention does not reduce your rights. Reiby was run by the NSW Government, so a claim is usually brought against the State of New South Wales. Reiby is one of several centres covered in our guide to youth detention centre and boys’ home abuse.
How we can help
Our institutional child sexual abuse lawyers act for survivors of abuse in youth detention and other institutions. We understand how hard it can be to come forward, and we will explain your options at your own pace. A first conversation is free and confidential, and it does not commit you to anything.
Call +612 9283 5599 or use the form below.
