Survivors of abuse at Eastwood Park Detention Centre will now have more time to come forward, after it was confirmed that the Eastwood Park compensation scheme has been extended by a further 18 months until 14 July 2027 .

The scheme was created to compensate former detainees who were subjected to physical abuse while held at the detention centre, which operated in South Gloucestershire between 1964 and 1995 and housed boys aged 14 to 17.

For many survivors, coming forward about what happened can take years. The extension gives those affected additional time to consider their options and access support.

Who the scheme is for?

The compensation scheme is open to anyone who was detained at Eastwood Park and experienced physical assault while serving their sentence.

Compensation is available across several categories:

• Those who served three months or less
• Those who served more than three months
• Individuals who sustained lasting physical or psychological injury as a result of their treatment

Awards currently range between £3,000 and £9,500.

Importantly, survivors will receive 100% of any award made under the scheme, with no legal costs deducted for work undertaken on their behalf.

Abuse at Eastwood Park

Former detention centre officer Patrick Devaney was convicted of offences against detainees at Eastwood Park. However, he was not the only individual accused of abuse.

Sadly, in many cases other officers had died or were not considered fit to stand trial, meaning criminal prosecutions were not possible.

For many former detainees, the compensation scheme represents an opportunity to have their experiences acknowledged by the authorities.

Claims involving sexual abuse

While the compensation scheme relates to physical abuse, we are also aware of allegations of sexual abuse at the detention centre.

These cases are generally not part of the settlement scheme and will instead be pursued through civil litigation. The Ministry of Justice has set up a dedicated team to handle these claims and has indicated they will be progressed as quickly as possible.

How Switalskis can help you

Our abuse claims specialists Caroline Chandler and Rob Casey have extensive experience supporting people who have experienced abuse in institutional settings .

They have successfully represented many survivors in similar schemes, including those involving Medomsley Detention Centre, helping clients secure compensation and formal apologies from the Ministry of Justice.

We understand how difficult it can be to speak about past abuse. Our team approaches every case with sensitivity, care and respect, ensuring survivors feel supported throughout the process.

Caroline Chandler, abuse claims solicitor at Switalskis, said:
“For many people who were detained at Eastwood Park, what happened there has had a lasting impact on their lives. Coming forward about abuse can take an enormous amount of courage, and often people need time before they feel ready to speak about their experiences.

“The extension of the compensation scheme is therefore an important step. It gives survivors more time to come forward, have their experiences recognised and access the support and compensation they deserve.”

Speak to our specialist detention centre abuse claims team

If you were detained at Eastwood Park Detention Centre and experienced abuse, our team can help you understand your options and guide you through the compensation process.

For assistance with your claim, contact abuse claim specialists Caroline Chandler and Rob Casey at Switalskis. They have extensive experience in representing clients in similar cases.

Contact them by email at caroline.chandler@switalskis.com or rob.casey@switalskis.com or call the team on 01924 882000.