Department of Health

I am seeking access to records related to the Restorative Recognition Scheme and the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) responsible for its development. Specifically, I request access to: 1. Professional Expertise in Child Trauma and Psychological Impact • Records detailing the qualifications of individuals involved in the Interdepartmental Group, particularly those with expertise in child trauma, psychology, or related fields. • Documentation of consultations with external experts specializing in childhood trauma or psychological harm when designing the scheme. 2. Residency Requirement Criteria (180-Day Rule) • Minutes, reports, or correspondence discussing the establishment of the 180-day residency requirement for scheme eligibility. • Assessments evaluating the psychological, emotional, and financial impact of this residency rule on survivors who were excluded due to shorter stays. • Internal communications or legal opinions regarding the decision to exclude individuals based on the 180-day threshold, and whether alternative criteria were considered. 3. Institutional Reclassification & Exclusion of Survivors • A list of institutions that were initially classified as Mother and Baby Homes or Children’s Homes but were later reclassified as Nursing Homes or other facilities. • Internal records discussing the reclassification of these homes and the impact on survivors’ eligibility for redress. • Justifications or discussions regarding the exclusion of survivors who were in these institutions as children but were later deemed ineligible because the facility was reclassified.