Eastwood Park Compensation - Still Time to Claim

Eastwood Park Detention Centre Compensation Claims

Eastwood Park Detention Centre was the site of serious and extensive abuse of boys and young men during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. In recent years, many hundreds of men have come forward to share their experiences of violence and abuse by officers and other staff.

Following investigation and extensive consultation with the Ministry of Justice, there was a launch of a settlement scheme in January 2025 – allowing former detainees to claim compensation for the abuse they suffered whilst at Eastwood Park.

Jordans Solicitors has represented more than 250 clients in connection with the scheme and have secured close to £855,000 in compensation.

What was Eastwood Park?

Eastwood Park operated as a Detention Centre between 1964 and 1989 and subsequently as a Young Offenders Institution until 1995. 

Detention Centres at that time operated under a policy commonly described as ‘short, sharp shock’ treatment. Most of the boys detained there were aged between 14 and 17 and sentenced for minor crimes, intended to deter young people from offending again. However, it has since come to light that some officers took this approach to extremes, subjecting boys in their care to regular and severe physical abuse and violence.

In 2023, former Eastwood Park officer Patrick Devaney was convicted of misconduct in a public office in connection with his treatment of detainees. Devaney worked at Eastwood Park between 1970 and 1983.

His conviction, together with the accounts of many other survivors, contributed to growing calls for accountability and recognition of what happened at Eastwood Park.

The Eastwood Park Settlement Scheme

In January 2025, the Ministry of Justice established a compensation scheme for people who experienced physical abuse at Eastwood Park. The Scheme also provides successful claimants with a letter of acknowledgement from the Ministry of Justice.

The Scheme has now been extended until 14 July 2027, meaning those who have not yet made a claim still have an opportunity to come forward.

To be eligible, an individual must have spent time in detention at Eastwood Park where they experienced physical and/or sexual abuse.

How much compensation is available?

The Ministry of Justice Scheme provides compensation of between £3,000 and £9,500, depending on the circumstances of the individual claim. Further details of the compensation categories can be found here.

Any compensation awarded under the Scheme is paid directly to the successful claimant. This means that Claimants will receive 100% of their award and will not have to pay any legal costs for the legal work undertaken on their behalf.

How can Jordans Solicitors help?

Making a claim for something that happened many decades ago can understandably feel daunting. Our specialist team can guide you through the process and assist in obtaining the evidence needed to support your claim.

We have already acted for more than 250 people in connection with the Eastwood Park Settlement Scheme and have extensive experience representing individuals making claims against the Ministry of Justice.

We understand that discussing experiences of abuse can be difficult. We offer confidential consultations where you can discuss what happened to you and receive advice about whether you may be eligible to make a claim.

The extension of the Scheme provides an important opportunity for survivors of Eastwood Park to seek recognition and compensation for what they experienced.

If you believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible rather than wait until the deadline approaches. 

Our specialist team can be contacted on 03303 001103, you can request a call back here or book a 30 min online consultation here.