PPO report: Former Detainees of Medomsley were subject to “systemic failings by authorities”
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Jane Matthews Director
Director, Solicitor and Head of Abuse Compensation Claims Department
Jane represents adult and child survivors of abuse and is a panel member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL).
Jane has over 25 years’ representing clients in a wide range of Personal Injury Cases and has specialised exclusively in Child Abuse Claims for the past 8 years.
Jane is a panel member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.
She represents adult and child survivors of abuse, who have suffered abuse in various settings. Jane acts in cases against local authorities, children’s homes, schools, charities, youth organisations, detention centres, football clubs and religious organisations. She also represents clients in respect of Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and child sexual exploitation claims.
In the summer of 2022, Jane was proud that Jordans became a corporate partner with the National Association of People abused in Childhood (NAPAC)and Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS).
She has received trauma-informed training and regularly delivers training to charities who support survivors of abuse.
Jane works hard to achieve the best outcome for her clients and supports her clients through the legal process. She prides herself on being approachable and able to build a relationship of trust with her clients.
Significant Cases
Jordans Solicitors has been instrumental in changing the law relating to child abuse claims (A v Hoare and others [2008] UKHL 6 and Various Claimants v Catholic Child Welfare Society and others [2012] UKSC 56)
Recently, Jane has represented a client in a claim which was successful at the Court Appeal. This claim involved the significant issue of whether a local authority can be held to be vicariously liable for the actions of a foster parent who is a family member. Read more here.
Jane represented Jordans Solicitors on the Steering Group of Solicitors which was instrumental in securing compensation for former detainees of the Medomsley Detention Centre and has worked closely with the Ministry of Justice in the development of the Physical Abuse Compensation Scheme for former detainees of Medomsley.
Jane was also part of the group of Solicitors who made representations to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA) that Medomsley Detention Centre should be investigated as part of their inquiry and has continued to support this group of survivors by pushing for an independent inquiry of Medomsley. She is also in consultation with the Prisons and Probation Ombudsmen’s’ current special investigation into abuse that was suffered at Medomsley.
Jane Matthews
Sincere thanks to you and everyone involved in my case. I am truly thankful for all the work that you have done to make this as painless as possible for me. Again, I have no words that can describe how much relief that this is over and I can put it behind me. You have done so much for all the boys of Eastwood Park Detention Centre, and our thanks in believing in us and getting the justice we have finally seen done.
Jane Matthews
"You have not only helped to get me justice, but also restored hope and faith in humanity for me again. The world needs more people like you, fighting the good fight for those who have suffered in silence for far too long. Thank you for being a big part of my journey to heal.”
Jane Matthews
I would like to say thank you so much to Jane Matthews and whoever else has done the work for me to receive the £5000 and for the future apology from the ministry of justice. I really appreciate the help, thank you
Jane Matthews
I can’t express enough how amazing you and your team have been in resolving my claim. The outcome was more than I could have hoped for. Finally it will give me closure.
Jane Matthews
Very good solicitor dealt with a very sensitive case for me I found them caring and there to listen and give sound advice and got a fair result. Would highly recommend.
Jane Matthews
I am satisfied with my outcome and I would like to thank you all for the professional service I received, especially from Jane Matthews. She was so clever and wise, a true brief, straight and to the point.
Jane Matthews
Jane Matthews was very helpful in all aspects of my case and is highly recommended.
Jane Matthews
Due to the support and hard work of Jane and her colleagues my case was successful. I cannot thank Jane and her team enough for everything and I would always recommend speaking to Jordan’s even if you think your case isn’t strong enough, they will do what they can to help you through every stage of the process.
Jane Matthews
Jane always kept me up to date on the progress of my claim from start to finish.
Jane Matthews
I would like to thank you for your hard work and support during this difficult time you have been outstanding.
Jane Matthews
Very helpful and polite
Jordans Abuse Team
Many thanks to all those involved in this claim, you've all been both professional and kind demonstrating empathy at all times. So much appreciated and it's definitely been a positive move for me.
Jordans Abuse Team
Jane Matthews and her team (Sarah Jefferson, Johnny Kaye) were all brilliant.
Jordans Abuse Team
My case was around historical sexual abuse that I suffered as a child. I was very anxious about approaching this subject but the level of care and understanding I received from first contact to conclusion was first class. I was put at ease and everything was explained to me in language and terms I was able to understand. The advice I received was clear and unbiased, I was not pushed in to any quick decision making rather give the time and assistance I needed to help me make an informed choice.
Jordans Abuse Compensation Team
I had a tough life and had no idea what to do about it. Jordans solicitors took my case on to help me, and they were wonderful, took care of everything I needed them to do and made everything easier to deal with, special thanks to all of you for getting me the justice I've been looking for, for so long.
