WELLINGTON — New Zealand has announced plans to compensate children and teenagers who endured abuse at a state psychiatric hospital during the 1970s, alongside issuing a formal apology explicitly recognizing the torture they suffered, the government confirmed on Wednesday (Dec 18).

A July inquiry revealed that 362 children without any mental illness were subjected to unmodified electroconvulsive therapy or paraldehyde injections at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Unit between 1972 and 1978. The abuse was used as a means of punishment and emotional control, rather than for medical treatment.

“It is impossible to fully right or compensate for the torture inflicted on children,” said Erica Stanford, the minister overseeing the government’s response, during a press conference. “However, the Cabinet has approved measures to recognize the suffering of the remaining survivors under the care of the State.”

The compensation package for survivors includes a one-off payment, a new written apology acknowledging the torture, and access to support and rehabilitation services. Survivors can opt for an expedited payment of NZ$150,000 (S$116,340) or have their claims reviewed individually by an independent arbiter to determine the compensation amount. The government has allocated NZ$22.68 million for this initiative, covering both redress and administrative costs.

Stanford acknowledged that some survivors may feel disappointed by the compensation amount, as some had anticipated receiving millions. “We understood this could never truly make up for what happened,” she stated, emphasizing that this redress process is separate from broader discussions about abuse in care.

The inquiry further found that around 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults suffered abuse in state and religious institutions between 1950 and 2019. The report highlighted that Indigenous Maori and individuals with physical or mental disabilities were particularly vulnerable.

The government issued a public apology in November and is expected to take additional steps to provide financial redress for the broader impacts of these abuses.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AAP Image/Ben McKay via Reuters file