We have taken the decision to temporarily close our waiting list to new referrals.

At present, our waiting list stands at over 120 families. Across all commissioned areas we are oversubscribed, and our national (non-commissioned) capacity is also fully utilised. While Restitute is commissioned to support 207 families per financial year, this year 450 families have either received support or are currently waiting.

We are very conscious that families affected by sexual abuse, sexual violence, and other serious violence are often reaching out at a point of acute need. Waiting extended periods for support in these circumstances is neither appropriate nor fair. Some families would now face waits of more than six months, and we do not believe it is right to continue accepting referrals under those conditions.

This has been a difficult decision. We know it will be disappointing and frustrating, particularly for partner services who are themselves working under significant pressure. However, closing referrals at this point is necessary to ensure that families already referred to Restitute receive support that is timely, safe, and of the standard we are committed to providing.

We value our relationships with referrers enormously and remain committed to working collaboratively. We will keep you informed as soon as referrals can reopen.