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Case Study 33 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse public hearing concluded late Wednesday in Adelaide.

During the Royal Commission The Salvation Army once again offered a sincere and unreserved apology to survivors, their families and the Australian public for serious past failures.

"Each and every child had the right to be protected and cared for in our children's homes. In many cases The Salvation Army let them down and we are profoundly sorry for that," said Commissioner Floyd Tidd.

As the leader of the Australia Southern Territory of The Salvation Army, Commissioner Tidd also addressed matters around redress for survivors of child sexual abuse. The Salvation Army supports the recommendations of The Royal Commission for a single, national redress scheme.

"We are currently reviewing all of the 418 claims which have been previously settled by The Salvation Army and survivors" said Commissioner Tidd. "If, as a result of the review, any claims are identified as being assessed unfairly relative to other settled claims, The Salvation Army will re-open those claims in the interim period between now and the time when a national redress scheme commences."

The Salvation Army, both internationally and across Australia, has conducted a comprehensive review of its policies and practices to ensure that every officer, employee and volunteer who works with children or vulnerable people is properly screened and trained. "We are determined to ensure that our policies and procedures, now and into the future will ensure that all Salvation Army services and settings are safe places for all.

"Every person over the age of 16 who has a role that requires direct, ongoing contact with young people must obtain a police check, which must be updated every three years and in those states where available, such persons must obtain a Working with Children check," said Commissioner Tidd.

The Salvation Army encourages anyone wanting to raise concerns of abuse to contact our Professional Standards Unit on (03) 8878 4814 or professionalstandards@aus.salvationarmy.org