Course Overview

This course provides a practical guide to pursuing Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims for vulnerable adults, children, and young people under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. It focuses on the additional legal, procedural, and safeguarding considerations that arise where applicants are vulnerable because of age, brain or head injury, impaired mental health, or lack of mental capacity.

Delegates will gain an understanding of how to identify vulnerability, navigate the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, represent applicants who lack capacity, and manage claims involving the Court of Protection, trusts, and the investment of compensation awards. The course also examines the specific procedures applicable to children's claims, including the operation of the CICA Retained Account and alternative investment arrangements, together with post-settlement best practice.

Designed for practitioners acting on behalf of vulnerable claimants, the course combines legal principles with practical guidance to help delegates manage claims confidently and ensure that compensation is secured and protected in the claimant's best interests. It will also benefit those with less experience of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme by providing clear explanations of the Scheme's operation and its application to cases involving brain injury, mental health conditions, and other vulnerabilities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Identify applicants who may be vulnerable and understand the implications of vulnerability for a Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme application
• Apply the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 when advising and representing claimants
• Recognise when a claimant lacks capacity and understand the appropriate arrangements for conducting a claim on their behalf
• Advise and support vulnerable claimants who retain capacity while ensuring appropriate adjustments are made throughout the claims process
• Understand the role and requirements of the Court of Protection in relation to compensation awards
• Explain when trusts should be established, their purpose, and how the CICA approaches awards paid into trust
• Assess the options for investing compensation awards, including those made to children and protected parties
• Understand the operation of the CICA Retained Account for children's awards and evaluate alternative investment options where appropriate
• Follow the correct procedures for accepting awards and completing post-settlement requirements
• Apply best practice when managing Criminal Injuries Compensation claims involving vulnerable adults and children to achieve compliant and client-focused outcomes