YDC Abuse Claims Surge As Funding Dwindles: What You Need to Know
As the clock ticks down, survivors of abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center (YDC) are racing against time to file their claims for compensation from the state’s YDC Settlement Fund. With the financial resources allocated for these settlements nearing depletion, the urgency is palpable.
A Striking Rise in Claims
The YDC Settlement Fund has seen a staggering increase in claims over the past few years. According to John Broderick, the fund administrator and a retired Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, the number of claims filed has skyrocketed.
In early 2023, only 38 claims were received in the first quarter. Fast forward two years, and an astounding 261 claims poured in during a single quarter, as noted in Broderick’s quarterly reports to Governor Kelly Ayotte and legislative leaders. He anticipates continued momentum as the June 30, 2025 deadline for filing claims approaches.
The sheer gravity of the issue is evident: since its inception, the fund has garnered 1,135 claims from victims of sexual and physical abuse inflicted by state employees during their incarceration as minors. Of these, 296 claims have been settled, leaving 808 awaiting resolution. Time and funds are both running out.
The Financial Landscape of the Settlement Fund
When the New Hampshire legislature established the YDC fund in 2022, an initial allotment of $100 million was designated for the survivors of childhood abuse. However, the situation worsened, prompting an additional $75 million to be approved in 2024. Unfortunately, only $60 million of that allocation has been transferred to the fund, and the fate of the remaining $15 million, along with $25 million earmarked for 2025, remains uncertain.
The implications are severe: if the state fails to fulfill these financial commitments, the fund could run dry before the filing deadline.
“We remain hopeful we will receive it. If not, we will do all we are able, in consultation with the AGO, until appropriated funds are exhausted,” Broderick stated in a recent communication.
The Real Cost of Settlements
As of this week, the fund has disbursed an impressive $156.3 million to 296 survivors. Yet, with 808 claims still pending, just over $6.6 million is left for those awaiting compensation. Moreover, since settlements can extend over multiple years—sometimes ranging from three to ten years—the cumulative financial burden already exceeds $160 million for the current claims.
Attorney General John Formella openly criticized Broderick’s strategies concerning the disbursement of these funds. Compensation amounts vary significantly, from $500,000 to $2.5 million per claimant, influenced heavily by the severity of the abuse.
The Potential Fallout—Taxpayer Consequences
If the YDC Settlement Fund halts its payouts, the state faces the real prospect of costly litigation against numerous survivors. The first and only civil trial regarding YDC abuse has already resulted in a $38 million jury verdict for victim David Meehan, a decision the state is currently contesting. Recently, Formella’s office reached a $10 million settlement with survivor Michael Gilpatrick, though this agreement awaits legislative approval.
Should the fund cease payments, New Hampshire might find itself liable for staggering civil damages to numerous victims, ultimately funded by taxpayers. This scenario is exacerbated by the fact that the state does not maintain an insurance policy covering the decades of egregious abuse that occurred.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Survivors and Stakeholders
As the deadline approaches and funds dwindle, it’s critical for abuse survivors to act swiftly to secure their claims. The stakes are high, not only for the victims seeking justice but also for taxpayers who may bear the financial burden of the state’s past failures. The time for decisive action is now.
For more information on the YDC Settlement Fund and to stay updated on claims and developments, visit the official New Hampshire government website.
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