US Edition
New Hampshire lawsuit seeks to stop politicization of youth center abuse victims’ fund
NEW HAMPSHIRE, JUN 27 – The lawsuit argues recent budget amendments give the governor and attorney general sole control over the $160 million YDC Settlement Fund, risking politicization of survivor compensation.
- On June 27, 2025, attorneys representing over 1,100 survivors filed a lawsuit in Merrimack County to prevent the implementation of a recent law that alters the management of the state’s fund established to compensate victims of abuse at the youth detention facility in New Hampshire.
- The lawsuit challenges budget amendments signed this week by Governor Kelly Ayotte that make the fund administrator a political appointee and give the governor and attorney general greater control over settlements.
- Currently, an independent administrator selected through a process involving the courts oversees claims, but the new legislation shifts the power to appoint and remove this administrator to the governor and Executive Council, also allowing the attorney general to override settlement decisions.
- Attorney David Vicinanzo, representing 1,400 victims, stated this change is "not victim friendly" and risks politicizing settlements, while a May audit found no problems with administrator John Broderick's management despite criticism.
- The lawsuit seeks to halt enforcement of the law to preserve agreements with victims and suggests the state risks breaching promises made to survivors who accepted the fund to avoid trials and save taxpayer money.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Irish Independent
MSNPotential abuse victims are contacted as more Grace inquiry costs are revealed
Seven former residents who may have been abused at the foster home at the centre of the Grace case have now been contacted and invited to share their experiences, at the request of the Children’s Minister.
YDC victims sue state over lawmakers’ changes to settlement fund
The state budget set to take effect next week would give the governor and attorney general considerable control over the Youth Development Center Settlement Fund, including what victims are paid. A new lawsuit asks the court to halt that.
Lawsuit aims to block law that would make YDC fund administrator political appointee
Lawyers for the alleged victims who have submitted claims to the Youth Development Center settlement fund are suing the state of New Hampshire with the goal of blocking a new law.
YDC victim lawyers sue to try and block settlement fund changes in state budget
The lawyers representing a majority of the alleged victims of sexual or physical abuse at the state’s youth detention centers are asking a judge to block the state from changing
Associated Press News
New Hampshire lawsuit seeks to stop politicization of youth center abuse victims' fund
A newly filed class action lawsuit in New Hampshire seeks to block changes to an out-of-court settlement fund for victims of child abuse at the state's youth detention center.
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