New Hampshire Scales Back Multi-Million Dollar Settlements for Abused Youth in State Care

New Hampshire has faced one of its most severe abuse scandals, with over 1,500 individuals reporting decades of physical, sexual, and psychological mistreatment while in state-operated youth detention facilities.

In an effort to resolve numerous claims without litigation, the state initially committed hundreds of millions of dollars to a dedicated fund, with settlements averaging around $540,000 per victim when hearings commenced in 2023.

However, amid economic challenges, state lawmakers moved quietly in June to amend the rules governing the settlement fund. These changes curtailed the independence of its administrator and granted the state authority to reject proposed payment amounts.

Additionally, the current governor’s budget proposal excluded funding for the compensation program entirely, prompting victims to file a class-action lawsuit to contest these modifications. A court hearing is scheduled for August 20.

One plaintiff, Corrine Moon, who has publicly shared her experiences of abuse by state personnel, criticized the state’s approach, stating, “It feels like the offender is deciding to rewrite the rules because they don’t like the outcome. How can that be just? This is a continued injustice toward survivors.”