It's important to recognize that abuse within the BSA was not limited to the traditional Boy Scouts program. The BSA operates multiple youth programs, including Cub Scouts, Exploring, Sea Scouting, Venturing, and Learning for Life, serving children of varying ages and genders. Tragically, sexual predators exploited their positions in nearly every one of these programs.
Children were placed in various settings with adults who were often inadequately vetted and unsupervised. For example, the Exploring program placed teenagers in ride-along situations with law enforcement officers, some of whom were later found to be sexual predators. Reports indicate that both boys and girls were affected by this widespread issue, highlighting systemic failures within the organization to protect its young members.
Abuse also occurred in past and discontinued programs such as Air Scouts and other specialized scouting initiatives. Whether in current or former programs, the lack of proper safeguards allowed predators to harm children entrusted to the BSA's care.
The Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows the BSA to reorganize and establish a trust to compensate abuse survivors while continuing its operations. Although this means that individual survivors may not have their day in court, the process is designed to provide quicker and more efficient compensation compared to lengthy trials.
The litigation is approaching a critical juncture. Oral arguments in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals are expected to take place during the first week of November. This hearing is a key moment that could lead to the release of the remaining $1.8 billion committed to the survivors' trust. Combined with the $600 million already in the trust and beginning to be distributed, this next step is essential in ensuring that survivors receive the full compensation owed to them.
To date, over 57,000 general trust claims have been filed, and over 3,500 have been processed. While progress has been gradual, these developments indicate forward momentum in resolving the claims and providing justice to those affected.
AVA Law Group remains steadfast in our mission to achieve justice and fair compensation for all survivors of BSA abuse. We have been actively advocating for:
We are hopeful that the BSA will not only provide due compensation but also take substantial steps to reform its programs. Transparency about past abuses and implementing rigorous safeguards are crucial to protect current and future scouts.
