On July 7th, Merrimack Superior Court Judge Andrew Schulman approved the consolidation of over 640 lawsuits against juvenile facilities for physical and emotional abuse.
Lead attorneys, including Cyrus F. Rilee and David A. Vicinanzo, filed a 50-page “Master Complaint.” This document details the abuses reported in these centers from the mid-19th century to today and the state’s cover-up efforts. Legislators approved a $100 million settlement, but the plaintiffs’ attorneys plan to go to trial, arguing the settlement isn’t enough.
The Master Complaint highlights abuse in various residential facilities meant to shelter and rehabilitate children. Most allegations are against the John H. Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. Other facilities like the State Industrial School and the Adolescent Detention Center are also implicated.
According to the complaint, the history of abuse dates back to the mid-19th century. In 1930, Governor Charles W. Tobey publicly reprimanded the State Industrial School’s trustees for sexual abusive practices. However, no substantial actions were taken, and abuse continued.
The lawsuit accuses state authorities of not only failing to prevent abuse but also deliberately covering up severe mental abuse and neglect. Authorities protected the perpetrators instead of the children, and even the state Supreme Court failed to safeguard these children’s rights, referring to them as “Problem Children.”
The lawsuit also cites decisions by U.S. Congressman and State Supreme Justice Charles Douglas III, who allowed abused and neglected children to be housed with those detained for criminal activities, against expert advice. One judge even convicted a 13-year-old girl for contempt when she refused to identify the father of her child, who was conceived during her time in the center. This shows a lack of concern for the welfare of the children by some judges and authorities.
Complaints describe appalling conditions and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Despite numerous investigations, the results were hidden from the public. The NH Division of Children, Youth and Families received 15-20 serious complaints indicating a pattern of abuse.
The lawsuit also mentions the conviction of Wesley Oates, a youth center employee, for abuse misconduct. Despite his conviction, Oates continued working at the Youth Development Center for another 20 years, committing multiple acts of abuse.
Pre-Settlement Funding for Youth Development Center Child Abuse Victims
If you are an attorney or a plaintiff pursuing a lawsuit against the youth development centers, you may be able to qualify for pre-settlement funding to get you through this difficult time.
At Baker Street Funding, we understand that victims in these cases have been cruelly abused in different ways. Many have suffered from several types of abuse, such as extreme physical violence, being denied medical care, severe sexual abuse, and terrifying mental and emotional abuse. That’s why we have a special fund to support victims of YDC abuse.
We are confident that attorneys are doing a great job at bringing justice for the suffering these entities have inflicted on children.
Need funding for your juvenile abuse lawsuit? Contact us at (888) 711-3599 to get started today. There is sno repayment unless you win your case.
