30-04-2025
New YDC victims advocacy group launched
An advocacy group was launched Tuesday for alleged survivors of sexual and physical abuse at the state-run Youth Development Center.
'Justice for YDC Victims' was created to encourage lawmakers to meet commitments they made to support a fast-depleting settlement fund.
The launch comes at a critical time since it remains uncertain just how much more money the Republican-led Legislature will be willing to commit to the settlement fund beyond its current $160 million stake, even as there are more than 800 pending claims before fund administrator John Broderick.
'As a survivor of unimaginable abuse in the YDC system, I had hope when the settlement fund was created that maybe, finally, people are ready to stand up and take responsibility,' said Chuck Miles, who has a claim pending with the fund.
'For the state to walk away from that promise now would reopen our wounds all over again. YDC victims want to see that the fund is a legitimate path to find justice, and that means people in Concord need to meet their commitments.'
Fund administrator Broderick has asked lawmakers and Gov. Kelly Ayotte to support adding another $150 million to the fund, which is the annual limit set by law.
Ayotte declined to add more funding in her two-year budget proposal, saying replenishing the fund was up to the Legislature.
Earlier this month, the House approved a state budget plan that earmarked only $10 million in each of the next two years.
Broderick said Monday that amount doesn't even meet the $26 million in payments to victims that the state has agreed to for 2026-2027.
'Survivors like me have been through hell and back from the abuse suffered in the YDC system,' said Solomon Sanchez, who filed a claim with the settlement fund. 'After pushing us to enter the fund and set aside our right to a jury trial, the state changing the terms now would be a breach of the agreements they made, raising doubts that we will ever see justice.'
Marc Goldberg, a principal in Cornerstone Government Affairs and a spokesman for the new group, said advocates appreciate the work that key legislators have contributed to date.
'We understand the Legislature is dealing with a difficult budget dynamic, but there are strong advocates for YDC abuse survivors in the Legislature, including Senate President (Sharon) Carson, who helped put the settlement fund into place,' Goldberg said in a statement.
'YDC victims hope these allies can help ensure the final budget holds true to the fair resolution process in law and provides a clear pathway to the targeted funding level.'
Justice for YDC Victims launched a website Tuesday that includes information about how people can call to action to add more money to the settlement fund.
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