Sexual Abuse · Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts abuse claims — bankruptcy and trust background
In February 2020, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after decades of childhood sexual-abuse claims. More than 82,000 men filed proofs of claim — the largest number of sexual-abuse claims in any U.S. bankruptcy. The confirmed Plan of Reorganization created a Survivors Trust of approximately $2.46 billion to compensate survivors. Trust eligibility and any distribution questions depend on governing documents and individual submission history.
Background
What this litigation is about.
For nearly a century, the BSA kept confidential 'Ineligible Volunteer Files' — the so-called 'perversion files' — documenting adults barred from Scouting for suspected sexual misconduct. Litigation and investigative reporting eventually exposed the scale of the problem.
Facing overwhelming liability, BSA filed for Chapter 11 in February 2020. The court set a November 16, 2020 bar date for survivors to file proofs of claim. More than 82,000 men filed by the deadline — many under California's AB 218 and similar revival statutes in other states.
The confirmed Plan of Reorganization established a Survivors Trust and set out funding and claim-review procedures. The governing Plan, trust documents, and orders control eligibility, review, and distribution; do not rely on this summary as a statement of current payment status.
Reported injuries
Reported concerns and potential losses.
Childhood sexual abuse
Contact and non-contact abuse by Scoutmasters, assistant leaders, volunteers, or older Scouts.
Long-term psychological harm
PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, and relational trauma extending into adulthood.
Loss of income & opportunity
Effects on education, career, and earning capacity documented in many survivor claims.
Individual review
Facts that may be relevant.
You were sexually abused as a youth participant in a BSA program (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, Sea Scouts, or Venturing).
You filed a proof of claim in the BSA bankruptcy on or before the November 16, 2020 bar date.
You have questions about the Trust review process, matrix scoring, or the status of your distribution.
Trust eligibility and filing questions require review of the governing documents and your submission history.
Prepare at a pace that feels safe
You do not need to reconstruct every detail before asking about legal options. Approximate dates and partial recollections can be identified as such; avoid guessing or repeatedly contacting witnesses yourself.
- If available, note troop or unit number, local council, meeting locations, and sponsoring organization.
- Keep membership records, camp photographs, or correspondence already in your possession.
- For an existing claim, retain the submission confirmation, claim number, and all review notices.
- Ask how sensitive records will be requested and protected before sending therapy notes or other private material.
Key events
A timeline of what has happened so far.
1910–2010s
BSA maintains internal 'Ineligible Volunteer Files' documenting suspected abusers, largely undisclosed.
2010
Kerry Lewis v. BSA — Oregon jury awards $18.5M in punitive damages; 'perversion files' begin to be unsealed.
2019–2020
California AB 218, New York CVA, and similar state revival statutes open a window for previously time-barred claims.
Feb 18, 2020
BSA files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the District of Delaware.
Nov 16, 2020
Bar date for survivors to file proofs of claim; more than 82,000 claims filed.
Sept 8, 2022
Bankruptcy court confirms the Plan of Reorganization creating the Survivors Trust.
Apr 19, 2023
Plan becomes effective; Trust begins reviewing claims and issuing distributions.
The BSA bar date has passed. If you filed a timely claim and need help understanding the Trust process or your distribution, or if you were abused in Scouting but never filed, call — we will tell you honestly what options remain.
Frequently asked
Questions answered plainly.
This page is for general information only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case statuses, MDL orders, and settlement terms change; call our office for a current review of your specific situation.
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