Justice for YDC Victims is a non-profit issue advocacy organization created by survivors and their allies in order to elevate the voices of victims who experienced decades of abuse while in the care of New Hampshire’s state-run Youth Development Center (YDC) system. The organization’s mission is to fight for justice for YDC abuse survivors and to ensure their needs are heard in the State House, including by encouraging New Hampshire lawmakers to uphold the commitments the state has made to the YDC Settlement Fund.

In 2024, the legislature worked with victim advocates to enact legislation improving the fund and targeting $75 million per year to cover settlements. It was finally a step in the right direction for so many who had suffered at the hands of ongoing physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from the state-run YDC facilities.

But now, that promise is at risk.

The latest budget slashes funding to just $10 million per year and there are hundreds of outstanding claims waiting to be met. 

Underfunding the settlement process only raises doubts that these victims will ever see justice. The cost of ignoring victims is far greater than the cost of keeping a promise.

We are calling on the state to follow through on its commitment to these victims.

Want to get involved, share your story, or ask questions? We want to hear from you.