March 26, 2026

Judge Boyle confirmed as new Settlement Fund Administrator

To our clients—

We have just received word that the Executive Council unanimously confirmed Judge Gerard Boyle as the new Settlement Fund administrator. This marks some progress in the claims process. Though it will take time for Judge Boyle to begin reviewing and settling claims, we are hopeful this step will put us back on track soon, and that Boyle will bring independence and fairness to the process.

Still, no administrator, no matter how fair, can solve the existing funding shortfall or restore the independence that the state originally promised you. Here’s where we stand now:

• The state legislature still needs to fully fund the Settlement Fund. Right now, the fund does not have enough money to pay the awards approved by the prior administrator, let alone new awards.
• The Attorney General’s Office has the power to veto the administrator’s decisions.
• Governor Kelly Ayotte can fire the administrator if she does not like how he is doing his job.
• We’re still fighting on multiple fronts to reverse the changes that allow the Executive branch to veto awards and fire the administrator.

It is too soon to tell when the fund will be up and running, but we are closely monitoring the situation and will reach out to you as we know more.

What can you do help?

As survivors, your voices are critical to raising public awareness and bringing firsthand perspective to our lawsuit. The media can be a great avenue to do so.

In the past, many of you have expressed an interest in working with media outlets to discuss your thoughts and reactions to the YDC litigation, settlement fund, and other group home cases. Many media outlets want to hear your stories, so we are gathering the names of people who might like to participate in the future.

Please email us at YDCLawyers@nixonpeabody.com if you would like to be considered for future media interviews or appearances. If you decide to participate, please tell us if you prefer to be identified by your name or by your John or Jane Doe #, along with your level of comfort being photographed or videotaped.

We would then hold a meeting to help prepare you for any specific media opportunities that might arise.

Jury trial update

Court cases are also moving forward. This week, a jury was selected for the trial of Stephen Murphy, one of the former YDC employees facing sexual assault charges. The trial is expected to begin on Monday, March 30.

We’re also preparing for the first trial in our group home cases, which is set to begin this June in Merrimack County Superior Court. We are also hoping to take the next of our YDC cases to trial in August in Rockingham County Superior Court. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as these cases progress.

Thank you

Thank you for your patience as we proceed down the long road to justice. We will continue to provide regular updates and reach out to you directly once your resolution proceedings or court dates are scheduled.

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Thank you,