Institutional & Youth Organizations Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Survivors abused in Boy Scouts, churches, Boys & Girls Clubs, boarding schools, and youth programs are still coming forward nationwide. Many states have passed laws expanding or reviving the time survivors have to file claims, and large-scale settlements are reshaping how institutions are held accountable.

👉 If you were abused in a church, youth program, or organization, you may still have a path to justice. Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP for a free, confidential case review.

Who We Represent

We fight for survivors who were abused in:

• Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
• Catholic dioceses and other religious institutions (including Jehovah’s Witnesses, LDS, Southern Baptist entities)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and affiliates
• Private boarding schools, camps, and youth sports programs

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) — What’s Open Now?

The BSA Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan created a $2.46 billion Settlement Trust for over 82,000 claims. The Trust is actively issuing determinations and pursuing insurers for additional funding, as validated claims may exceed available assets (Scouting Settlement Trust | Wikipedia).

• The national bankruptcy bar date (Nov. 16, 2020) has passed.
• Some states, however, created BSA-specific revival windows (e.g., Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Alabama).

Because the bankruptcy injunction complicates new filings, it’s critical to consult a lawyer to evaluate your state’s options (CHILD USA).

Catholic Dioceses & Religious Institutions

Dozens of dioceses have filed bankruptcy or entered global settlements following state revival windows:

• San Diego Diocese: Proof-of-claim deadline Feb. 3, 2025 
• Baltimore Archdiocese: Bar date passed May 31, 2024; litigation continues on plan and asset allocation.
• New Orleans Archdiocese: Proposed $230M settlement announced September 2025; pending survivor vote and court approval.

We also represent survivors abused within the Jehovah’s Witnesses, LDS (Mormon) Church, and Southern Baptist Convention.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)

A nationwide investigation documented hundreds of allegations across BGCA affiliates spanning decades, sparking safety reforms and litigation in multiple states. Lawsuits continue where statutes of limitations permit, especially in revival-window jurisdictions.

Contact Us Today for a FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse from an institutional or youth organization, don’t wait to seek legal help.

Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro today for a FREE consultation.

Call (800) 675-8556 or contact us online to get started. 

Schools, Camps & Youth Sports

Private schools, boarding schools, and summer camps have faced waves of lawsuits under revival statutes. States like California and New York saw particularly large filings.

Claims against public schools (e.g., LAUSD) are covered on our Youth Facility Sexual Abuse Lawsuits page

Can I Still File?

Eligibility depends on your state’s statutes of limitations or revival windows:

• Many states still have open or newly extended windows (CHILD USA tracker).
• NYC’s gender-motivated violence lookback window closed in 2025, but other state windows remain active (Crumiller LLP).

Our attorneys will map your eligibility, including:

• State-specific SOLs and lookback laws
• Bankruptcy bar dates and injunctions
• Charter organization and insurer liability

What We Do for Survivors

• Evaluate eligibility based on your state and institution
• Identify liable entities including national bodies, local affiliates, dioceses, and insurers
• File trust claims or lawsuits in the proper jurisdiction
• Protect survivor privacy and connect you with trauma-informed resources

👉 Talk to a survivor-advocate attorney today. Free & confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

I filed with the BSA Trust—do I still need a lawyer?

Yes. Claim valuation, documentation, and ongoing insurer litigation can affect your recovery. Legal counsel helps maximize your award and navigate appeals (Scouting Settlement Trust).

My church/diocese filed bankruptcy—what does a “bar date” mean?

A bar date is a strict deadline to file a proof of claim in a bankruptcy case. Missing it may forfeit compensation (e.g., San Diego: Feb. 3, 2025; Baltimore: May 31, 2024) (Angeion Group).

I was abused at a Boys & Girls Club—can I sue the national organization?

Often, lawsuits proceed against the local affiliate and enabling parties. Strategy depends on state law and organizational structure (CT Insider).

Contact Us Today

If you were abused in Scouts, church, a youth program, or club, you deserve accountability.

📞 Call (800) 675-8556 or start a confidential intake today.