Boy Scouts Of America
About BSA Chapter 11
About This Case
The Boy Scouts of America declared Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on February 17, 2020. Following that, on May 26, 2020, the bankruptcy court established a claims bar date, which served as the final deadline for survivors of child sexual abuse by a BSA volunteer or employee to submit their claims formally. Survivors were given until November 16, 2020, to file a claim. Even though this claims bar date has elapsed, we advise survivors of scout abuse to consult with an attorney to explore their legal options.
Below is chronologically ordered list of milestones related to Boy Scouts of America Litigation
2020
- February – BSA files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- May – Bar date set (deadline: November 16)
- November – Bar date: deadline to file claims passes; over 82,000 survivors submit claims
2021
- Q1–Q3 – Settlement negotiations; development of the Plan of Reorganization (“The Plan”)
- December – Initial voting deadline for claimants to approve or reject the Plan
2022
- March – 85% of claimants vote to approve the Plan
- July – Judge Laurie Silverstein approves most of the Plan
- September – Bankruptcy Court grants final approval of the Plan
2023
- April 19 – The Plan becomes effective; the Scouting Settlement Trust is established
- April 24 – Multiple appeals filed with the Third Circuit from confirmation of the BSA plan of reorganization
- August 17 – Processing portal (“The Portal”) opens for all claims
- December - Trustee sets claim filing deadline (5/31/2025)
2024
- February 22 – Emergency stay denied in light of Purdue Pharma decision; BSA appeal proceeds
- May 31 – Original Matrix claim review deadline
- July 26 – Updated Matrix claim review deadline
- November 13 – Oral arguments held before the Third Circuit (three-judge panel)
2025
- January 23 - The Trust announces completion of 25% of Matrix claim reviews
- May 13 – Third Circuit issues opinion affirming Plan confirmation, citing statutory mootness
- May 19 – The Trust announces completion of 50% of Matrix claim reviews
- Late May – Appellants file petition for rehearing en banc
- June 13 – Third Circuit denies rehearing en banc
Statistics
Trust a firm fighting to give voices back to the unheard
JJJ: BSOA Case Updates - News

In a recent turn of events, a group of claimants in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) sex abuse case have requested a pause to the organization's bankruptcy settlement plan. This move comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear a challenge regarding Purdue Pharma LP’s $6 billion opioid deal. The Supreme Court will be considering whether the U.S. bankruptcy code allows for the release of claims, without consent, against individuals and entities linked to a bankrupt company but not themselves bankrupt. These are known as third-party, nonconsensual discharges, and they are among the most contentious issues in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. These discharges were a significant point of contention in the BSA's bankruptcy plan, which aimed to settle decades worth of sex abuse claims filed by former Scouts. The claimant group argues that the BSA's $2.64 billion plan should be paused, as a decision in the Purdue case could occur while their own case is still under appeal. The claimant group suggests that a stay of the plan would conserve funds that might otherwise be spent on implementing a plan that could be invalidated if the Supreme Court rules against non consensual third-party releases. The claimants also noted that the settlement trust, established to distribute funds to survivors, has not yet disbursed the money. Therefore, a pause wouldn't negatively impact claimants. Tens of thousands of former Boy Scouts stand to receive compensation for alleged childhood sexual abuse. In addition to these developments, the Trustee, Hon. Barbara J. Houser (Ret.), has announced the opening of the claims processing portal to all claimants, marking a significant step towards delivering compensation and justice to survivors. Previously, the claims processing portal was launched on August 4 for approximately 7,000 claimants who chose the Expedited Distribution Abuse Claim option. Now, an estimated 75,000 claimants or their counsel will receive credentials to access the portal. This will allow them to complete the Trust Claims Questionnaire and submit supporting documentation for the trustees review. Despite The Boy Scouts of America announcing in April that the settlement had come into effect, the Third Circuit rejected the claimants' initial request to pause the bankruptcy plan. The Supreme Court has announced it will hear the Purdue case in December which could be a pivotal point for claims distribution in the case against The Boy Scouts of America. Should you have a case against the Boy Scouts of America and have further questions please reach out to your attorneys office. If you or someone you know has been effected by Childhood Sexual abuse please understand there are resources available such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673). While this article provides general legal information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer.

This settlement comes after the Third Circuit Court of Appeals decided not to halt the BSA's bankruptcy plan. The next step involves transferring the settlement amount to a victims' trust and processing the 82,000 claims. The evaluation of each claim will be based on complex formulas, considering the harm suffered and the state where the abuse took place.







