Over 170 former Boy Scouts have filed lawsuits against six Maryland-based Boy Scouts councils, alleging they were sexually abused by leaders, youth leaders, or camp personnel during their time in the Scouting program. The lawsuits, which were filed last week, claim that the local councils failed in their duty to protect the children under their care, allowing sexual abuse to persist for decades.
The allegations in the lawsuits span from the 1950s to the early 2000s, with many of the victims claiming they were as young as 7 to 10 years old when the abuse occurred. The lawsuits name the Baltimore Area Council, National Capital Area Council, Del-Mar-Va Council, Laurel Highlands Council, and Chester County Council as defendants. The victims, now aged 30 to 80, allege that they were coerced into sexual acts by trusted figures in the Scouting community, who abused their authority and the trust placed in them by young children and their families.
Child Sexual Abuse Allegations in the Boy Scouts Program
The plaintiffs in the lawsuits claim that the abuse occurred within the Boy Scouts program, where victims were promised protection, mentorship, and positive guidance. Instead, they allege, they were exposed to inappropriate and traumatic abuse by figures who were meant to safeguard their well-being. The lawsuits specifically highlight the role of local councils in not providing adequate supervision or protection for minors and in silencing allegations of abuse, sometimes even pressuring victims to remain silent.
The plaintiffs accuse the councils of failing to provide proper training for staff members and not properly screening volunteers. In some cases, the lawsuit claims, the councils failed to warn Scouts and their families about credible abuse allegations against certain leaders. Rather than taking action to protect the children, the lawsuit argues, the councils chose to remain silent, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.
Impact of Maryland’s Child Victims Act
These lawsuits come as part of a broader trend of legal action taken by survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The Child Victims Act in Maryland, passed in 2023, opened a new window for survivors to file lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that enabled the abuse. However, recent changes to the law have sparked controversy, particularly concerning compensation limits for survivors. The 2025 amendments to the Child Victims Act limit damages for survivors to $400,000, down from $890,000, creating a rush for victims to file lawsuits before the deadline, which falls on June 1, 2025.
The History of Abuse within the Boy Scouts of America
The lawsuits against the local Maryland councils are part of a much larger pattern of abuse allegations against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which has faced ongoing lawsuits related to sexual abuse for decades. The national organization filed for bankruptcy in 2020 amid thousands of claims filed by victims, with the BSA agreeing to a $2.4 billion settlement plan. While the BSA has taken steps to improve safety in recent years, many survivors feel the organization has failed to take responsibility for its past actions, and the local councils are now facing similar legal challenges for their role in failing to protect children.
In addition to the lawsuits involving local councils, a report published by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office found over 600 children were abused by 165 different church employees, teachers, and staff members, leading to further legal action against institutions involved in abuse and neglect.
What’s at Stake for Survivors of Abuse in the Scouting Program?
For the plaintiffs in these lawsuits, justice is not just about financial compensation but also about holding the institutions accountable for their negligence. The allegations in these lawsuits detail horrific abuses that impacted the lives of victims for decades, leading to long-term emotional and psychological trauma. For survivors, it is critical that their voices are heard, that those responsible for allowing the abuse are held accountable, and that other children are protected from similar harm in the future.
The lawsuits seek financial damages for the harm suffered by the victims, but they also aim to create systemic change. By pursuing justice in the courts, the plaintiffs hope to prevent further abuse within the Boy Scouts organization and other institutions that have a duty to protect vulnerable children.
File a Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against the Boy Scouts of America
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual abuse while in the Boy Scouts program, you are not alone. The legal team partnering with Helping Survivors is here to assist you in pursuing justice, whether you are just starting to speak out or have been silenced for many years. Our compassionate attorneys understand the trauma that survivors of abuse face, and we are dedicated to helping them navigate the legal process.
We can help survivors who have not yet stepped forward and guide them through the complex process of filing a lawsuit against the perpetrators and the institutions that failed to protect them. Whether the abuse occurred in Maryland or another state, we are here to provide support, offer guidance, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and healing.
