Last week, a significant decision was made that will allow Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), to continue to distribute compensation to tens of thousands of sex abuse survivors.
On January 12, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court declined the challenge to the Boy Scouts sex abuse settlement – a decision that may mark the end of litigation and prevent any future delays in compensation distribution. The decision was in response to an appeal filed in October 2025 by a group of plaintiffs who opposed part of the $2.46 billion settlement agreement finalized in 2022.
As part of the BSA’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan, which included the landmark settlement, plaintiffs were barred from taking legal action against other organizations that recruited children for the program. The caveat is that such organizations must contribute to the settlement fund.
While most of the more than 82,000 Boy Scouts sexual abuse survivors involved in the case supported the agreement, 75 plaintiffs had urged the review of their appeal, but were unsuccessful. Several plaintiffs' lawyers and the BSA have said the rejection of the challenge will help prevent any “re-trauma” and emotional distress that reopening litigation could cause.
However, there is one final legal move that the group of survivors may consider before final judgment.
Why Was the Boy Scouts Sex Abuse Settlement Plan Challenged?
Why a group of Boy Scouts abuse survivors appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to review their settlement challenge but were rejected is based on a few factors. Understanding the history of the litigation and the legislation changes that ultimately led to the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history is key to what their appeal was based on.
The History of Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse Allegations
The Boy Scouts of America had been facing backlash and public outcry surrounding sexual abuse long before their bankruptcy filing – and for good reason. In 2012, when the organization had already been defendants in numerous legal battles, a court order required the Boy Scouts to release files detailing abuse allegations between 1965 and 1985.
Known as the “perversion files”, it was revealed that the BSA had kept countless names of staff, volunteers, and leaders accused of sexually abusing children hidden from police for decades. But that's not all. Many suspected predators reported in the files were kept in roles that allowed them continued access to children and youth. Because of this, they were able to abuse more victims.
What Caused the Boy Scouts Bankruptcy Filing
Later, in 2020, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after around 200 lawsuits involving an estimated 1,700 sex abuse survivors were filed against the organization. The lawsuits were made possible due to new legislation enacted in several states. These laws had “lookback windows”, a set period of time for claims to be filed against organizations for their role in allowing and shielding predators accused of child sex abuse.
Lookback windows allowed individuals who were previously unable to file a lawsuit because of the statute of limitations to finally do so. And suddenly, survivors, many of whom had suffered in silence for decades, could pursue justice and compensation from those liable for the heinous crimes committed against them.
The introduction of lookback windows was in response to decades of advocacy by abuse support organizations, politicians, lawmakers, and survivors. Their argument to remove the statute of limitations and allow survivors to seek justice was based on the fact that disclosure of child sex abuse doesn’t typically happen until decades later, long after the statute of limitations. And yet, the short- and long-term impact this trauma causes is staggering. PTSD, substance abuse, depression, self-harm, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and anxiety are common effects of child sexual abuse. Being unable to seek justice can further add to the trauma.
Settlement Agreement Challenge in the Bankruptcy Plan
Fast forward to 2020. Once the scale of the Boy Scouts sex abuse lawsuits was revealed, the organization filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In 2022, the Boy Scouts bankruptcy plan was approved by a judge, and included a $2.46 billion settlement for the over 82,000 claimants.
But the agreement prevented plaintiffs from filing lawsuits against other organizations that they considered liable – those involved in recruiting and referring children to the program.
Preventing claimants from filing these other lawsuits is what the recent Supreme Court appeal was about. The 75 plaintiffs who pursued the appeal wanted their day in court to hold the churches and other community organizations that recruited them to the Boy Scouts accountable.
What’s Next for the Boy Scouts Sex Abuse Settlement Plan
The group of survivors who appealed all the way to the Supreme Court may choose to petition for a rehearing, a request for review of the rejection issued on January 12. Historically, such petitions have been largely denied, but it’s possible the Court will reconsider the challenge.
So far, over 36,000 plaintiffs have received compensation from the Boy Scouts settlement fund, but tens of thousands more survivors are still waiting. Sadly, many plaintiffs have passed away since the Boy Scouts sexual abuse lawsuits were filed.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused and are unsure what to do, there are resources and support organizations that can help. The National Sexual Assault hotline is available 24/7. You can call (1-800-656-HOPE), text, or start an online chat. The hotline can connect you to local and state resources.
From a legal standpoint, filing a civil lawsuit is often the only way to seek justice and be properly compensated for the trauma caused by sexual abuse. Consulting with an experienced sex abuse attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that the people and/ or organizations liable for what happened are held accountable.
