Boy Scouts of America files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
ALPENA, Mich. — The Boy Scouts of America has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in response to tens of thousands of abuse claims that have been filed against the organization. For more than 100 years millions of youth have benefited from scouting, but the number of scouts affected by past abuse has been devastating. Alpena Scoutmaster, Christopher Harsch, said he felt disappointment when he heard the number of claims.
Harsch said since the claims, they have a new policy called Youth Protection where two leaders instead of one are assigned to scouts.
He said he understands talking about abuse can be traumatic, but he encourages scouts to use their resources.
Harsch added that one of the first things they teach scouts is the importance of trust and he shared his feelings about those who have violated that trust of the scouts.
Abuse claims were filed in advance of the November 16, deadline set by the court in the national organization’s Chapter 11 case. Next steps are claims will be reviewed while the organization works to develop a plan of reorganization.
