There are a couple of different options for plaintiffs seeking justice and compensation for the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of New Hampshire youth detention center employees.

The New Hampshire State Senate has passed a bill to create a system designed to settle the growing number of youth detention center abuse cases.

As the House did earlier in the year, the Senate gave its overwhelming support to a bill that would create a $100 million settlement fund for the hundreds of people who’ve claimed they were sexually or physically abused as children while held at the state’s former Youth Development Center.

However, this option has a few caps on claims, including:

• $1.5 million for sexual abuse;
• $150,000 for physical abuse; and,
• the exclusion of emotional abuse.

Also under the bill, victims cannot file a claim or know what the state will offer them until after they’ve waived their right to file a lawsuit.

The litigation process is described as "a more victim-centered and trauma-informed process than traditional litigation," according to the attorney general's office.

"No victim is required to use this process, but it is my hope that this bill will provide an avenue for much-needed healing and compensation for many of these victims," Attorney General John Formella said in a statement.

A New Hampshire Department of Justice spokesman issued a statement that maintained, "There will still remain a remedy for victims of types of abuse not covered by this bill.

“The Attorney General’s Office will retain the ability to settle those claims within the traditional settlement authority the AG is afforded under New Hampshire law.”

The Shield Justice Watch team encourages sexual abuse victims that suffered while incarcerated at a New Hampshire youth detention center (YDC) to come forward for a free, private case evaluation for potential justice and compensation!