Boys Scouts of America Bankruptcy
Informational Document
This document is for general information purposes only.
It is not, nor is it intended to, constitute legal advice.
1. What has happened with respect to the Boy Scouts of America?
On February 18, 2020, the Boy Scouts of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, primarily to deal with asserted and unasserted claims related to childhood sexual abuse. The case is known as In re Boy Scouts of America and Delaware BSA, LLC, No. 20-10343 (Bankr. D. Del.).
Only the Boy Scouts of America and its wholly-owned affiliate, Delaware BSA, LLC, filed for bankruptcy. The local councils that are financially independent organizations did not file.
The bankruptcy court established November 16, 2020 as the deadline for filing abuse proofs of claim. Claims filed after this date, or claims that are not filed, will be permanently barred.
2. What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Chapter 11 bankruptcy involves a reorganization of a debtor’s business affairs, debts and assets. A debtor that has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy may continue to operate. This allows the debtor time to restructure or reorganize its debts.
3. What if my congregation did not have a Boy Scouts of America charter?
If you are certain your congregation does not have a charter, has never had a charter, and has never had a Scouting troop meeting at your congregation you do not need to take any additional action or file a proof of claim.
4. If we have or have had a charter what should we do now? Do we need to hire an attorney?
If your congregation has or has had a charter with the Boy Scouts of America, your congregation might consider filing a proof of claim with the bankruptcy court prior to the November 16, 2020 deadline.
If your congregation has received notice of a sexual abuse claim related to your Boy Scouts of America charter or information suggesting that a sexual abuse claim related to your charter may be forthcoming, your congregation should notify its insurance carrier and also file a general proof of claim prior to the November 16, 2020 deadline for filing proofs claims with the bankruptcy court.
If you have questions about this filing or are uncertain about how to proceed, you should consult with an attorney.
5. What is a proof of claim?
A proof of claim is a written statement setting forth a creditor’s claim. It may represent a right to payment or equitable remedy from the entity that filed for bankruptcy.
In this matter, a proof of claim is required to vote on a Chapter 11 reorganization plan for the Boy Scouts of America. It is also how your congregation might seek payment or contributions from the Boy Scouts of America should Scouting abuse claims (occurring on or before February 18, 2020) be brought against your congregation.
Survivors of sexual abuse would file a Sexual Abuse Survivor Proof of claim. Others, including entities that have or have had charters, would file a General Proof of Claim.
6. Does the Episcopal Church or the Diocese of Missouri represent my congregation in this matter?
No. Neither the nationwide organization nor the Diocese represent your congregation in this matter or any other legal matter.
7. What is the last day to file a proof of claim?
All proofs of claim must be received before the Bar Date, November 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). After this, claims will be barred and will no longer be received by the court.
8. How can a proof of claim be filed?
IF BY FIRST CLASS MAIL, OVERNIGHT COURIER, OR HAND DELIVERY:
BSA Claims Processing
c/o Omni Agent Solutions
5955 De Soto Ave., Suite 100
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
IF ELECTRONICALLY:
A proof of claim may be filed via the website established by the Boys Scouts of America Claims and Noticing Agent, using the Electronic Filing system at the link below:
http://www.omniagentsolutions.com/bsaclaims
General Proofs of Claim will be deemed filed only when received at the address listed above or via the Electronic Filing System on or before the applicable Bar Date. General Proofs of Claim may not be delivered by email, facsimile, or telecopy transmission (other than General Proofs of Claim filed electronically through the Electronic Filing System).
The General Proof of Claim from may be found here:
https://casedocs.omniagentsolutions.com/CMSVol2/pub_47373/823244_BSA_GeneralPOC.pdf
9. What happens if we had a charter, but we do not file a proof of claim?
If your congregation does not file a timely proof of claim, you may have no recourse against the Boy Scouts of America if scouting abuse claims emerge against your congregation.
10. Should we end our relationship with the Boy Scouts of America?
The decision to continue or end your congregation’s relationship with the Boy Scouts should be made with the protection and well-being of children as your primary focus.
11. What does the bankruptcy filing mean for sexual abuse claims brought against the BSA?
In an official approved noticefrom the bankruptcy court, the Boy Scouts of America indicated that the bankruptcy was filed, “…in order to restructure its nonprofit organization and pay sexual abuse survivors.”
Survivors of scouting abuse (that occurred on or before February 18, 2020) who do not file a Sexual Abuse Proof of Claim by November 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) may lose or waive their rights to file a claim against the Boy Scouts of America.
After a Sexual Abuse Survivor Proof of Claim has been filed and approved, sexual abuse survivors may receive compensation from the bankruptcy.
12. How can Scouting sexual abuse survivors in my congregation report abuse?
Victims who experienced sexual abuse in Scouting on or before February 18, 2020, and who were under age 18 when the abuse occurred should file a Sexual Abuse Proof of Claim.
The website established by the Boy Scouts of America Claims and Noticing Agent includes a page for Survivors and a link to the Sexual Abuse Survivor Proof of Claim form.
https://cases.omniagentsolutions.com/content/index?clientid=CsgAAncz%2b6Yclmvv9%2fq5CG ybTGevZSjdVimQq9zQutqmTPHesk4PZDyfOOLxIiIwZjXomPlMZCo%3d&vid=792910
Victims of Scouting abuse might also consult a reputable attorney.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR CONGREGATION HAS INFORMATION ABOUT ABUSE IN SCOUTING OR ANY OTHER ABUSE AGAINST CHILDREN, PLEASE REPORT THIS INFORMATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IMMEDIATELY. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS TO CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGENCIES OR OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN YOUR AREA.
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