The New Hampshire Executive Council voted unanimously Wednesday to confirm Gerard Boyle as administrator of the Youth Development Center settlement fund. Boyle will oversee a pool of money established to compensate victims of abuse within the state’s juvenile justice system.
The fund emerged after an avalanche of allegations surfaced against YDC staff. Victims described assaults, rapes, and emotional abuse perpetrated against young detainees. Since then, the state has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements.
Initially, the judicial branch appointed an administrator to oversee the fund. Both victims’ lawyers and the Attorney General’s Office endorsed that arrangement. However, lawmakers inserted a provision into last June’s state budget that changed the process. The position now requires a gubernatorial appointment. Gov. Kelly Ayotte subsequently selected Boyle, a former circuit court judge in Concord.
Council Members Express Confidence
Councilor Joe Kenney praised the selection during Wednesday’s meeting.
“This guy’s got it all,” Kenney said. “A family, public service, character, integrity, and everything that we need in this role right now for a very difficult time.”
Kenney added that Boyle wants to work quickly and fairly. “He wants to get this stain off the back of New Hampshire and move forward in a positive direction,” Kenney said.
Critics Question the Change
The transition from independent administrator to political appointee sparked controversy. Critics have called the shift a broken promise to victims. Some argue the state is attempting to influence how much it ultimately pays in settlements. Additionally, the new legislation granted the attorney general veto power over settlements.
Boyle served as a circuit judge for 21 years. He also presided over the Merrimack County Teen Court. Beyond his judicial career, Boyle is a Marine Corps veteran and remains involved with the Scouting America youth program.
