Diocese of Camden Reaches $180 Million Settlement with Abuse Survivors

Landmark agreement provides compensation and child protection measures after years of complex negotiations

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After more than five years of contested bankruptcy proceedings, the Diocese of Camden has agreed to establish a $180 million trust to compensate survivors of clergy sexual abuse. The settlement includes substantial financial compensation as well as non-monetary child protection measures to promote accountability and prevent future abuse.

Why it matters

This settlement represents a significant victory for survivors who have endured lifelong trauma from the abuse they suffered. It demonstrates the power of persistence and principled advocacy in holding institutions accountable, even in the face of legal and insurance resistance.

The details

The landmark agreement was reached between the Diocese, multiple insurance carriers, and a Plaintiffs' Survivors Committee that included courageous individuals represented by ACTS LAW. In addition to the $180 million compensation fund, the settlement includes important child protection measures to enhance transparency and safeguard against future abuse.

  • The settlement was reached in February 2026 after more than five years of complex negotiations.
  • The agreement remains subject to approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.

The players

ACTS LAW

A law firm dedicated to representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and holding institutions accountable for negligence, concealment, and systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur.

Derek T. Braslow

A partner at ACTS LAW and a New Jersey attorney representing survivors of sexual abuse nationally, who has devoted his career to advocating for survivors of abuse and institutional wrongdoing.

Diocese of Camden

A Roman Catholic diocese located in Camden, New Jersey that has been involved in long-running litigation with survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

Plaintiffs' Survivors Committee

A group of courageous individuals, including one client represented by ACTS LAW, who served on the committee to advocate for survivors' interests in the settlement negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“Today's settlement reflects the power of persistence and principled advocacy on behalf of survivors who have endured lifelong trauma.”

— Derek T. Braslow, Partner, ACTS LAW

“This settlement is the product of sustained advocacy in the face of significant legal and insurance resistance. Survivors and their families deserve justice and recognition of the profound harm they have suffered.”

— Derek T. Braslow, Partner, ACTS LAW

What’s next

The settlement remains subject to approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. Upon approval, the $180 million compensation fund will be administered through a court-supervised trust established exclusively to provide compensation to survivors of abuse by members of the Diocese's clergy.

The takeaway

This landmark settlement demonstrates the power of survivor advocacy and the importance of holding institutions accountable for enabling abuse. It provides both financial compensation and critical child protection measures to promote transparency and prevent future harm, offering a model for how institutions can be compelled to take responsibility and provide justice for survivors.