Sex abuse victims poised to receive settlements

From: WMTW, ME - 24 Feb 2003

PORTLAND (AP) -- More than 20 years after their sex abuse allegations were substantiated, former students at the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf are about to receive financial settlements.

The Legislature established a $6 million fund for victims, and the Baxter Compensation Authority is beginning to review their claims.

The three-member panel will hear from the victims and then award $25,000, $60,000 or $100,000 depending on the severity, duration and impact of the abuse.

Advocates for the deaf say no amount of money can undo the terrible damage done by officials at the state-run school in Falmouth between the 1950s and the 1970s.

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