David Almond’s Legacy: $10 Million Settlement and Lasting Changes to Protect Vulnerable Children

The resolution of David Almond’s case marks an important milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has agreed to a $10 million settlement, subject to court approval, following David’s tragic death in 2020 while under the supervision of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Justice Law Collaborative attorneys Paula Bliss and Kimberly Dougherty, who represent David’s estate, have worked to ensure that this tragedy leads to meaningful accountability and lasting change. Beyond the financial settlement, David’s case has helped shine a light on critical failures within the child welfare system and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable children.

In the years following David’s death, Massachusetts has undertaken substantial reforms to its child welfare system, including strengthened safety assessments, revised supervision and family assessment policies, improved coordination around education and disability services, and the appointment of DCF’s first director of disability services.

These changes, intended to prevent similar tragedies and better protect children in the future, are an important part of David’s legacy.

The settlement and its broader implications have received widespread media attention. Below, we share coverage of the case, the proposed settlement, and the continuing efforts to make Massachusetts’ child welfare system more accountable.