CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire has agreed to pay $2.25 million to Crystal Sorey, the mother of Harmony Montgomery, a 5-year-old girl whose tragic death has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the state’s child welfare system. Harmony’s father, Adam Montgomery, was convicted of her murder and is serving a minimum of 56 years in prison. The settlement, reached last month, resolves a negligence lawsuit filed by Sorey that accused state social workers of failing to act on clear signs of abuse before custody was awarded to her ex-husband in early 2019.
Harmony Montgomery’s story is one of heartbreaking loss and systemic failure. Police believe that Adam Montgomery killed his daughter nearly two years before she was reported missing in 2021. Despite extensive investigations, Harmony’s body has never been found. The devastating circumstances surrounding her death have shaken the community and cast a harsh spotlight on child protective services in New Hampshire.
Crystal Sorey’s lawsuit, filed in May 2024, alleged that social workers ignored multiple indications that her daughter was being physically abused after Adam Montgomery gained custody. The complaint highlighted missed opportunities and systemic shortcomings that may have contributed to the tragedy. Though the state settled the case for $2.25 million, it did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement.
This settlement follows a troubling pattern of recent payouts by New Hampshire’s government related to child welfare failures. In July 2024, the state agreed to pay $5.75 million to the mother of a boy from Laconia who was placed in the care of his grandmother—who is now charged with his death in 2019. In December, a settlement was reached with the father of five-year-old Merrimack, another child killed by a parent in 2021 after involvement with child protective services.
The frequency of such cases and substantial settlements have raised concerns about the effectiveness of New Hampshire’s child protection agencies. In response, the state created an Office of the Child Advocate in 2018 to serve as an independent watchdog, tasked with overseeing child welfare practices and ensuring accountability. However, lawmakers are now considering eliminating this office in the upcoming state budget, prompting criticism from child advocates and community leaders.
The decision to potentially dissolve the Office of the Child Advocate comes amid growing public scrutiny over the state’s handling of vulnerable children. Critics argue that removing this independent body could undermine efforts to protect children and prevent future tragedies like Harmony Montgomery’s death.
New Hampshire’s child welfare system faces challenges common to many states: resource limitations, staffing shortages, and complex caseloads that make it difficult to intervene effectively. Yet the recent string of high-profile cases underscores a pressing need for reforms and better oversight.
The $2.25 million settlement for Harmony Montgomery’s mother represents both a recognition of the profound loss suffered and a call to action. While monetary compensation cannot restore a life lost or fully address the systemic failures, it reflects accountability and offers some measure of support to the grieving family.
Moving forward, New Hampshire faces crucial decisions about the future of child welfare oversight. Maintaining an independent watchdog agency like the Office of the Child Advocate could play a vital role in preventing further tragedies and ensuring that social services fulfill their protective mission.
The state attorney general’s office declined to comment on the recent settlement or others from the past year, leaving many questions about ongoing efforts to improve child protection unanswered. Meanwhile, families affected by these losses continue to seek justice and reforms that will safeguard other children from harm.
Harmony Montgomery’s case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children within the foster and custody systems. It challenges communities and governments alike to prioritize child safety and build systems that can effectively intervene before lives are lost.
As New Hampshire grapples with these difficult issues, the hope remains that lessons learned from such tragedies will lead to stronger protections, better accountability, and a future where every child can grow up safe and nurtured. The memory of Harmony Montgomery and others lost too soon compels action—an enduring legacy that demands justice and change.
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