In a tragic and deeply unsettling case highlighting systemic failures, New Hampshire has reached a settlement of $2.25 million with Crystal Sorey, the mother of Harmony Montgomery, a five-year-old girl whose life was cut short by unspeakable violence. This agreement comes on the heels of a negligence lawsuit filed by Sorey against the state, alleging that social workers disregarded multiple warning signs of physical abuse when custody of Harmony was awarded to her father, Adam Montgomery, in early 2019.
Harmony’s story is one marked by horror and neglect. Adam Montgomery was eventually convicted of her murder, sentenced to a minimum of 56 years in prison, and is believed to have killed Harmony almost two years before her disappearance was reported in 2021. Authorities have stated that he concealed her body for months before disposing of it, a grim reality that underscores the urgent need for systemic reform in child welfare practices.
In response to the growing concerns around child safety and welfare, New Hampshire established the Office of the Child Advocate in 2018. This independent agency was designed to oversee child welfare services and advocate for the rights of children, aiming to prevent tragedies like Harmony’s. However, in a troubling turn of events, state lawmakers are now contemplating the elimination of this office in the upcoming budget—a decision that could have dire implications for vulnerable children across the state.
Attorney General John Formella, while announcing the settlement, made it clear that the state does not admit to any wrongdoing. He emphasized that the settlement was reached to avoid prolonged litigation and to offer some measure of peace to the grieving family. “We recognize their profound loss and hope this brings some measure of peace,” he stated, an acknowledgment of the emotional toll such tragedies inflict on families and communities.
This settlement is not an isolated incident. Earlier in July, the state agreed to pay $5.75 million to the mother of a boy from Laconia who was placed with a grandmother now charged with his death in 2019. Moreover, the state also settled with the father of a five-year-old boy who was killed by his mother in 2021. These cases raise critical questions about the efficacy of the child protection system in New Hampshire and whether current policies are sufficient to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
As discussions around the future of the Office of the Child Advocate unfold, experts and advocates are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences of dismantling such oversight. Research consistently shows that effective child advocacy can lead to better outcomes for children in the system. A 2020 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children who receive timely intervention from child welfare services are significantly less likely to experience repeated abuse or neglect.
In light of these developments, it is essential for citizens and lawmakers alike to engage in a dialogue about the necessity of robust child welfare systems. The tragic fate of Harmony Montgomery serves as a grim reminder that the stakes are not merely theoretical. They involve real lives and the potential for preventable tragedies if systemic issues are not addressed with urgency and transparency.
As this narrative continues to evolve, it is imperative for the public to stay informed and advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of children. The pain of losing a child to violence is unimaginable, and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated demands our collective attention and action.
