Senate Launches Probe Into Abuse Allegations at Youth Detention Center

Lawmakers form subcommittee to investigate claims of punitive conditions and medical neglect at Sununu Youth Services Center

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:58am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty government hallway, with warm sunlight streaming through windows and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solemnity and unease about the allegations of mistreatment at the youth detention facility.The investigation into alleged abuse at a New Hampshire youth detention center casts a somber light on the state's responsibility to protect vulnerable children in its care.Manchester Today

Senate President Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, announced the formation of a subcommittee to investigate allegations of abuse and punitive treatment at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. The investigation follows a report from the state's Office of the Child Advocate detailing claims of children being subjected to long periods of isolation, denied access to school and outdoor time, and facing delays in medical care after a restraint incident resulted in a broken bone.

Why it matters

The allegations at the Sununu Youth Services Center, formerly known as the Youth Development Center (YDC), raise serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable youth in state custody and the oversight of residential facilities for children. The investigation could lead to reforms to improve conditions and accountability at the center.

The details

According to the Office of the Child Advocate report, children at the Sununu Youth Services Center were kept under a protracted lockdown status for approximately six weeks in March 2026, facing restrictions like being forbidden from going outdoors and denied access to full school programs. The report also details a specific incident on March 17, 2026, in which a child was allegedly held in an illegal prone restraint position for 3 1/2 minutes, resulting in a broken bone. The watchdog noted delays in providing medical care for the injury and discrepancies between the facility's internal reports and video footage of the incident.

  • On April 10, 2026, Senate President Sharon Carson announced the formation of a subcommittee to investigate the allegations.
  • The Office of the Child Advocate report is dated March 30, 2026 and details incidents that occurred in early March 2026.

The players

Sharon Carson

A Republican state senator from Londonderry, New Hampshire, who serves as the Senate President and announced the formation of a subcommittee to investigate the allegations at the Sununu Youth Services Center.

Cassandra Sanchez

The director of the New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate, which serves as a watchdog for the state's residential facilities for youth and child protection system.

Chris Sununu

The Governor of New Hampshire, who stated the state will take necessary action to protect children and ensure the system is functioning correctly.

Chuck Miles

A former resident of the facility who reported being abused in state care 35 years ago and expressed skepticism about the state's ability to implement meaningful change.

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What they’re saying

“We are in jail now”

— Child, Resident of Sununu Youth Services Center

“I don't want to become one of those mental kids, but this is going to make me one”

— Child, Resident of Sununu Youth Services Center

“The lack of care for children in the system has remained constant since my own time in state custody”

— Chuck Miles, Former resident of the facility

What’s next

The newly formed subcommittee has already visited the Sununu Youth Services Center, and Senate President Carson stated the state will act to ensure children receive necessary support. The subcommittee is expected to provide a full report on its findings.

The takeaway

The allegations at the Sununu Youth Services Center highlight ongoing concerns about the treatment of vulnerable youth in state custody and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures at residential facilities for children. The investigation could lead to reforms to improve conditions and protect the wellbeing of young people in the state's care.