NH Lawmakers Probe 'Illegal Practices' at Youth Detention Center

Watchdog cites abuse, neglect claims at Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a set of metal handcuffs or other restraint device, the harsh flash lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures that convey a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of the allegations against the juvenile detention facility.Allegations of abuse and neglect at the Sununu Youth Services Center have prompted a legislative investigation into the treatment of vulnerable youth in state custody.Manchester Today

New Hampshire legislators have launched an investigation into recent abuse allegations at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester, the state's primary juvenile detention facility, after the Office of the Child Advocate reported documented incidents of physical restraint, delayed medical care, and other 'illegal practices' at the facility.

Why it matters

The probe comes as the state faces hundreds of civil claims from adults alleging physical and sexual abuse at the facility, formerly known as the Youth Development Center, decades ago. The new allegations raise concerns about ongoing issues with the treatment of vulnerable youth in state custody.

The details

The Office of the Child Advocate said it has increased oversight at the Sununu center after reviewing video footage that allegedly showed staff using physical restraint without imminent risk of harm and holding a child with a broken arm in an illegal prone position for over three minutes. The report also cited a delay in medical care for a broken bone. A subcommittee led by state Sens. Sharon Carson and Victoria Sullivan has already visited the facility and met with the Attorney General's office and Disability Rights Commission, with plans to directly interview children and staff.

  • On March 30, the Office of the Child Advocate notified the Executive Council of the abuse allegations in a written report.
  • The legislative subcommittee was established immediately after the allegations came to light.

The players

Sununu Youth Services Center

The state's primary juvenile detention facility, formerly known as the Youth Development Center, where the state faces hundreds of civil claims from adults alleging historical abuse.

Office of the Child Advocate

The state's child protection watchdog agency that reported the documented abuse and neglect incidents to the Executive Council.

Chuck Miles

A survivor of alleged abuse at several New Hampshire facilities who now serves on the board of the organization Justice for YDC.

Cassandra Sanchez

The New Hampshire Child Advocate who said her department is increasing oversight at the Sununu center.

Sharon Carson

The Republican state senator who chairs the Oversight Commission on Children's Services and established the investigative subcommittee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was one of many children abused in state custody because of its institutional failures. The fact that grievous physical abuse and neglect are still happening — and on video, no less — at a time when the facility is under such intense scrutiny should be deeply troubling to all New Hampshire citizens, legislators, and government officials. At this point it is clear the state cannot credibly investigate itself.”

— Chuck Miles, Board member, Justice for YDC

“These are deeply serious allegations that demand swift and decisive action.”

— Sharon Carson, State Senator, Chair of Oversight Commission on Children's Services

“These are vulnerable young people who often lack consistent support, and to see them failed again by the very adults responsible for their care is unacceptable.”

— Victoria Sullivan, State Senator

What’s next

The legislative subcommittee plans to meet directly with children and staff at the Sununu Youth Services Center as the next step in their investigation.

The takeaway

The new allegations of abuse and neglect at the Sununu Youth Services Center, coming amid the state's ongoing reckoning with historical abuse claims, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform and oversight to protect vulnerable youth in state custody.