New Hampshire Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander Calls for Federal Investigation Following Longstanding Reports of Abuse at Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester
MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE (August 7, 2026) – At least 1,300 people have come forward and said they sustained abuse as children during their time at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester.
The reports of abuse have prompted NH congresswoman Maggie Goodlander to call for a federal investigation into the living conditions at the facility. She issued the following statement to the press.
“New Hampshire’s own independent watchdogs have documented serious and ongoing concerns at the Sununu Center. Every child in the State’s care, and every survivor who has come forward, deserves the truth and accountability. Now. An independent federal investigation is a critical step to delivering on both.”
Abuse survivors have filed nearly 1,200 lawsuits over the years. At least two independent watchdogs have also documented ongoing concerns at the facility. For example, there have been reports of unlawful restraints and delayed medical care.
There have also been reports that certain children have been exposed to prolonged isolation. A full investigation into all of the allegations remains ongoing at this time.
Don’t Wait: If you or a loved one has been abused at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester, you may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys can provide a risk-free legal consultation and let you know what your legal options are. There is limited time to take action due to statutes of limitations. You can call us anytime at (617) 870-0907.
Liability for Abuse at New Hampshire Juvenile Detention Facilities
When the state restricts the freedom of youth in New Hampshire, certain constitutional protections must apply. In particular, all persons have a right to due process and equal protection under the law. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983, no local or federal facility is permitted to use excessive force while acting under the color of law. New Hampshire law also affords certain protections against seclusion and restraints under RSA Chapter 126-U. When reviewing any injury or claim of abuse at a detention facility, certain issues are particularly important.
- Force: Investigators will look at whether or not any use of force was reasonably necessary for a safety concern or other legitimate purpose.
- Monitoring: Investigators will look at whether staff continuously monitored a person who is showing signs of medical distress during any type of restraint.
- Supervision: Investigators will look at whether staff at the facility were properly supervising and whether or not facility policies were designed to prevent foreseeable sources of harm.
- Documentation: Investigators will look at whether or not any incidents or complaints of restraints were properly documented and investigated.
When a correctional facility engages in any type of sexual abuse or illegal conduct, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Consider, for example, Santana v. Collazo, 714 F.2d 1172 (1st Cir. 1983). The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit considered a case where juveniles who had not been convicted of crimes were subjected to bodily restraints and confinement conditions. In that case, the court held that restrictions on the liberty of the detainees must be reasonably related to a legitimate objective within the institution, as opposed to forms of punishment.
Protecting Youth at New Hampshire Correctional Facilities
Physical and sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers across the United States remains much more common than many people realize. According to one report by the US Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 7.1% of youth in correctional facilities reported being the victims of sexual violence. This includes 5.8% of respondents who reported being sexually abused by facility staff. Protecting youth from dangerous conditions at these facilities requires that certain safeguards and reporting mechanisms are properly in place.
- Understanding: Correctional facilities should work to understand the factors that lead to sexual victimization and predation.
- Screening: Correctional facilities should conduct a screening to identify any inmate’s vulnerability to sexual victimization or propensity to engage in abusive behavior.
- Staffing: Correctional facilities should have adequate staffing at all times to enforce rules and properly supervise.
- Evidence: Correctional facilities should preserve all physical and electronic evidence related to claims of sexual abuse or other illegal conduct.
Sexual abuse and excessive force in any facility is rarely the result of misconduct on the part of a single person. It tends to be the result of numerous failures across the board. This includes situations where reports of abuse or misconduct are not properly investigated. Sadly, at many juvenile detention facilities there is a culture of dehumanization. Even if one guard witnesses abuse, they are not always likely to speak up out of fear of losing their job or retaliation.
Steps to Take After Abuse at New Hampshire Juvenile Detention Facilities
Sexual and physical abuse remains one of the most harmful and traumatic experiences that children will ever go through in their lives. According to Brave Hearts, “Adult survivors of child sexual abuse may experience sexual disturbance or dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Research has found that anxiety, fear, and suicidal ideation and behaviour are more likely in instances where the perpetrator used force and threat of force.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any instance of abuse at a juvenile detention facility.
- Report: The abuse should be reported through any internal reporting system and to the police as early as possible.
- Evidence: All of the evidence associated with the abuse should be collected and preserved. This includes interviewing any person who may have been a witness.
- Internal Reports: Any internal reports created against the suspected perpetrator should be carefully scrutinized.
- Legal Review: Victims of sexual or physical abuse at New Hampshire juvenile detention facilities should carefully consider their legal options with a team experienced in constitutional claims.
Abuse at juvenile detention facilities tends to be highly preventable. Part of the problem is that people who should step up and take action are not doing anything about abuse that they uncover. By the time any correctional officer is facing charges related to abuse, there were likely dozens of red flags that were missed. It is important for victims of abuse at these facilities to understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Getting Legal Help After Abuse at New Hampshire Juvenile Detention Facilities
We at DiBella Law were deeply concerned to hear about the ongoing reports of abuse and misconduct at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of the reports of abuse and misconduct. It is deeply concerning that so many people have been mistreated at this facility over such an extensive period of time. State and federal investigators need to do their part and implement greater oversight to protect the constitutional rights of all those being held at this location.
Have you or a loved one been the subject of abuse at a juvenile detention facility in New Hampshire? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced civil rights attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that abuse victims get the support and justice that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney might be able to help with your unique situation, we are here to assist you. You can contact us anytime at (855) 649-2674.