If you or someone you love suffered abuse in a juvenile detention center, a New Hampshire juvenile facility abuse lawyer at File Abuse Lawsuit can help you navigate the path to justice. We understand how the state’s profound institutional failures have caused many people years of trauma, and we’re here to fight for the survivors.
For decades, the facility now known as the Sununu Youth Services Center (YSC), formerly the Youth Development Center (YDC), was a place of unimaginable harm for countless children. If you are one of the many who endured physical, sexual, or emotional abuse within its walls, please know this: what happened to you was a complete betrayal of trust, you are not alone, and it is not too late to hold the State of New Hampshire accountable.
The scale of the abuse, involving over a thousand survivors who have bravely come forward, has led to criminal prosecutions and a state-sponsored settlement fund. Navigating your options within this complex legal landscape can be daunting.
An experienced and compassionate legal advocate can protect your rights, explain your choices, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve for the lifelong harm you have suffered. The team at File Abuse Lawsuit is here to provide that guidance in a completely confidential and no-cost consultation.
Key Takeaways About New Hampshire Juvenile Facility Abuse Lawsuits
- There is No Deadline to File Your Claim: In 2020, New Hampshire eliminated the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. This means you can file a lawsuit at any age, regardless of when the abuse at the YDC or another facility occurred.
- A State Settlement Fund Has Been Established: In response to over 1,300 abuse claims, the state created a settlement fund that has already paid out over $125 million to survivors. A dedicated lawyer can help you navigate this process or determine if an independent lawsuit is a better option.
- The System is Being Held Accountable: Multiple former YDC staffers have been criminally charged, and the sheer volume of claims has forced a public reckoning with the decades of systemic failure at the state’s only secure juvenile facility.
- You Have Options and Deserve an Advocate: You do not have to face this process alone. Whether pursuing a claim through the settlement fund or filing an independent lawsuit, having a lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your interests and fighting for a just outcome.
Why Choose the File Abuse Lawsuit Team for Your New Hampshire Case
The crisis surrounding the Sununu SYSC / YDC is a unique and deeply distressing situation that requires a specific kind of legal advocacy. Survivors need a team that is not only skilled in civil abuse litigation but is also intimately familiar with the specific legal framework governing the YDC claims.
At File Abuse Lawsuit, our exclusive focus on representing survivors of sexual abuse positions us to provide the knowledgeable and compassionate support you need. Our approach is tailored to the realities of the New Hampshire detention abuse crisis:
- In-Depth Understanding of the YDC Litigation: We are following the ongoing criminal trials, we understand the structure and challenges of the state’s settlement fund, and we know what strategies are necessary to build a powerful claim within this specific context.
- A Survivor-Centered Strategy: The legal system can feel impersonal, especially when dealing with a state-run process. We put you at the center of our strategy, listening to your story, respecting your goals, and ensuring you are empowered to make informed decisions about your future.
- Dedicated to Exposing Systemic Failure: Your case is about more than one abuser. It's about a system that failed for decades. We can work to prove the full scope of institutional negligence, from negligent hiring to a culture of cover-ups, that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.
- No Financial Risk to You: We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will never pay any upfront fees. We cover all the costs of building your case, and we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you.
New Hampshire’s Landmark Legal Change: The Door to Justice is Open
One of the most powerful tools for survivors in New Hampshire is a law passed in 2020 that completely eliminated the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Before this change, survivors were barred from filing a lawsuit after they turned 30. Now that the arbitrary and unfair deadline is gone, abuse survivors can file legal action at any time.
This change is a monumental acknowledgment by the state that trauma has no timeline. It recognizes that it can take a survivor years, or even decades, to feel ready to confront their past. This law ensures that whenever you are ready to take that step, the courthouse doors will be open to you.
The Decades-Long Crisis at the Sununu Youth Services Center (YDC)
The sheer scale of the abuse at New Hampshire's only secure juvenile facility is staggering. What has emerged is not a story of a few "bad players," but a story of catastrophic and systemic failure that allowed generations of children to be harmed.
A Pattern of Widespread Abuse
Over 1,300 survivors have come forward with claims of horrific abuse spanning decades, from the 1960s to recent years. The allegations detail a pattern of:
- Sexual Assault: Including rape and manipulation by staff members.
- Severe Physical Abuse: Beatings, improper use of restraints, and other forms of violence.
- Pervasive Emotional and Psychological Abuse: A culture of fear, intimidation, and control that silenced victims and enabled perpetrators.
The high-profile, $10 million settlement awarded to survivor Michael Gilpatrick for the horrific abuse he endured in the 1990s was an early sign of the deep-seated rot within the institution.
The YDC Settlement Fund and Criminal Trials
In response to the tidal wave of lawsuits, the state established a settlement fund to compensate survivors. As of early 2025, over $125 million has been paid to 242 survivors. This is a tangible sign that accountability is being assessed, and these brave survivors who are taking action are receiving validation of the abuse they suffered and compensation to help them recover.
Simultaneously, the criminal justice system has been pursuing charges against former staff members. The trials of individuals like Stephen Murphy are a public confirmation of what survivors have known for years: that crimes were being committed against children by the very people entrusted with their care.
Your Path to Justice: The Settlement Fund vs. an Independent Lawsuit
As a YDC abuse survivor, you have two primary legal paths to seek compensation: filing a claim with the state’s settlement fund or pursuing an independent civil lawsuit. Each path has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your specific circumstances.
- The Settlement Fund: This administrative process may offer a faster, more streamlined path to compensation. However, the amounts may be based on a predetermined matrix, and the process can feel impersonal. Recent attempts by the state to politicize the fund's governance also raise concerns about its fairness and autonomy.
- An Independent Lawsuit: Filing your own lawsuit allows for a more personalized approach. It gives you more control over the process and may result in a larger recovery, as it is not limited by the fund's structure. A lawsuit allows your attorney to conduct a full investigation and tell the unique story of the harm you specifically endured.
A New Hampshire juvenile facility abuse lawyer from our team can provide a confidential assessment of your case and help you weigh these options to determine the best strategy for you.
Compensation to Help You Rebuild
No amount of money can undo the trauma you have experienced. However, the compensation recovered through a lawsuit or a fund claim is a critical tool for your future. It is the civil justice system's way of acknowledging your suffering and providing the resources needed for healing.
If your juvenile facility abuse case is successful, your damages can include:
- The lifelong cost of therapy and mental health treatment.
- Medical expenses related to the abuse.
- Substantial compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- The value of your loss of enjoyment of life, education, and career opportunities.
Healing and Support Resources For Detention Abuse Survivors
While legal action is a powerful step, ongoing support is crucial. The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV) is the state's leading voice on this issue and can connect you with regional rape crisis centers and other support services. Additionally, national resources like RAINN (the National Sexual Assault Hotline) and online peer support networks like Pandora’s Project provide 24/7 confidential support.
FAQs About New Hampshire Juvenile Facility Abuse Lawsuits
I've heard about the $125 million settlement fund. Why do I still need a lawyer?
Having a lawyer is crucial to protect your rights, whether you make a claim against the fund or file a lawsuit. An attorney will ensure your claim is properly valued, handle all complex paperwork, and serve as your advocate.
They can also advise you if the fund's offer is fair or if pursuing an independent lawsuit could lead to a better outcome for you. You should not have to navigate this complicated system alone.
What if the person who abused me is already facing criminal charges or is in prison?
This does not prevent you from filing a civil claim; in fact, it can often strengthen your case. A criminal conviction can serve as powerful evidence in your civil lawsuit. The two systems are separate—the criminal case punishes the abuser, while your civil case is designed to compensate you for the harm you have suffered.
I am terrified of my name becoming public. Can I file a claim anonymously?
Yes. Protecting your privacy is a top priority. In New Hampshire, courts routinely allow survivors of sexual abuse to file lawsuits using a pseudonym, such as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe." This ensures that your identity is shielded from public records while you pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact a New Hampshire Juvenile Facility Abuse Lawyer Today
If you are a survivor of one of the worst institutional failures in New Hampshire's history, you have legal rights. You have carried this burden in silence for long enough. Now, with the statute of limitations eliminated and a clear path to accountability established, your voice can and should be heard. You can become part of a large community of survivors who are standing up and demanding justice.
Let us help you take the next step. The team at File Abuse Lawsuit is ready to provide the compassionate, knowledgeable, and determined advocacy you need to navigate this process and fight for the full compensation you are owed.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation, and completely confidential consultation. Call File Abuse Lawsuit at (209) 283-2205 or fill out our secure online contact form today.