New Hampshire Youth Development Center Abuse Claims

More than 1,000 former residents of the Youth Development Center in Manchester, New Hampshire have filed lawsuits alleging physical, sexual, and emotional abuse over several decades. In May 2022, the New Hampshire Legislature adopted RSA 21 M:11-a, which established the Youth Development Center Claims Administration and Settlement Fund for survivors’ claims of sexual and other abuse experienced at YDC facilities.

The Fund is meant to “fairly evaluate and provide compensation” for victims, and if you or a loved one is a survivor of New Hampshire Youth Development Center abuse, you may be able to pursue justice. 

Morgan W.

I felt they were more my friends than my personal injury lawyer and that isn't something you're taught it's something you have inside. If I ever needed a lawyer again Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers would be my only choice. I can't recommend them enough. They are professional on every level and compassionate throughout. Thank you for everything.

Blanca D.

When in pain because of an accident all you want to do is focus on getting better and that is what did thanks to this firm. My family and I were set up with a Dr and Chiro right away. The treatment we received was great. I am extremely thankful for all the help we received and the outcome on the cases. Thanks to everyone involved on my case. A special thanks the intake specialist Rosalba who was very kind on the phone when I first called. I highly recommend this firm to anyone, they treat you like family.

Erika A.

I am so thankful for Ruthann and Maria. They both were amazing throughout the process. When Maria took over my case, I felt like I was being treated with empathy about my pain and experiences while treating. She also made sure to answer my questions. Maria always responded to my communication attempts and answered questions I had as they came up. She helped me with things I needed in regards to my case and helped ease the anxiety as bills piled up and my injuries were still being treated. I was able to contact her as I was treating and she helped find providers closer to my home to make it more accommodating for me. This helped me juggle work...

Santana D.

Ruby, Jennifer, Angela did me great over at this law firm. I will recommend them to anybody that has been in an injury in Phoenix Arizona they are awesome 😎. Got paid 6 months after my accident. Then out of the blue a couple years later they still contract me with another check $$$$$🤑😎🤑. Thank you....

Yunior R.

Philips Law Group offers outstanding customer service and a profound knowledge of personal injury law. Right from the initial call through to your office visit, they ensure you feel well-supported. A special mention goes to Ilse, the client experience coordinator. Her expertise in insurance policies is remarkable, and she articulately explains them in both Spanish and English. She skillfully navigates you through the process with empathy and understanding. A heartfelt thanks for the exceptional experience!

Art R.

Phillips was able to get me a good settlement after the first law group I called completely failed. Highly recommend you give them a call after your personal injury.

Rebecca M.

Philips was an awesome choice got me into the doctors offices for visits quickly and efficiently. I also want to give a big shout out to Michael the negotiator for Philips he went above and beyond to help my case get to the finish line! Also want to thank Jason and the friendly front staff.

Vallery A

Throughout the most stressful time Carmen and Donato managed to get me to the correct doctors and get the correct care I needed to make the whole process smooth and less stressful. They always answered any question or concern with professionalism and courtesy. They always valued my time as I valued theirs. Definitely recommend this great firm!

Martin K.

I'm sincerely grateful to my noble Phillips Law firm legal experts for their integrity n intelligent work for making my accident to not go free in my paint injuries. God richly bless them, for bring settlement big cash to me.

Latosha E.

What can I say about Phillips Law group. I was involved in a major car accident and sustained injuries. I looked up for Law Firms in Arizona and stumbled across Phillips Law Group. I decided to give them a call about my accident, and they were very respectful and took in my case immediately. They assigned me Tim LeDuc to represent me. From the beginning, he was very responsive and made sure to give me the proper care I deserved from this accident. Him and his team fought tooth and nail to give me the best settlement I deserved. I am so thankful, and I highly recommend Phillips Law Group to represent anyone who has been in any accident and...

Emily N.

My case closed yesterday and I RAN to make this review because of how exceptional my experience has been with Phillips Law Group! I received the best settlement I could've hoped for and am extremely happy with the outcome; but I especially wanted to shout out and give praise to Julianna, the Litigation Paralegal on my case. From the moment Julianna was assigned to my case almost two years ago, until the completion of the settlement process yesterday, Julianna's commitment to exceptional customer service, clear communication, and unwavering support truly stood out. I had so many questions -- from the legal process, to where to seek medical treatment, to questions about medical bills, to the negotiation process, and more --...

Ari

I am very impressed by how much care and effort this group puts into helping the homeless. That’s not something you see enough, especially in this time of increasing need for community. It’s important to me to work with companies that align with my views, and I would definitely go to Phillips for any future personal injury lawyer needs.

Rich S.

Just would like to share my experience with Phillips And Associates. Ever since my accident in the first of the year, it was a life changing event for me and I finally decided to go with a personal injury attorney. I contacted Phillips And Associates and they made me feel like I was an actual person instead of a lot of other firms try to go with me like a number, Phillips And Associates has reached out to me in a kind, courteous and caring way they fully understand on the circumstances of the accident So far, Phillips And Associates has been absolutely wonderful. I truly recommend going with Phillips And Associates. Thanks (RuthAnn), your the Best!!! And Thank you...

View More Reviews

Youth Development Center Abuse Information

In one case, a New Hampshire jury awarded $38 million to an individual who accused the Youth Development Center of abuse. The case found that “the state’s negligence allowed him to be beaten, raped, and held in solitary confinement as a teen,” according to the Associated Press. 

Now, credible abuse claims against staff at the state-run juvenile detention facility formerly known as the Youth Development Center (YDC) are resulting in New Hampshire YDC abuse settlement payouts for many former residents of the facility. 

“Any former resident of a New Hampshire youth development center who was personally subjected to sexual abuse and or other abuse as defined by the statute may file an administrative claim,” the settlement fund website reported. To be accepted and reviewed, claims must be submitted no later than June 30, 2025.

Hundreds of Claims of Abuse at the Sununu Center

The state’s main youth detention center is now known as the Sununu Youth Development Center. It has been operating continuously since the mid-1800s, holding as many as 100 young people at a time. The center now houses girls and boys aged 13 to 17.

In 2019, two staff members were arrested for abusing children at the facility. Nine more staff and former staff members have since been arrested and are facing criminal charges, including felonies. 

Hundreds of former residents of the facility have filed lawsuits alleging abuse. Different lawsuits alleging sexual abuse in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s name the same abusers, indicating that staff were allowed to viciously mistreat children for decades without consequences. The attorneys at Phillips Law Group are compiling more information and preparing new legal claims as survivors of sexual abuse at New Hampshire’s detention facilities come forward.

Other Youth Development Center Locations

Some other facilities where former residents were sexually or physically abused by or because of a staff member of the facility that may be eligible for New Hampshire Youth Development Center claims include:

• East Cottage
• King Cottage
• Philbrook School
• Spaulding Cottage
• State Industrial School
• Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC)
• Tobey Special Education School
• Youth Detention Services Unit (YDSU)
• Youth Services Center
• any other facility where adjudicated delinquent or pre-adjudication detained youth were housed

If you have questions or believe you may be eligible to submit a claim, please contact our firm for more information without delay.

Institutional Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Clear evidence indicates that sexual abuse was rampant at the Sununu Center for decades. Youth at other facilities, including the State Industrial Center, Philbrook School, and the Tobey Special Education School, may also have been abused. Survivors who were confined at these institutions can also bring sexual abuse lawsuits.

One potential roadblock is the statute of limitations, which is the legal time limit for bringing a lawsuit. New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 508:4-g eliminates the statute of limitations for some sexual abuse claims, but it was not enacted until September 18, 2020. The statute of limitations in effect before the law changed allowed survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits until their 30th birthday, meaning that a survivor who turned 30 on or before September 18, 2020, may not have the right to sue.

The legislature may take further action on this matter. Survivors should discuss their experiences with a legal professional rather than assume that their time has elapsed. The New Hampshire attorneys at Phillips Law Group can review an institutional sex abuse survivor’s specific circumstances and evaluate their legal options.

Call Phillips Law Group for Assistance

The settlement fund website advises anyone who is “unsure whether or not to submit a claim or to participate in the Claim Process” to consult with an attorney. At Phillips Law Group, our team can offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options. 

We understand the profound impact that abuse and neglect can have on individuals, particularly those who were vulnerable children and adolescents at the time as the former residents of YDC were. Our dedicated legal team is here to support you in holding those responsible for the harm inflicted at the YDC accountable. 

We offer compassionate and confidential legal representation and will ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. If you or a loved one has experienced abuse at the New Hampshire YDC, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Phillips Law Group is here to guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve. Your healing and recovery are our top priorities. Please call us today at 602-222-2222 for a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation to learn more.