Abused at an ACS Secure Detention Facility? The City is Now Liable.
NYC's Administration for Children's Services (ACS) operates and oversees secure juvenile detention facilities where youth are held. Staff—including counselors, guards, and supervisors—have been accused of sexual abuse across these facilities. The Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law holds the City and ACS accountable. The 18-month filing window is open.
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ACS Secure Detention: Staff Abuse and Systemic Failures
ACS secure detention facilities are locked facilities where youth accused or adjudicated for crimes are held. The two primary secure detention centers currently operating are Horizon Juvenile Center (Bronx) and Crossroads Juvenile Center (Brooklyn). The former Spofford/Bridges Juvenile Center in the Bronx closed in 2011 but is also the subject of hundreds of abuse claims.
State and federal investigations have documented sexual abuse, contraband smuggling, unreported critical incidents, and inadequate services at these facilities. Over 540 lawsuits have been filed by survivors of sexual abuse at NYC juvenile detention facilities, including Horizon, Crossroads, Rikers, and the former Spofford center.
Any secure detention facility operated by or under the oversight of NYC ACS—whether still open or since closed—can give rise to a claim if you were sexually abused there by staff. The law does not require the facility to still be in operation; it requires that the abuse occurred at a NYC institution.
If you were sexually abused at any ACS secure detention facility, you may have a claim. The window to file closes in 18 months.
Survivors from Horizon, Crossroads, Rikers, and Spofford have already filed. The City is facing historic liability for juvenile detention abuse.
What Changed?
The law that protected abusers is gone. Here's what that means for you.
The City is Liable
NYC and its agencies (including the Department of Correction and ACS) can be held responsible for sexual abuse committed by staff while acting within their roles.
18-Month Window
The filing window opened January 29, 2026. You have 18 months to file. After that, the window closes.
No Statute of Limitations
It doesn't matter when the abuse happened. If it occurred at a NYC facility, you can file during this window.
Other NYC Juvenile & ACS Facilities
Horizon Juvenile Center (Bronx)
Secure detention in the Bronx. Federal investigation and 21+ abuse accusations against one counselor.
Learn moreCrossroads Juvenile Center (Brooklyn)
Secure detention in Brooklyn. State audit found unreported critical incidents.
Learn moreFormer Spofford Juvenile Center
Closed in 2011. Decades of abuse and misconduct. Survivors can still file.
Learn moreNon-Secure Detention Facilities
ACS group homes and non-secure placements where youth were abused by staff.
Learn moreLimited Secure Facilities
LSP group homes contracted by ACS. Staff abuse claims are now actionable.
Learn moreThe Window is Open. Don't Wait.
If you were sexually abused at any ACS secure detention facility—whether it's still open or has since closed—you may have a claim. The 18-month window won't stay open forever.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Do You Qualify? Find Out in 60 Seconds.
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible to pursue a claim under NYC's new Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law. Every conversation is confidential and compassionate.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.