Abused at Horizon Juvenile Center (Bronx)? The City is Now Liable.
Horizon Juvenile Center has faced federal investigation and hundreds of lawsuits over staff-on-youth sexual abuse. Counselors and staff who abused youth can no longer hide behind immunity. The 18-month filing window is open.
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Staff Abuse at Horizon Juvenile Center: A Pattern of Violence
Horizon Juvenile Center is a secure juvenile detention facility in the Bronx operated by NYC's Administration for Children's Services (ACS). It houses youth in the care of the juvenile justice system and has been the subject of extensive scrutiny over staff-on-inmate sexual abuse.
Federal prosecutors launched an investigation in 2018 into sexual abuse at Horizon. As of January 2025, more than 21 people had accused a single former counselor—Natalie Medford, who worked at the center between 2005 and 2015—of sexual abuse, including allegations of rape and forcible oral sex. The abuse pattern involved grooming: staff promising special treatment, contraband, and privileges in exchange for sexual acts.
A 2025 state audit found that ACS failed to adequately monitor Horizon and Crossroads, with instances of sexual assault and abuse going unreported and contraband flowing freely. As of June 2024, over 540 lawsuits had been filed by survivors of sexual abuse at four NYC juvenile detention facilities, including Horizon.
The Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law holds the City and ACS accountable. If you were sexually abused at Horizon Juvenile Center, you may have a claim. The window to file closes in 18 months.
Survivors from Horizon, Crossroads, Rikers, and the former Spofford center have already filed. The City is facing historic liability.
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
Crossroads Juvenile Center (Brooklyn)
Secure detention facility in Brooklyn operated by ACS. State audit found unreported incidents and contraband.
Learn moreFormer Spofford Juvenile Center
Closed in 2011 after decades of abuse and misconduct. Survivors can still file during the 18-month window.
Learn moreOther ACS Secure Detention Facilities
Any NYC ACS secure detention facility where sexual abuse occurred is covered under the new law.
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 Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx, 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.