Abused at an ACS Non-Secure Detention Facility? The City is Now Liable.
Non-secure detention (NSD) is a less restrictive option for youth with pending Family Court cases. ACS contracts with providers to run group homes—up to 12 youth per facility—in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Staff abuse in these settings is now actionable under the Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law. The 18-month filing window is open.
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Staff Abuse at Non-Secure Detention Facilities
ACS manages a network of 14 non-secure detention group homes across the five boroughs. Each facility houses up to 12 youth and is operated by contracted non-profit organizations. The facilities do not have physically restrictive hardware like secure detention, but youth are still in the custody of the system and under the care of staff.
Youth in NSD receive medical, mental health, and educational services—including through Passages Academy—and participate in recreation, field trips, and community service. They are still vulnerable to abuse by staff, counselors, and caregivers in positions of trust.
Sexual abuse in non-secure settings has historically been under-reported and difficult to pursue. The Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law removes that barrier: NYC and its contractors can be held liable for sexual abuse committed by employees and agents at these facilities.
If you were sexually abused at any ACS non-secure detention facility or group home, you may have a claim. The window to file closes in 18 months.
Facilities in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Each houses up to 12 youth under ACS contract.
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. Hundreds of abuse lawsuits filed.
Learn moreCrossroads Juvenile Center (Brooklyn)
Secure detention in Brooklyn. State audit found unreported abuse.
Learn moreFormer Spofford Juvenile Center
Closed in 2011. 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.
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 an ACS non-secure detention facility or group home, 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.