Abused at the Former Spofford Juvenile Center? The City is Now Liable.

Spofford Juvenile Center had a deeply troubled history spanning decades. In the 1960s, abuse scandals forced the city to take control from a local nonprofit. In 1978, a mayoral commission called the center 'a case study in failure' and concluded shutdown was the only solution. The facility was plagued by sexual abuse, physical violence, staff misconduct, mass escapes, and at least one staff-run drug cartel and prostitution ring.

Advocates described it as 'a warehouse for children'—dark, dirty, with rodent infestations, barbed wire, and barred windows. It closed briefly in 1998 but reopened six months later under Giuliani-era policies, was renamed Bridges Juvenile Center in 1999, and continued operating until permanent closure in 2011. Until the end, it held approximately 100 youth in dark cells with no air conditioning.

Survivors of abuse at Spofford/Bridges have pursued legal action under recent New York law changes. The Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law opens an 18-month window for survivors of sexual abuse at NYC institutions—including former facilities—to file claims. The City can be held liable for abuse committed by its employees, even when the facility no longer operates.

If you were sexually abused at Spofford or Bridges Juvenile Center, you may have a claim. The window to file closes in 18 months.