Slater Slater Schulman LLP
Survivors Are Filing Claims

Horizon Juvenile Center

The Bronx·ACS Secure Juvenile Detention

Slater Slater Schulman LLP are attorneys representing people who were sexually abused at Horizon Juvenile Center. Survivors have brought civil claims alleging staff sexual abuse at the facility under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law — if you experienced abuse here, you can speak with us confidentially about your own potential claim.

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Free Confidential No fee unless we win
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Did this happen in NYC (5 Boroughs)?

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Confidential

All consultations are completely confidential

Proven Results

$4B+ recovered for abuse survivors

Experienced Team

3,500+ survivors represented

40+ Years

Decades of experience fighting for justice

Who May Have a Claim

  • You were incarcerated, detained, or held in custody at a NYC correctional or juvenile facility
  • You experienced sexual abuse by corrections officers, guards, counselors, staff, or other facility employees
  • The abuser was acting in their role at the facility when the abuse occurred
  • You can identify the abuser by name, nickname, badge number, or detailed physical description
  • You know the approximate time period when the abuse occurred

Your Legal Options & Why Now

NYC Council Int. 1297-A (Local Law 2026/050) reopened an 18-month lookback window beginning January 29, 2026, allowing many survivors who were previously time-barred to file civil claims.

The filing window won't stay open. See if you qualify →

What happens when you reach out

Three quiet steps, on your terms

  • 1
    You tell us as much or as little as you want.A confidential conversation with our team — by phone or online. You stay in control of the pace.
  • 2
    We review whether you have a claim.At no cost, against the facts and the law — and we tell you honestly either way.
  • 3
    You decide what happens next.If you choose to move forward, you pay nothing unless we win for you.
See If You Qualify Call Now
Confidential consultation with our team — start your free review

Time Limits

Time limits can apply to these claims. The sooner you reach out, the more we may be able to do — and speaking with us is free and confidential.

Uncovering abuse

Reports of Abuse at Horizon

Horizon Juvenile Center is a secure juvenile-detention facility in the Bronx operated by New York City's Administration for Children's Services (ACS).

Survivors have brought civil claims alleging staff sexual abuse at Horizon Juvenile Center under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. 12

In 2023, an ACS staff member at Horizon was arrested and charged in connection with a sexual act with a detainee and was terminated. 3

State and federal oversight bodies have scrutinized the facility: an April 2025 New York State Comptroller audit found oversight failures and a sharp rise in contraband incidents at Horizon and Crossroads, and a court-appointed federal monitor concluded its oversight of Horizon in November 2025. 56

Sources & authorities (6)+
  1. [1]Gothamist — New Yorkers sue claiming sexual abuse in NYC juvenile jailsgothamist.com
  2. [2]Gothamist — Bronx judge tosses 450 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse in NY juvenile detention centersgothamist.com
  3. [3]Gothamist — NYC juvenile detention staffer arrested, fired for sex with teenage detaineegothamist.com
  4. [4]U.S. DOJ, SDNY — Bronx juvenile detention center supervisor pleads guilty (physical assault / false report)justice.gov
  5. [5]NYS Office of the State Comptroller — Oversight of Horizon and Crossroads Juvenile Centers (audit, Apr 2025)osc.ny.gov
  6. [6]The City Reporter — Federal monitor concludes oversight of the Bronx Horizon youth jail (Nov 2025)thecityreporter.nyc

Last updated on June 29, 2026

Civil claims described on this page are allegations that have not been proven in court; no settlement or admission of liability has been reported.

The 2023 staff arrest has not resulted in a conviction on the public record. Two other Horizon matters are sometimes conflated with sexual abuse but are not: a 2024 guilty plea concerned physically beating a resident and filing a false report (a physical-assault matter) 4, and a separate 2026 federal case concerned contraband.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Who the abuser may have been

Correction & detention officers

Sexual abuse by officers responsible for detained youth.

Counselors

Sexual abuse by counselors at the facility.

Facility staff & employees

Sexual abuse by ACS staff or other facility employees.

Supervisors & administrators

Sexual abuse by supervisors or facility administrators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report the abuse to police to file a civil claim?+

No. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal proceedings. You do not need to have made a police report, and the outcome of any criminal case does not determine your civil claim. Many survivors pursue civil claims without ever involving law enforcement.

Do I need to know the abuser's full name?+

While knowing the abuser's full name is helpful, it's not always required. If you can provide a detailed physical description, nickname, or other identifying information, our investigators may be able to identify the perpetrator. However, if the abuser cannot ultimately be identified through investigation, it may affect the viability of your claim.

Is my consultation confidential?+

Absolutely. All communications with our firm are protected by attorney-client privilege. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and take extensive precautions to protect your privacy. Many cases can also be filed using pseudonyms to further protect your identity.

Will I have to testify or go to court?+

Many cases settle without the need for a trial. However, if your case does go to court, you may be asked to provide testimony. Our team prepares you thoroughly for any proceedings and supports you every step of the way. We also work to protect your privacy through protective orders and other legal mechanisms.

How much does it cost to file a claim?+

There is no upfront cost to file a claim with our firm. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of any settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf.

Speak with us, confidentially

If you experienced sexual abuse at Horizon Juvenile Center, a free and confidential review will tell you honestly whether you may have a claim and how the filing window applies to you.

See If You Qualify Call Now

Other NYC Juvenile & ACS Facilities

Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) — Rikers Island

The only women's jail on Rikers Island. Settlements on record; active civil litigation alleging staff sexual abuse.

Learn more

Crossroads Juvenile Center (Brooklyn)

ACS secure juvenile detention in Brooklyn, named in the same wave of civil suits; state-audit oversight findings.

Learn more

All NYC Juvenile Detention

Overview of the NYC jails and juvenile-detention facilities covered under the GMVA.

Learn more

Do You Qualify? Find Out in 60 Seconds.

Survived sexual abuse or gender-motivated violence at a New York City institution? Answer a few quick questions below to find out if you may be eligible — or call us now. Every conversation is confidential and compassionate.

Or call us directly:646-922-9103

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Question 1 of 333% Complete

Question 1 of 3

Did this happen in NYC (5 Boroughs)?