The Sunday Story: Uncovering Abuse in a Juvenile Detention Center
The Sunday Story: Uncovering Abuse in a Juvenile Detention Center
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This episode of the Sunday Story podcast delves into the disturbing history of the Youth Development Center (YDC) in New Hampshire, a juvenile detention facility where numerous allegations of abuse have surfaced. The podcast features an interview with Jason Moon, a reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio, who meticulously investigated the YDC and uncovered a pattern of systemic abuse. The episode begins by outlining the YDC's origins as a progressive concept in the 1850s, intended to provide a supportive and rehabilitative environment for youth. However, the reality of the facility has been far from its intended purpose. The podcast explores the reasons why children are sent to the YDC, highlighting the vulnerability of these children, many of whom come from abusive or unstable homes. Jason Moon explains how he and his team gained access to a vast amount of information through public lawsuits filed by alleged victims. They analyzed these documents, uncovering patterns of abuse and identifying specific staff members accused of misconduct. The episode details the challenges of reporting on juvenile justice facilities, particularly the limitations imposed by juvenile privacy laws. These laws, while well-intentioned, can hinder public scrutiny of state-run facilities. The podcast features the stories of Andy Perkins, a former YDC resident who shared his personal records with the reporters, and Karen Lemoine, a former YDC staff member who witnessed and tried to report abuse. Their accounts reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse and the power dynamics that allowed it to flourish. The episode also discusses the case of David Mean, the first alleged victim to come forward and file a lawsuit against the state. Mean's case resulted in a record-breaking $38 million verdict, setting a precedent for other victims to seek justice. The podcast concludes by examining the state's role in the YDC scandal, highlighting the contradictory positions it holds as both investigator and defendant. It explores the challenges of holding staff members accountable through criminal prosecution and the state's efforts to settle cases out of court.
Outlines
The Youth Development Center Scandal
This episode investigates the Youth Development Center (YDC) in New Hampshire, a juvenile detention facility where numerous allegations of abuse have been made. The podcast highlights the power of investigative journalism in bringing these stories to light.
Investigating the YDC and the Challenges Faced
Jason Moon, a reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio, discusses his investigation into the YDC and the extensive abuse allegations that have emerged. He explains how the investigation began and the challenges faced in accessing information due to juvenile privacy laws.
Uncovering Patterns of Abuse and Holding Staff Accountable
Jason explains how he and his team gained access to a vast amount of information through public lawsuits filed by alleged victims. They analyzed these documents, uncovering patterns of abuse and identifying specific staff members accused of misconduct. The episode details the challenges of reporting on juvenile justice facilities, particularly the limitations imposed by juvenile privacy laws. These laws, while well-intentioned, can hinder public scrutiny of state-run facilities.
Keywords
Youth Development Center (YDC)
The main juvenile detention facility in New Hampshire, where numerous allegations of abuse have been made. It was originally intended to be a supportive and rehabilitative environment for youth but has been plagued by a culture of abuse.
Juvenile Privacy Laws
Laws designed to protect the privacy of minors involved in the juvenile justice system. These laws can make it difficult for journalists and the public to access information about what happens inside juvenile facilities.
Power Imbalance
A key factor contributing to the abuse at the YDC. The vulnerability of incarcerated youth and the authority of staff members created a power dynamic that allowed abuse to go unchecked.
Systemic Abuse
Abuse that is widespread and ingrained within an institution. The YDC scandal demonstrates how a culture of abuse can become normalized and perpetuated over time.
Investigative Journalism
A form of journalism that involves in-depth research and reporting to uncover hidden truths and expose wrongdoing. The YDC podcast is an example of how investigative journalism can bring light to important issues and hold institutions accountable.
Institutional Abuse
Abuse that occurs within an organization or institution, often involving a power imbalance between those in authority and those who are vulnerable. The YDC scandal is a prime example of institutional abuse.
Settlement Fund
A fund established by the state of New Hampshire to provide settlements to victims of abuse at the YDC. The fund has created a formula for determining the amount of compensation based on the type and frequency of abuse.
Q&A
What were the main challenges faced by Jason Moon and his team in investigating the YDC?
The team faced significant challenges due to juvenile privacy laws, which limited their access to information and made it difficult to corroborate stories. They also encountered resistance from YDC staff and administrators who were reluctant to cooperate.
How did the power imbalance contribute to the culture of abuse at the YDC?
The vulnerability of incarcerated youth and the authority of staff members created a power dynamic that allowed abuse to go unchecked. Staff members felt empowered to exploit and mistreat the children, knowing that they were unlikely to be held accountable.
What steps are being taken to hold those responsible for the abuse accountable?
The state of New Hampshire is conducting a criminal investigation into the YDC, and nine former staff members are currently facing criminal charges for sexual assault. However, the process of bringing justice has been slow and frustrating for many victims.
What lessons can be learned from the YDC scandal?
The YDC scandal highlights the importance of public scrutiny and accountability in juvenile justice facilities. It also underscores the need to address power imbalances and create a culture of safety and support for vulnerable youth.
How can we prevent similar scandals from happening in the future?
We need to be vigilant in monitoring juvenile justice facilities and ensuring that they are operating in a safe and ethical manner. We also need to invest in programs that support vulnerable youth and provide them with the resources they need to thrive.
Show Notes
New Hampshire Public Radio's Jason Moon and his colleagues on the Document team spent the last year investigating the Youth Development Center. They combed through the cases, worked around legal roadblocks, and spoke with residents and staff who'd never before told their stories.
This week on The Sunday Story, host Ayesha Roscoe and Moon discuss what may have happened inside YDC and how the allegations stayed under wraps for so long.
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yea...it's kind of how ALL of them are. This is one of those things that people think ended in the 90's