FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 20, 2026
CONTACT: Deodonne Bhattarai, Communications Director
Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire
(603) 228-0432 or deodonneb@drcnh.org
Investigation Shows Continued Abuse of Children at SYSC
CONCORD, NH – For the second time in as many weeks, Disability Rights Center – NH (DRC-NH) has again notified Governor Kelly Ayotte of continuing significant concerns for the health and safety of children at the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC) in Manchester.
DRC-NH previously notified Governor Ayotte on April 10, 2026, of its concerns that SYSC is “…illegally restraining youth in a prone position and using restraint and seclusion without legal justification.” The April 10th letter sounds the alarm that the above actions “have resulted in serious physical and emotional trauma to the youth at SYSC.”
Despite recent statements by the Attorney General’s Office, there is no indication that the abuse at SYSC has stopped. “Our recent interviews of children and staff support the grave allegations of ongoing pervasive abuse and neglect at SYSC, including alleged improper uses of prone restraint, seclusion, and medical neglect of children by SYSC staff. We have also become aware of a new ‘policy’ that appears to authorize the use of illegal restraint practices. The state’s position on the on-going situation is dangerously misinformed and contradicts both our investigative findings and those of the Office of Child Advocate,” said Stephanie Patrick, Executive Director of DRC-NH.
DRC-NH first notified SYSC and the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families in March of its concerns regarding the alleged illegal activity and opened a formal investigation on April 3, 2026, after conducting extensive interviews at SYSC. DRC-NH is authorized by federal law to investigate incidents of abuse or neglect of people with disabilities and to pursue legal and administrative remedies on their behalf.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we will continue to advocate for the children at SYSC until the alleged illegal behavior is stopped and those responsible are held accountable,” said Patrick.
####
DRC-NH is New Hampshire’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency and protects, advances, and strengthens the legal rights and advocacy interests of all people with disabilities. More information about DRC-NH can be found at http://www.drcnh.org.
