New York City poised to face reckoning over decades-old sex abuse cases in juvenile detention centers.
Months of legal uncertainty have finally come to an end as hundreds of lawsuits accusing the city of failing to protect children from sexual abuse in its juvenile detention centers are moving forward. The cases, spanning decades and multiple facilities, were originally filed under a law that opened up a two-year window for survivors to bring claims years after the statute of limitations had expired.
However, last year's ruling by a Bronx judge dismissing 450 cases on technical grounds has given way to a new law that allows the lawsuits to proceed. The change in legislation was championed by survivors and their attorneys, who argue that the city failed to provide "care, protection and safety" to the children in its custody.
Those affected include Jason Moore, who spent over six months at the now-defunct Spofford Juvenile Center in the 1970s, where he alleges guards repeatedly sexually violated him. Moore's case is among those being refiled or amended as part of the renewed effort to hold the city accountable.
"It's been very difficult... reliving this moment again," said Austin Stephens, who filed a lawsuit against the city last year. "I'm so happy that we got a voice that we can speak up right now and we can move forward because I want to be present." Stephens' case also describes an alleged staff member forcing him into oral sex during his time at Spofford.
The abuse had a profound impact on both Moore and Stephens, with years of drug use and struggles forming relationships. However, recent high-profile cases involving other survivors have emboldened them to take action, with the primary goal of ensuring that no one else suffers in silence.
The city has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, particularly from then-Mayor Eric Adams, who vetoed a bill aimed at reopening the path to court. However, the City Council ultimately overrode his decision, paving the way for the lawsuits to proceed.
As the cases move forward, attorneys representing the survivors are taking steps to restart the litigation and expect additional claims to be filed in the months ahead. While some have expressed concerns about the financial implications of the renewed efforts, many see it as a necessary step towards justice and accountability.
"It's not just about the money... I want to make sure it never happens to anyone else," Moore said. "No one is above the law and everyone should be held accountable for such ugly things that have scarred us."
Months of legal uncertainty have finally come to an end as hundreds of lawsuits accusing the city of failing to protect children from sexual abuse in its juvenile detention centers are moving forward. The cases, spanning decades and multiple facilities, were originally filed under a law that opened up a two-year window for survivors to bring claims years after the statute of limitations had expired.
However, last year's ruling by a Bronx judge dismissing 450 cases on technical grounds has given way to a new law that allows the lawsuits to proceed. The change in legislation was championed by survivors and their attorneys, who argue that the city failed to provide "care, protection and safety" to the children in its custody.
Those affected include Jason Moore, who spent over six months at the now-defunct Spofford Juvenile Center in the 1970s, where he alleges guards repeatedly sexually violated him. Moore's case is among those being refiled or amended as part of the renewed effort to hold the city accountable.
"It's been very difficult... reliving this moment again," said Austin Stephens, who filed a lawsuit against the city last year. "I'm so happy that we got a voice that we can speak up right now and we can move forward because I want to be present." Stephens' case also describes an alleged staff member forcing him into oral sex during his time at Spofford.
The abuse had a profound impact on both Moore and Stephens, with years of drug use and struggles forming relationships. However, recent high-profile cases involving other survivors have emboldened them to take action, with the primary goal of ensuring that no one else suffers in silence.
The city has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, particularly from then-Mayor Eric Adams, who vetoed a bill aimed at reopening the path to court. However, the City Council ultimately overrode his decision, paving the way for the lawsuits to proceed.
As the cases move forward, attorneys representing the survivors are taking steps to restart the litigation and expect additional claims to be filed in the months ahead. While some have expressed concerns about the financial implications of the renewed efforts, many see it as a necessary step towards justice and accountability.
"It's not just about the money... I want to make sure it never happens to anyone else," Moore said. "No one is above the law and everyone should be held accountable for such ugly things that have scarred us."
The fact that hundreds of lawsuits are finally moving forward is a huge step in the right direction. It's heartbreaking to think about all those kids who went through traumatic experiences in those detention centers, but it's amazing to see how their voices are being heard now 
. Jason Moore and Austin Stephens' courage in speaking up is truly inspiring 
. It's time for the city to take responsibility for its failures and ensure that no one else has to suffer like they did 
. The fact that there's still hope for justice and accountability is what makes all this possible 
.
- like these kids were basically left 2 die in detention centers & now they're fightin 4 justice! 
. The city's gotta take responsibility 4 their mistakes & make sure this never happens again 
. We should all be supporting these brave individuals & cheering them on as they fight 4 what's right 
!
. It's like, can't we just talk about this stuff without having to relive it? But I guess justice finally has a chance at coming to the people who were hurt by the system. It's crazy how some of these cases are from decades ago and still affect their lives today. The fact that there was even a law that allowed for them to file lawsuits years after the time limit had expired is just insane 
. But at least now there's a chance for accountability and maybe some real change can happen 
.
. I think it's amazing that recent cases have given them the courage to speak up again - it's never too late to make a difference 
. Of course, there are concerns about the financial implications, but for these survivors, it's about closure and making sure that no one else goes through what they did 
. I mean, Jason Moore's story is just... wow. Six months in a juvenile detention center? That's not right 
. And Austin Stephens' story is just as bad... oral sex with a staff member? That's just... ugh 
.
. The city needs to take responsibility for what happened and make sure that everyone who was affected gets the help they need 
. And I'm not just talking about money... although that's important too 
. I'm talking about justice, accountability, and making sure that no one else has to go through this 
.