Accountability for Survivors of the Sununu Youth Services Center

New Hampshire has a responsibility to its residents, especially when it comes to programs designed to protect and support our community’s most vulnerable.

For decades, the state has sent troubled youth to the state-run Youth Development Center (YDC), also known as the Sununu Youth Services Center. But in recent years, nearly 2,000 victims have come forward with allegations of abuse they faced at the YDC, spanning decades.

Former Chief Justice of the NH Supreme Court John Broderick was nominated in 2022 to lead the YDC settlement fund. For nearly three years, he has overseen the state’s settlements for victims and has worked to help deliver justice for those who experienced abuse at the hands of the state

Just last month, Broderick was pushed out of his position by the Republican-led state legislature. 

Republican lawmakers passed a law this summer giving Governor Ayotte the power to fire John Broderick and appoint a new administrator in his place — leaving the future of the YDC settlement fund in limbo as Governor Ayotte and the state try to back away from paying the victims.

This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. 

All Granite Staters deserve a government that keeps its promises, operates with transparency, and makes decisions based on fairness and responsibility. Instead, we have leaders who sidestep accountability to protect politicians and their bottom line.

I’ve spent my career serving the people of New Hampshire in every way I know how, from teaching and public service to advocating for better systems and accountable governance. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when leadership fails to live up to its obligations.

We can do better. New Hampshire deserves leaders who uphold their responsibilities and make decisions with transparency, fairness, and respect for all.