MANCHESTER,N.H.- Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander has asked the U.S. Attorney’s office to investigate and review conditions at the Sununu Youth Service Center.
In a recent letter the New Hampshire Democrat asked officials to see if they can find any sort of pattern or practice at the facility which has deprived children of their constitutional or federal rights.
In a statement to WMUR-TV Goodlander explained her reasoning for the request;
“I’m deeply concerned by the reports of two independent watchdogs in New Hampshire about ongoing reports of abuse and neglect at the Sununu Center…We owe it to every child and to every survivor to have an independent investigation into the conditions and into the past practices that have gone on at this facility“.
However, some are questioning why it took the Congresswoman so long to raise concerns into the center which has had a number of problems over the years, as Attorney General John Formella’s office released a statement on the topic highlighting the time they’ve committed thus far into investigating claims of abuse at the facility and how they remain committed to helping victims.
“The New Hampshire Department of Justice follows the facts, enforces the law, and pursues justice without fear or favor…. the state continues to work to strengthen safety and security at the facility”.
“The New Hampshire Department of Justice remains focused on accountability, transparency, and protecting children. It has investigated allegations of abuse at the Sununu Youth Services Center, brought criminal charges for past conduct, secured convictions for that conduct, conducted comprehensive reviews of recent allegations, publicly released its findings, and it will continue to take action as warranted.
The State Attorney General’s office isn’t the only one commenting on how Goodlander’s sudden interest in a topic that’s been a source of pain and trauma. As both Rep. Kim Rice, R-Hillsborough asked; “Where has she been”? and State Sen. Victoria Sullivan, R-Manchester questioned the Congresswoman’s motives, and delayed response, with Sullivan noting that while Goodlander has remained silent on the topic the state-side Ad Hoc Committee and state authorities have been working to fix the problem.
