Story perspectives

Legal Aid Society Suits NY Over Youth Solitary Confinement

1/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal lawsuit by The Legal Aid Society accuses New York's Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) of unlawfully placing youth in solitary confinement, including at Goshen Secure Center.
Youth are confined up to 24 hours daily without education, hygiene, or adequate bathrooms.
The plaintiffs say these practices violate constitutional rights and cause severe psychological harm.
OCFS says it does not condone isolation and will respond through legal channels.

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Story summary

A federal lawsuit by The Legal Aid Society accuses New York's Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) of unlawfully placing youth in solitary confinement, including at Goshen Secure Center.
Youth are confined up to 24 hours daily without education, hygiene, or adequate bathrooms.
The plaintiffs say these practices violate constitutional rights and cause severe psychological harm.
OCFS says it does not condone isolation and will respond through legal channels.