The Youth Development Center

4.7 (255)
DOCUMENTARY
COMPLETE SERIES

New Hampshire has sent its most troubled kids to the same juvenile detention center for more than a century. It's a place that was supposed to nurture them, that instead hurt them – in some of the worst ways imaginable. It's now at the center of one of the biggest youth detention scandals in American history. How did this happen – and how did it finally come to light?

EPISODE 1

The Black Box

Click here to read the companion digital story made in collaboration with The Pudding. To hear more stories by Jason Moon and NHPR's Document team, click here. To support investigative journalism like The Youth Development Center at NHPR, click here.

30 min
EPISODE 2

If You Let a Dog Bite You

Karen Lemoine didn’t arrive at YDC looking to start trouble. But the red flags she saw were hard to ignore, especially when it came to one kid in particular. What trying to do the right thing cost both of them – and why, 30 years later, they’re speaking up again. Click here to read the companion digital story, see archival photos and internal documents, and explore an interactive timeline of the alleged abuse, made in collaboration with The Pudding. If you have suffered abuse and need someone to talk to, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. If you’re in a mental health crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. To support investigative journalism like The Youth Development Center at NHPR, click here.

32 min
EPISODE 3

Sober Algebra

This flood of roughly 1,300 people who’ve come forward all started with one man. How the widespread abuse at YDC finally came to light and how people are grappling with what justice and accountability even mean in a scandal so large. Click here to read the companion digital story made in collaboration with The Pudding. If you have suffered abuse and need someone to talk to, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. If you’re in a mental health crisis, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. To support investigative journalism like The Youth Development Center at NHPR, click here.

33 min
SEASON 1 TRAILER

Introducing: The Youth Development Center

New Hampshire has sent its most troubled kids to the same juvenile detention center for more than a century. It's a place that was supposed to nurture them, that instead hurt them – in some of the worst ways imaginable. A place that for decades was a black box that people are finally seeing into, and what they’re finding is absolutely shocking. How did this happen? How did it finally come to light?

3 min

TRAILER

Introducing: The Youth Development Center

New Hampshire has sent its most troubled kids to the same juvenile detention center for more than a century. It's a place that was supposed to nurture them, that instead hurt them – in some of the worst ways imaginable. A place that for decades was a black box that people are finally seeing into, and what they’re finding is absolutely shocking. How did this happen? How did it finally come to light?

S1

•

3 min

4.7

out of 5

255 Ratings

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Apr 25

dog persan

this story gave me chills i highly recommend listening
NHPR is fantastic

10/31/2024

lboncek

I have so much respect for NHPR. This story was told so incredibly well, despite being so devastating. I only wish there were more episodes because these survivors deserve as much recognition as possible.
I’m dubious

Apr 2

Captain Claptrap

What are the standards of proof for convictions on the various allegations? This didn’t seem to be discussed. Could be several legit crimes with hundreds of simple me to allegations from folks who want to cash in.
Amazingly told story

07/29/2024

bonetown studio

NHPR does it again. This is an amazing story told with care and respect. Just another example of the need for comprehensive journalists on the ground to tell the hardest of stories.

New Hampshire has sent its most troubled kids to the same juvenile detention center for more than a century. It's a place that was supposed to nurture them, that instead hurt them – in some of the worst ways imaginable. It's now at the center of one of the biggest youth detention scandals in American history. How did this happen – and how did it finally come to light?