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Sununu Youth Services Center census down; new Hampstead site and staffing costs central to budget questions
Summary
DCYF officials told House Finance Division 3 the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC) census has fallen and the agency expects to open a new secure treatment facility in Hampstead by late 2026. Lawmakers asked about staffing, overtime, contractor costs and a body scanner purchase for the existing facility.
Marie Noonan, director of the Division for Children, Youth and Families, and Nathan White, DHHS CFO, briefed House Division 3 about the Sununu Youth Services Center and the agency’s plans for a new secure treatment facility.
Noonan said SYSC census has declined substantially since it was a 144‑bed facility; typical on‑site counts now range from about 12 to 18 youth. "We ensure that we have an appropriate staffing pattern that allows for the safety of youth and staff," she said, describing awake‑shift staffing of 14 youth counselors on first shift, 15 on second shift, 10 overnight and 15 awake staff on weekends.
Budget and contracts: White told the committee that contract staffing and related operating services drove higher…
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