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Council presses ACS on juvenile detention increases, Horizon annex and long stays in detention
Summary
ACS told the Council juvenile detention admissions fell but average daily population rose because youth are staying longer; ACS described Horizon annex plans to add beds, classrooms and an exercise pavilion and said some funding and completion details extend into the late 2020s.
The Administration for Children’s Services told the City Council that while juvenile detention admissions declined in the early months of FY26, the average daily population at secure detention facilities has increased because youth are remaining in custody longer.
Deputy Commissioner Nancy Ginsburg and Interim Commissioner Melissa Hester told council members the higher daily census reflects more serious, complex cases and legal processing time. The agency said it is working with the courts and the Office of Court Administration to speed processing and with institutional partners to expand age‑appropriate services for detained youth.
ACS outlined capital projects in the FY27 preliminary capital commitment plan that include an annex at Horizon Detention Center in the Bronx and capacity expansion work at Crossroads. ACS said construction for ancillary elements began in 2025: an exercise platform (three stacked courts) slated to open in fall of the year of testimony and a foundation for an annex with completion of certain phases expected in early 2029. ACS estimated the annex would add 48 beds, eight additional classrooms, and eight medical/mental‑health beds where needed; the FY27 capital plan figures were reaffirmed during the hearing.
Council members pressed ACS on whether capital costs could be eligible for Raise the Age reimbursement programs; ACS said youth-at-risk funds from the state are not currently understood to be eligible for capital reimbursement and that the city is awaiting clearer guidance from Albany and the Office of Management and Budget.
ACS also told the committee it’s increasing staffing and programming in secure facilities (adding positions and funding for additional classroom space, behavioral health staff and chaperones); the FY27 operating plan included $8.1 million in city funds to add 40 full‑time staff for juvenile justice staff and supports when fully implemented.
What’s next: The committee asked ACS for more detail on population projections, expected timelines for the Horizon annex’s phased completion and for follow‑up on whether any state reimbursement will apply to capital expenses.
