Juvenile detention facilities across the country subject thousands of vulnerable children to horrific abuse. An undeniable and devastating truth that can no longer be ignored. These included sexual assault, rape, grooming, humiliation, and systemic neglect.
This is not isolated. Not an accidental. It is institutional.
And thanks to powerful survivor voices and the tireless efforts of trauma-informed attorneys, the walls of silence and immunity are finally crumbling. Civil litigation certainly is exposing the full scope of harm. Survivors are reclaiming their power. And we are honored to stand beside them.
Survivors of Juvenile Facilities are Getting Justice
Let’s talk about facts. Over the past year alone, multiple states have been rocked by sweeping lawsuits involving abuse inside youth detention centers:
California:
Thousands of survivors have come forward alleging horrific abuse across juvenile halls in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. These ranged from strip searches and assaults to being targeted by staff members over decades. One of the largest civil settlements in U.S. history, $4 billion, was recently approved by Los Angeles County to resolve nearly 7,000 sexual abuse claims stemming from its juvenile facilities.
Illinois:
Over 900 former youth detainees have filed lawsuits against the state, citing rape, molestation, and institutional failure spanning more than two decades. Many victims were as young as 11 or 12. These cases highlight systemic grooming by staff, cover-ups, and deliberate indifference by facility leadership.
Maryland:
Three brave survivors filed a $300 million federal civil suit. They alleged that state-run juvenile detention centers failed to protect them from known sexual predators even after reports of abuse surfaced. Also with Maryland recently lifting its statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, advocates expect hundreds more survivors to come forward.
This isn’t just about individual bad actors. It’s about broken systems that prioritized control over care, secrecy over safety, and bureaucracy over accountability. Additionally, in past sexual abuse coverups, when abuse is uncovered in one place, many more locations are likely involved.
Look at the Catholic Church, Colleges And Universities, the Boy Scouts of America. Juvenile Detention Centers are now having their reckoning moment. It’s time for survivors to speak up and access the justice they deserve.
Why Civil Lawsuits Are Essential
For many survivors, the criminal justice system has failed them. And, this happened either because charges were never brought, statutes of limitations had expired, or institutions used legal loopholes to evade responsibility. Just like all these other entities needed civil lawsuits to give access to justice, juvenile detention centers are no different.
And, that’s where civil litigation steps in.
Because, civil lawsuits allow survivors to:
- Hold institutions financially and publicly accountable
- Uncover hidden evidence and patterns of cover-up through discovery
- Inspire other survivors to come forward
- Gain a sense of justice, validation, and closure
Make no mistake: these cases aren’t just about money. They are about truth, visibility, and finally, systemic change.
What Sets Our Firm Apart
At Andreozzi + Foote, we’ve represented countless survivors of sexual abuse and we have deep experience in juvenile detention abuse cases.
As a result, in Pennsylvania, we represented a survivor of sexual abuse against VisionQuest, a juvenile facility. We were able to provide that survivor justice along with a seven-figure settlement. Our sexual abuse lawyers know the law, understand the challenges around statute of limitations, and are able to offer survivors trauma-informed justice.
We Hear Survivors
Survivors of abuse in juvenile detention centers, whether the abuse happened recently or decades ago, may still have legal options to seek justice.
Also, new laws in states like California, New York, and Maryland have eliminated or extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, allowing more survivors to file civil lawsuits and pursue justice.
You are not alone. And your story matters.
Call to Action
Finally, if you’re ready to speak your truth, we’re ready to stand with you.
Contact Andreozzi + Foote today for a free, confidential consultation. Our trauma-informed legal team will listen, believe you, and help you determine the best course forward. This may be through civil litigation or other legal remedies.
Justice is possible. Let’s fight for it together.
