ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
Sexual Abuse In San Diego Juvenile Detention Facilities - How Survivors Can Seek Justice
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: May 6, 2025
No one should suffer abuse, especially not while in the custody of institutions entrusted with their care. Survivors of sexual abuse in San Diego’s juvenile detention facilities deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered to pursue justice. If you or a loved one was sexually abused while held in one of San Diego County’s juvenile facilities, you may have the right to take legal action through a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
The experienced attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote are dedicated to helping survivors navigate their legal options and pursue justice.
San Diego County Juvenile Detention Facilities at the Center of Abuse Allegations
Over the years, San Diego County’s juvenile detention centers, including Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, and Polinsky Children’s Center, have faced numerous allegations of abuse. Many survivors have bravely come forward to report incidents of sexual assault, physical abuse, and neglect, often at the hands of trusted facility staff such as detention officers, counselors, and other facility staff. Tragically, many of these acts were allowed to continue due to poor oversight and inadequate responses by authorities.
In San Diego County, facilities designed to rehabilitate and safeguard minors in custody often fail to do so, leading to situations where already vulnerable children become victims of further harm.
Reports of Abuse at San Diego Juvenile Detention Facilities
Recent lawsuits filed against San Diego County for incidents of sexual abuse and assault at its juvenile detention centers reveal disturbing accounts of abuse carried out by individuals in positions of authority. According to legal filings, victims have described incidents of sexual assault occurring in private areas such as bathrooms, cells, and secluded offices, with threats of additional violence or extended confinement used to silence victims.
Coming forward about abuse, especially in institutional settings where power imbalances are extreme, takes extraordinary courage. Survivors often carry the emotional and psychological weight of what happened for years, even decades.
Notable Juvenile Detention Facilities in San Diego County
The following facilities have been the subject of abuse allegations and lawsuits:
- Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (closed)
- East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility
- Girls Rehabilitation Facility
- Camp Barrett (closed)
- Rancho del Campo Juvenile Ranch Facility (closed)
- Rancho del Rayo Juvenile Ranch Facility
- Polinsky Children’s Center
Each of these institutions has been associated with allegations of serious misconduct, leaving lasting trauma for minors already facing difficult circumstances. Survivors of abuse at these facilities may have the legal right to seek compensation for the trauma they endured.
The Legal Path Forward for Survivors
If you were a victim of sexual abuse at a San Diego juvenile detention center, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the county or responsible institutions. California has enacted laws that give survivors of childhood sexual abuse a broader window of time to seek justice through civil lawsuits.
California Statute of Limitations for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
In 2019, the California Child Victims Act (CCVA), also known as Assembly Bill 218, extended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Survivors can file civil lawsuits under the following guidelines:
- Until Age 40 or Within 5 Years of Discovery: Survivors have the right to file a lawsuit until they turn 40 years old or within five years of discovering the psychological or emotional harm caused by the abuse—whichever comes first.
It’s crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights. California has eliminated the statute of limitations for civil claims involving childhood sexual assault that occurred on or after January 1, 2024—meaning survivors of more recent abuse can file a lawsuit at any time. However, deadlines still apply to many other cases. At our firm, we’re here to help you understand your options and ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to seek justice. Contact us as soon as possible for a confidential consultation.
What Damages May Be Available in Your Case?
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in a San Diego County juvenile detention center, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covers past and future medical and therapeutic costs related to the abuse.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological distress caused by the abuse.
- Lost Wages: For survivors who lost income due to the effects of their abuse.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s conduct was egregious, survivors may receive additional damages aimed at punishing the responsible party.
- Treble Damages: California law allows for treble (triple) damages if it is shown that the facility covered up the abuse.
How Andreozzi + Foote Can Help
At Andreozzi + Foote, we focus exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse. We have a proven track record in high-profile cases across the country, including those involving youth detention centers, schools, religious institutions, and foster care systems.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Decades of experience handling complex, sensitive abuse cases
- A trauma-informed, survivor-first approach to every case
- Hands-on representation from attorneys who keep you informed every step of the way
- Cutting-edge legal strategies and national recognition in the fight against institutional abuse
We recognize the strength it takes to come forward and talk about what happened. At Andreozzi + Foote, you will always be met with compassion, respect, and belief.
Contact Us Today To Begin Your Journey Toward Justice
If you were abused at Kearny Mesa, East Mesa, or any other juvenile facility in San Diego County, we’re here to help you explore your legal options safely and confidentially. Even if the abuse happened years ago, it may not be too late to seek justice.
Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a free, private consultation. There’s no pressure to move forward, and everything you share with us is protected and confidential. Call us at 866-311-8640 or fill out our online form to get started.
You don’t have to face this journey alone—we’re here to help.
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
