Lawsuit Information Center
On this page, we will explain how former inmates who were sexually abused at Camden County Juvenile Detention Center can file civil lawsuits and get financial compensation.
Our national sex abuse lawyers are currently accepting New Jersey juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuits involving facilities across the state. If you were the victim of sexual abuse or assault at a New Jersey juvenile detention center, call us today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.
About Camden County Juvenile Detention Center
The Camden County Juvenile Detention Center (CCJDC) is a secure, pre-trial facility located in Blackwood, New Jersey. It serves as the primary detention center for juveniles from Camden County who are awaiting court proceedings related to delinquent behavior. The center accommodates both male and female residents and operates under the oversight of the Camden County Department of Corrections.
Juvenile inmates at CCJDC are required to participate in the facility’s educational program, which involves a normal school schedule Monday thru Friday. In addition to academic instruction, the center offers substance abuse and mental health programs to address underlying issues contributing to delinquent behavior. These programs aim to equip juveniles with the tools necessary for successful reintegration into society.
Sexual Abuse of Inmates at CCJDC
New Jersey’s juvenile detention facilities have a terrible reputation in terms of neglect and abuse of inmates. The state level juvenile detention centers in New Jersey are widely considered to be some of the worst in the country. CCJDC is somewhat different because it is operated by Camden County rather than the state of New Jersey (which are operated by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission). That does not mean, however, that CCJDC is immune from the same issues that have led to systemic abuse of juvenile inmates in the state facilities.
Like most juvenile facilities, CCJDC has faced numerous allegations of inmate sexual abuse over the years. The frequency of staff-on-inmate sexual abuse is largely the result of institutional neglect and lack of oversight.
These problems are not isolated. Instead, they stem from structural failures, including inadequate supervision, insufficient staff training, chronic understaffing, and poor accountability protocols—all of which have enabled abusive behavior to go unchecked.
One of the most serious failures at CCJDC has been its repeated dismissal of credible allegations from juvenile inmates regarding staff misconduct. Complaints of abuse were frequently disregarded, mishandled, or left uninvestigated, and in some instances, facility administrators allegedly shielded accused staff or actively suppressed evidence of wrongdoing.
Holding Camden County Liable
Camden County has a legal and constitutional obligation to take reasonable measures to protect juvenile detainees at CCJDC from sexual abuse and assault. This duty includes not only preventing misconduct by staff members but also safeguarding youth from harm posed by other detainees. To meet this obligation, Camden County was required to develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive policies and procedures aimed at preventing sexual abuse within the facility.
Despite this mandate, mounting evidence suggests that Camden County failed to fulfill its responsibilities at CCJDC. Reports of abuse were met with inadequate responses from both state authorities and facility personnel. These failures included poor staff supervision, ineffective or nonexistent policies, insufficient training, and a lack of meaningful safety protocols.
As a result of this negligence, Camden County may be held liable through civil litigation. Individuals who experienced sexual abuse while confined at CCJDC may have the legal right to seek compensation for the harm they suffered as a result of Camden County’s failure to protect them.
Identification of the Abuser Is Not Required
Victims of sexual abuse or assault at juvenile facilities such as CCJDC often believe they must know the name of the staff member who harmed them in order to pursue legal action. This is actually NOT true. Victims are not legally required to identify or name their abuser at the time a civil lawsuit is filed.
In fact, most victims who file juvenile detention sex abuse lawsuits are not able to provide the name of their abuser. Most victims are only able to provide a general physical description of the person(s) who abused them. A general description of the perpetrator or the circumstances surrounding the abuse is all that is necessary to move forward with a civil lawsuit.
Once the case is initiated, the discovery process allows attorneys to obtain additional information—such as staff rosters, surveillance records, and internal reports—which can assist in identifying the individual responsible.
Although identification is not necessary to file a claim, being able to name the abuser can significantly strengthen the case. This is particularly true if the staff member has a documented history of misconduct, prior allegations of abuse, or if they have been criminally charged for similar offenses. Such details can help establish a pattern of behavior and support claims of negligence by the facility.
How Much Are CCJDC Sex Abuse Lawsuits Worth?
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit for sexual abuse that happened at CCJDC, you might be wondering how much a case like this could be worth. The truth is, it depends on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what can affect the potential settlement:
- How Serious the Abuse Was
The more severe the abuse, the higher the potential compensation. If the victim has been diagnosed with things like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or physical injuries, that can really increase the value of the case. But even if there aren’t medical records, a strong case can still be built with support from mental health professionals who can speak to the emotional impact of the abuse. - What Kind of Evidence Is Available
A victim’s testimony alone can be powerful, but additional evidence—like reports, witness statements, or proof that the facility ignored warning signs—can boost the settlement amount. Showing that the detention center failed to protect its residents or had serious flaws in its system can make the case even stronger. - How Old the Victim Was
Generally, the younger the victim at the time of the abuse, the higher the settlement. That’s because the trauma can have long-lasting effects on a young person’s emotional development and future. - Whether the Abuser Can Be Identified
You don’t need to know who the abuser was to file a lawsuit, but if the victim can identify them—especially if that person has a history of misconduct—it can really help the case. It shows a pattern and makes it harder for the facility to deny responsibility.
Contact Us About CCJDC Sex Abuse Lawsuits
We are accepting Camden County Juvenile Detention Center sex abuse lawsuits. Call us at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.