Lawsuit Information Center
This page will look at Morris County Juvenile Detention Center sex abuse lawsuits. We will explain how former juvenile inmates at Morris County JDC who were sexually abused can now bring civil lawsuits and get financial compensation.
Our New Jersey sexual abuse attorneys are investigating juvenile detention center sex abuse cases 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 Morris County Juvenile Detention Center
The Morris County Juvenile Detention Center (MCJDC), located at 460 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township, New Jersey, is a secure facility dedicated to providing short-term care and custody for juveniles aged 12 to 18.
MDJDC is a regional juvenile facility serving multiple counties in the area. MCJDC houses juvenile inmates from Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Warren counties through shared services agreements. The center accommodates juveniles who are accused or adjudicated, pending court action, or awaiting transfer to another facility, and who cannot be served in an open setting.
Inmates at MCJDC are houses in barrack style housing units, and share common facilities for recreation and education. Residents participate in a full-year education program comprising five marking periods totaling over 230 days of instruction per year. Regardless of their educational status, all residents receive four hours of direct instruction every day.
Sussex County JDC (Closed)
Sussex County Juvenile Detention Center was a short-term juvenile facility in Sussex County similar to MDJDC. In 2009, Sussex County JDC closed permanently. Now MDJDC houses all juvenile inmates that would have previously gone to Sussex County JDC.
Sexual Abuse of Inmates MDJDC
New Jersey’s juvenile detention centers don’t have the best track record—they’re actually known for being some of the worst in the country when it comes to neglect and abuse. Most of the issues have come out of the state-run facilities, which are overseen by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission. The Morris County JDC is a bit different since it’s run by the county, not the state—but that doesn’t mean inmates at MDJDC are not victimized.
In 2017, a female correctional officer at MCJDC was criminally prosecuted for physically abusing a female juvenile inmate at the facility. The officer admitted in court that she punched and kicked a juvenile inmate while that inmate was handcuffed to the floor. That inmate late brought a civil suit against Morris County and the officer.
Just like many other juvenile facilities, MCJDC has had its fair share of serious problems, including multiple reports over the years of sexual abuse involving staff and inmates. A big reason this kind of abuse happens so often is because there’s not enough oversight, and the system tends to just let things slide.
These aren’t one-off issues either—they point to bigger, structural problems. We’re talking about poor supervision, not enough training for staff, constant understaffing, and weak systems for holding people accountable. All of that creates the perfect environment for bad behavior to go unchecked.
One of the most disturbing parts? MCJDC has a history of brushing off credible complaints from kids about staff misconduct. A lot of the time, those reports were ignored, mishandled, or just not followed up on at all. In some cases, it’s even been alleged that administrators tried to protect the staff being accused or cover up the evidence altogether.
Holding Morris County Accountable for Abuse
MCJDC is under the operational control and authority of the Morris County Department of Human Services. This means that Morris County has both a legal and constitutional duty to take reasonable steps to protect the youth held at MCJDC from sexual abuse and assault. This responsibility doesn’t just cover preventing abuse by staff—it also includes keeping detainees safe from harm by other juveniles. To meet this obligation, the county was supposed to create and enforce strong policies and procedures to prevent sexual abuse inside the facility.
But despite that clear duty, there’s growing evidence that Morris County failed to do its part. When reports of abuse came in, the response from both facility staff and state officials was often lacking. Problems ranged from poor staff oversight to weak or nonexistent policies, not enough training, and a serious failure to put effective safety measures in place.
Because of these oversights and failures, Morris County could be held legally responsible in civil court. Survivors of sexual abuse at MCJDC may have the right to seek compensation for the trauma and harm they endured due to the county’s failure to protect them.
You Don’t Need to Know Your Abuser’s Name
Many survivors of sexual abuse at juvenile facilities like MCJDC think they have to know the name of the staff member who harmed them in order to file a lawsuit. But that’s actually not the case. You do not need to identify your abuser by name when you first file a civil claim.
In reality, most people who come forward with these types of cases don’t know exactly who their abuser was. What matters is that they can describe what happened and, if possible, give a general physical description or any details about the circumstances. That’s usually enough to get the legal process started.
Once a lawsuit is filed, lawyers can use the discovery process to dig deeper. This includes getting access to staff rosters, video footage, incident reports, and other records that can help identify the person responsible.
Of course, if a survivor can name their abuser, that can make the case stronger—especially if that staff member has a history of complaints or has been disciplined or charged in the past. That kind of information can help prove there was a pattern of abuse and that the facility failed to act.
Settlement Payouts for MCJDC Sex Abuse Cases
If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit for sexual abuse that happened at CCJDC, you’re probably wondering how much a case like this might be worth. The answer depends on a few key factors. Here’s a breakdown of what can influence the potential value of a settlement:
- The Severity of the Abuse
The more serious and long-lasting the harm, the higher the potential compensation. If the survivor has been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or has physical injuries, that can significantly increase the value of the case. Even without medical records, mental health experts can still help build a strong case by speaking to the emotional and psychological effects of the abuse. - The Evidence That’s Available
A survivor’s own account can carry a lot of weight. But supporting evidence—like internal reports, witness statements, or proof that staff ignored red flags—can strengthen the case and lead to a higher settlement. If it can be shown that the facility had serious safety failures or ignored signs of abuse, that’s a big factor in holding them accountable. - The Victim’s Age at the Time
Younger victims often receive larger settlements because of how deeply the trauma can affect their development and long-term mental health. Courts and juries tend to recognize the lasting impact abuse can have on a child or teenager. - Whether the Abuser Can Be Identified
You don’t have to know exactly who abused you to file a claim, but being able to identify the person—especially if they’ve faced similar accusations before—can really strengthen the case. It shows a pattern of abuse and can make it harder for the facility to deny responsibility.
Contact Us About MCJDC Sex Abuse Cases
If you were sexually abused as an inmate at Morris County Juvenile Detention Center, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get compensation. Reach out to us online or call 800-553-8082.