Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Settlements and Lawsuits

Every state in the U.S. operates facilities for the detention of juvenile criminal offenders who have been sentenced to incarceration or are awaiting adjudication. Recent investigations have revealed the sad reality that juvenile inmates in these detention facilities are commonly subjected to sexual abuse and assault committed by staff members who are supposed to protect them.

Thanks to new laws extending the statute of limitations in many states and increased public awareness of child sexual abuse, many victims of sex abuse in juvenile detention centers are now filing civil lawsuits and getting financial settlements.

Our national sex abuse lawyers are currently seeking juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuits from victims across the country. Contact us at 800-553-8082 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Compensation Claim Table of Contents

The Juvenile Detention Facility Problem
Limited Oversight of Juvenile Detention Centers
Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQs
Recent Lawsuits and News
DOJ Findings on Sexual Abuse
Residential Treatment Facilities
New Laws Supporting Survivors
Settlement Amount Calculation
Contact Us About a Lawsuit

Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse News and Updates

April 22, 2025: Maryland is currently grappling with a significant wave of lawsuits alleging decades of sexual abuse within its juvenile detention centers. Following the enactment of the Child Victims Act in 2023, which eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, over 3,500 lawsuits have been filed against state agencies, many involving allegations of abuse in juvenile facilities dating back to the 1960s.

In response to the mounting financial implications, Maryland lawmakers passed legislation in April 2025 to cap future liabilities. For claims filed after May 31, 2025, damages are limited to $400,000 for public institutions and $700,000 for private entities. Additionally, survivors are restricted to a single payment per lawsuit, regardless of the number of abuse incidents they endured.

These measures have drawn criticism from survivors and advocates, who argue that they undermine the intent of the Child Victims Act and fail to provide adequate compensation for the harm suffered. They point to Los Angeles County’s recent $4 billion settlement, which addressed nearly 7,000 claims of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities dating back to 1959, as a model for comprehensive redress.

The contrast between Maryland’s approach and that of Los Angeles County highlights a broader debate about how institutions should respond to historical abuses. While some jurisdictions are taking steps to fully acknowledge and compensate survivors, others appear to be retreating from responsibility, raising concerns about justice and accountability.

April 18, 2025 – New Lawsuit Highlights Systemic Abuse at Oregon’s MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility

A new federal lawsuit was filed detailing allegations of sexual abuse by staff at Oregon’s MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility. The suit adds to a growing number of claims suggesting pervasive misconduct and a backlog of uninvestigated complaints within the Oregon Youth Authority.

April 4, 2025 – $4 Billion Settlement in Los Angeles County Juvenile Abuse Cases

Los Angeles County reached a record-setting $4 billion tentative settlement to resolve over 6,800 sexual abuse claims involving juveniles in county-run detention centers and foster care programs. The cases span alleged abuse between 1959 and the early 2000s, with many incidents concentrated in the 1980s and 1990s.

More Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Settlements, Lawsuits, and Legal Updates

March 24, 2025 – Former Psychologist at New York Youth Facility Accused of Repeated Rape

A federal lawsuit alleges that Maya Hayes, a former psychologist at Brookwood Secure Center for Youth in New York, repeatedly raped a teenage inmate. Hayes, already facing 65 sex abuse charges involving multiple victims, is accused of manipulating and abusing the plaintiff approximately 30 times. The lawsuit also implicates 22 other staff members for failing to prevent the abuse.

March 19, 2025 – Maryland Faces Thousands of Sexual Abuse Claims in Juvenile Facilities

Maryland is contending with over 3,500 juvenile detention center lawsuits alleging sexual abuse in its juvenile detention centers, following the 2023 Child Victims Act that removed the statute of limitations for such claims. The state legislature is considering measures to cap liabilities amid concerns over potential financial impacts.

March 18, 2025 – Lawsuits Filed Against New Jersey Juvenile Detention Centers

Thirteen survivors filed lawsuits against Middlesex and Morris County juvenile detention centers in New Jersey, alleging sexual abuse during their confinement. The suits claim that county officials failed to protect detainees from rampant abuse by staff members.

February 11, 2025 – Over 100 New Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Filed Against Illinois Juvenile Facilities

More than 100 individuals filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse in Illinois state and county juvenile detention centers, bringing the total number of such cases to 800. The plaintiffs report long-term psychological trauma resulting from the alleged abuses.

January 25, 2025 – Maryland Supreme Court Upholds Child Victims Act

In a pivotal decision, the Maryland Supreme Court upheld the Child Victims Act of 2023, allowing survivors of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred. This ruling has significant implications for ongoing and future litigation related to abuse in juvenile facilities.

October 19, 2024 – DOJ Opens Civil Rights Investigation into Louisiana Juvenile Facilities

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the launch of a civil rights investigation into Louisiana’s juvenile justice system, focusing on the state’s four secure-care facilities. The probe was prompted by mounting allegations of sexual abuse, physical violence, and staff misconduct. The DOJ cited “serious concerns about systemic violations of the constitutional rights of incarcerated youth,” particularly at the Acadiana Center for Youth and Bridge City Center for Youth.

The announcement followed months of advocacy by local and national child welfare groups, which documented cases of youth being placed in solitary confinement after reporting abuse. The investigation will assess whether Louisiana is violating the rights of juveniles under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA).

September 30, 2024 – Multi-Plaintiff Lawsuit Filed Against Ohio Department of Youth Services

A class action lawsuit was filed in federal court in Columbus, Ohio, by 18 former detainees against the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS), alleging widespread sexual abuse and staff negligence at Circleville and Indian River youth correctional facilities.

The plaintiffs allege that from the 1980s through the 2010s, employees, including counselors and guards, routinely exploited juveniles under their supervision. One plaintiff stated that a male counselor used his role to coerce sexual acts in exchange for extra privileges and contraband. The lawsuit accuses DYS of deliberate indifference, failure to supervise, and a systemic pattern of cover-ups of sexual abuse and assault.

August 26, 2024 – New Mexico Audit Reveals Longstanding Failures in Abuse Reporting

An internal audit commissioned by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) revealed significant failures in how abuse allegations were reported and investigated within juvenile detention facilities statewide. The audit examined reports dating back to 2000 and found that over 300 allegations of sexual misconduct were either dismissed without inquiry or handled internally with no independent oversight.

The audit’s findings prompted calls for a legislative inquiry, with lawmakers from both parties expressing support for comprehensive reform, including independent monitoring of all youth facilities.

August 12, 2024 – Juvenile Detention Center Abuse Lawsuit in Oregon

A new detention center sex abuse lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, Eugene Division, by a former juvenile inmate at Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) facilities, alleging violations of his Eighth Amendment rights due to cruel and unusual punishment.

The plaintiff’s suit claims that while incarcerated at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, two OYA employees engaged in coercive sexual relationships with him. One employee allegedly initiated a sexual relationship with the plaintiff over a period of ten months, facilitated by another staff member who failed to report the misconduct.

It did not stop there. Later, a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), identified as a licensed clinical social worker, was assigned to provide mental health support to the plaintiff following the earlier abuse. However, instead of offering appropriate care, the social worker allegedly groomed the plaintiff for a sexual relationship, further exacerbating the harm.

The plaintiff also asserts that OYA officials failed to enforce policies designed to prevent such abuse, which contributed to the environment that allowed these violations to occur. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, attorney’s fees, and further relief, and the plaintiff has demanded a jury trial.

July 13, 2024 – Lawsuit Alleges Female Staff Member Abused Inmates

A recently filed lawsuit alleges that a single female staff member at the Bronx Juvenile Jail facility sexually abused a group of 12 juvenile inmates. The lawsuit claims that the female staff member at the facility coerced the juvenile detainees into engaging in sexual activities with her while they were detained at the facility and under her care.

June 28, 2024 – $1.5 Million Settlement in New Hampshire

A $1.5 million settlement was reached for the first time under New Hampshire’s legislative fund, established to address allegations of physical and sexual assault at the state’s youth detention center. The state attorney general announced this resolution as part of an effort to resolve over 50 claims currently filed, with more expected. The Sununu Youth Services Center, previously known as the Youth Development Center, faced over 700 lawsuits alleging abuse spanning six decades. The $100 million settlement fund offers a victim-centered, trauma-informed alternative to litigation. Ten men were charged in 2021 for assaults between 1994 and 2007, with an additional man charged related to a pre-trial facility.

May 30, 2024 – Lawsuit Alleges Widespread Sex Abuse at Tulsa Juvenile Center

A newly filed civil lawsuit filed by 21 former juvenile inmates alleges that sexual abuse of juvenile detainees by staff was commonplace at the Tulsa County juvenile detention center called Family Center for Juvenile Justice. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit all allege that they were victims of sexual assault by staff members at the facility during their time there. The lawsuit also claims that the administration at the facility covered up and ignored the allegations of abuse.

May 15, 2024 – New Study on Juvenile Justice

A new study from Arizona State University found that juvenile justice involvement and teen dating violence (TDV) are risk factors for sex trafficking among detained girls. The study involved 111 female minors from two Arizona juvenile detention centers. It revealed that 42.3% of participants had experienced sex trafficking, and those who did were significantly more likely to report higher scores on the TDV scale.

May 6, 2024 – Lawsuit Sheds Light on Culture of Abuse at Illinois Youth Centers

A new lawsuit filed in Cook County, Illinois on behalf of nearly 100 former juvenile inmates shed light on an alleged culture of sexual abuse at various Illinois Youth Detention Centers. The lawsuit contains over 90 individual stories of juvenile inmates being forced into sexual activities with adult staff members while the victims were inmates in Youth Centers run by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

Juvenile Detention Facilities in the U.S.

All 50 states in the U.S. have similar general rules and policies regarding the treatment of juvenile offenders (individuals under the age of 18 or 21, depending on state laws). Juvenile offenders are treated differently from adults. When juveniles are found guilty of criminal acts and sentenced to confinement or incarceration, they are housed in separate detention facilities for juvenile offenders.

These facilities are referred to as juvenile detention centers, juvenile halls, reform schools, and a host of other names. They all have the same basic premise. Just like adult offenders, juvenile detainees are “locked” up, meaning that they are not free to leave and their movements within the facility are restricted. Juvenile facilities vary in the level of security applied to residents, but in high-security level facilities, the detainees are usually locked in cells.

Detaining juveniles and operating juvenile detention center facilities is the duty and obligation of each state and/or its local counties or municipalities. Most larger states have a department of juvenile justice or a dedicated state agency that is responsible for the administration of these facilities. These agencies have direct authority and control over the facilities. Many states, however, delegate this responsibility to private companies. The state basically pays these companies to operate and maintain its juvenile detention facilities.

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Justice JFRC Databook, there are roughly 1,300 juvenile detention facilities across the U.S. The state or local government publicly operates the majority of these facilities (64%). Private contractors operate the remaining 37% of juvenile detention facilities. On an annual basis, about 200,000 juveniles are placed in detention facilities, with an average stay of 27 days.

Limited Oversight of Juvenile Detention Centers

Juvenile detention and juvenile justice services are entirely within the authority of the states, under their “police powers.” As a result, they get very little federal funding. This means there is little or no federal oversight of state juvenile justice administration. Instead, the state agencies are essentially left to police themselves.

Occasionally, the U.S. Department of Justice conducts surveys and investigations into conditions at juvenile justice facilities. The justification for this limited intrusion is to ensure that the constitutional and civil rights of juvenile detainees are not being violated. The DOJ reports almost always find evidence of widespread abuse of juvenile detainees, particularly rampant sexual abuse. However, the DOJ itself has limited power to step in and force state agencies to take action.

Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit FAQs

Who can file a juvenile detention center lawsuit?

Anyone who was sexually abused while incarcerated in a juvenile detention facility may have a valid claim. It does not matter how long ago the abuse happened. Many states have changed their laws to extend or eliminate the statute of limitations for these claims. If you experienced sexual assault in juvenile detention, you may still have time to come forward. Talk to a lawyer who understands these cases. Do not assume you are out of options. A call or an online inquiry is free.

What qualifies as sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers?

Sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers includes any sexual contact or conduct by a staff member, counselor, contractor, or fellow detainee that was unwanted, coercive, or exploitative. Even if it seemed consensual at the time, the law considers it abuse because of the power dynamics involved. In many cases, juvenile victims were groomed or manipulated.

Why are there so many lawsuits now?

Because the truth is finally being heard. For decades, survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention facilities stayed silent. Some were threatened. Others were simply not believed. Now, laws are catching up to the reality of trauma. In places like Maryland, California, Illinois, and New Jersey, thousands of juvenile detention center lawsuits have been filed in just the past few years. These are not isolated incidents. This is a nationwide reckoning.

Can I file a lawsuit if the abuse happened a long time ago?

Yes, you probably can. But you have to find out.

Many states now allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. These laws exist because lawmakers now understand what survivors have always known—it often takes years or decades to process what happened. It is not too late. A juvenile sexual assault lawsuit may be the path to justice you never thought was possible.

How much is my case worth?

That depends on several factors. The severity of the abuse. The emotional and psychological impact. Whether the facility ignored complaints or failed to stop a known predator. In some jurisdictions, compensation for public institutions may be capped. In others, like California, recent settlements have reached into the billions. Every case is different. These lawsuits are mostly about money. That is how the civil justice system works. It gives financial compensation for wrongdoing. Our lawyers do not run from this. But the value is about more than just money. It is about accountability and justice.

What if I do not have evidence?

Many survivors worry about this. Having concrete evidence is good. But your word matters. Courts know that evidence in these cases can be hard to come by. That is why testimony, behavioral records, facility complaints, staffing logs, and expert evaluations often play a key role. A lawyer who understands the system can help uncover what others tried to hide. You do not need to bring a box of documents. You just need to speak.

Are these cases public? Will my name be out there?

You can choose to remain anonymous. In most states, the court allows survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers to proceed under a pseudonym. Your privacy matters. But talk to us about that from the beginning because it does depend on the jurisdiction.

What if I was abused in a private juvenile facility?

You still have a case. Many juvenile detention centers are operated by private companies under state contracts. Those private entities can—and must—be held accountable for failing to protect children. In some states, private entities are not protected by the same liability caps as public agencies. That may increase your potential compensation.

Is there a deadline to file?

Yes. But the deadline depends on the laws in your state, and they are changing fast. Some states have opened “revival windows” for survivors with old claims. Others have eliminated the statute of limitations entirely for childhood sexual abuse. The important thing is to act now. Waiting could mean losing the right to file a lawsuit. A juvenile detention lawsuit starts with one conversation. Make the call.

How do I get started?

Call us. That is the first step. You do not pay anything upfront. We listen. And it sounds cliche, but we care.

We also ask the right questions. Then we go to work. We are national sex abuse lawyers handling lawsuits involving sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers across the country, and we want to help you.

Sex Abuse at Juvenile Detention Centers

Juvenile detention centers across the U.S. have grappled for decades with high rates of staff-on-inmate sexual abuse. This issue has been extensively documented through numerous criminal cases against guards and staff accused of abuse, civil legal filings by survivors, and comprehensive investigations by local, state, and federal authorities.

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a series of reports detailing incidents of sexual victimization—defined as any sexual activity with staff and forced sexual activity with another youth—at nearly 200 juvenile detention facilities nationwide. These DOJ reports reveal alarmingly high rates of sexual victimization among youth in American juvenile detention centers. Here are some of the key findings from the DOJ:

DOJ investigation found that nearly 10% of juvenile detainees in detention facilities across the country reported being the victim of at least 1 incident of sexual abuse. That means 1 out of every 10 minors in juvenile detention centers is the victim of sexual abuse. Over 60% of the abuse was perpetrated by staff members.
Over a dozen individual juvenile detention center facilities were found to have reported sexual abuse rates of 15% or higher. Six of these facilities had sexual abuse rates higher than 30%.

These shocking findings reveal that both public and privately operated youth detention centers have long struggled to prevent sexual abuse, especially abuse committed by staff. They also highlight states and facilities where such abuse has been particularly pervasive. For example:

In Maryland, juvenile facilities across the state have reported rates of sexual victimization above the national average of approximately 12%. According to the DOJ’s 2010 report, the Backbone Mountain Youth Center in Swanton had a sexual victimization rate of over 36%. More about Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits.
In New York City, the Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx has been the focus of a federal investigation into sexual abuse by staff members. At least one staff member has been criminally charged, and the city has settled numerous cases arising from abuse at Horizon.
In Pennsylvania, the Cresson Secure Treatment Unit has been repeatedly identified for high rates of reported sexual victimization. The DOJ’s 2010 report found that 33% of respondents reported some type of sexual victimization while in custody.

New Laws Make Filing Sex Abuse Lawsuits Easier

In recent years, states across the country have enacted laws to make it easier for childhood sexual abuse survivors to seek the compensation they deserve. These new laws are based on well-established research showing the challenges sexual abuse survivors face in processing their trauma. It often takes years or even decades for survivors to understand the connection between their abuse and the resulting damages. Additionally, modern state laws have created various legal barriers for survivors seeking justice in the civil legal system.

Today, laws in an increasing number of states are providing unprecedented opportunities for child sexual abuse survivors to seek justice. Many of these laws extend the statute of limitations, giving survivors more time—sometimes years or decades—to file their claims. Some states have even eliminated the civil statute of limitations for child sex abuse lawsuits entirely. Additionally, several states have included retroactive provisions, allowing survivors with previously time-barred claims to come forward.

For a detailed guide on the statute of limitations laws for child sexual abuse in each state, see our page on State Sex Abuse SOL Grades.

Settlement Value of Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits

The amount of money you can receive in a successful juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuit depends on several factors. Here are the main considerations that can influence the potential settlement amount:

Strength of Evidence: Often, the victim’s testimony alone is enough to establish that abuse occurred. However, additional evidence substantiating the victim’s account can significantly increase the settlement value. It’s also crucial to provide evidence that the detention center or its staff were negligent in preventing the abuse. Demonstrating failures in the institution’s policies and procedures, which is common in many of these cases, can greatly strengthen your case.
Severity of Abuse: The extent of the sexual abuse inflicted on the victim plays a major role in determining the case’s value. Settlement amounts tend to be higher when there is a diagnosis of injury, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. However, many strong claims exist even without objective injuries. Expert testimony from psychologists or psychiatrists can be used to assess the abuse’s impact.
Age of the Victim: The age at which the victim experienced abuse can also affect the settlement amount. Younger victims may receive higher settlements due to the long-term impact on their development and life trajectory.
What State You Are In: The state in which you file your lawsuit is one of the most important factors for determining the potential value of a juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuit. The reason for this is that the state is the defendant in these cases. Some states, are making a genuine effort to give victims of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers fair compensation. Other states, by contrast, are taking a more defensive approach to these claims.

Contact Us About Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits

We are accepting juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuits in all 50 states. Call us at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.