Lawsuit Information Center
This page will look at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall sexual abuse lawsuit and their potential settlement value. Victims of sexual abuse at Los Padrinos are now filing civil lawsuits against Los Angeles County. Successful plaintiffs can get significant financial compensation.
If you have a potential lawsuit for sexual abuse at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, call our California sex abuse lawyers today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.
About Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, California, first opened in 1957. For six decades, It served as a juvenile detention facility for “pre-disposition” offenders—i.e., those who were charged with criminal violations but were awaiting final adjudication and sentencing. Los Padrinos was one of three juvenile halls serving Los Angeles County, and it was under the operational control of the LA County Probation Department.
In the early days of operation Los Padrinos could hold a maximum of about 200 juvenile inmates. A major expansion project in the 1990s expanded that capacity to 500 juvenile detainees between the ages of 12-18.
Shutdown and Reopening
In the summer of 2019, Los Padrinos was shut down due to dysfunction and declining inmate population. It was converted and repurposed into a shelter for young women. However, in 2023, LA County was essentially forced to reopen Los Padrinos after state authorities forced the closure of LA County’s two other juvenile facilities.
In December 2024 (just a year after it was reopened), the California Board of State and Community Corrections ordered Los Padrinos shut down because of widespread dysfunction and evidence of abuse. LA County essentially refused to comply with this order, however, and the state had to take the case to court. In April 2025, a judge ordered the LA County Probation Department to begin “depopulating” Los Padrinos in compliance with the state mandate.
History of Sexual Abuse At Los Padrinos
California juvenile detention centers have a long and sad legacy of physical and sexual abuse of child inmates. Although Los Padrinos is a county facility, it has suffered from the same neglect and systemic abuse that plagued the broader state juvenile system.
In recent years, a growing number of former inmates at Los Padrinos have come forward with allegations of widespread sexual abuse by staff members at the facility. The allegations indicate that staff members at Los Padrinos habitually exploited and victimized juvenile inmates at the facility.
Sexual abuse lawsuits were filed in 2022 and 2024 by large groups of victims who alleged that they were sexually abused by staff members while they were detainees at Los Padrinos. One of the sexual abuse victims at Los Padrinos was only 12 years old at the time of the abuse.
How California Defines Sexual Assault and Abuse
In California, sexual assault or abuse is legally defined as any intentional sexual touching or contact carried out without the other person’s consent and done for the purpose of sexual gratification. In the context of civil lawsuits, these acts are typically classified as sexual battery. This definition covers a broad spectrum of behavior, ranging from non-consensual groping to violent rape.
For an act to meet the legal standard for sexual abuse in California, two core elements must be present:
- Sexual Intent:
The contact must be deliberate and driven by a desire for sexual gratification. Incidental or accidental contact—such as brushing against someone in a crowded space or physically supporting someone who is falling—does not meet this threshold because there is no sexual motive. - Lack of Consent:
Any sexual touching that occurs without the other person’s clear and voluntary consent qualifies as abuse or assault. Importantly, under California law, individuals under the age of 18 are legally incapable of giving consent to sexual activity. Therefore, any sexual contact between an adult and a minor is automatically deemed sexual battery, regardless of the circumstances.
Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse at Los Padrinos
Lost Padrinos Juvenile Hall is under the control and operational authority of the Los Angeles County Probation Department (LACPD), which was responsible for overseeing all aspects of its operations. This included the screening, hiring, training, and supervision of correctional officers and staff. As the supervising authority, LACPD had a legal duty to ensure the safety, care, and custody of the juveniles housed at the facility.
LACPD may be held liable for sexual abuse at Los Padrinos if it was aware of the problem but failed to take reasonable steps to protect inmates. To establish liability, a victim would need to demonstrate a direct connection between their abuse and LACPD’s negligence. This could include specific failures, such as ignoring prior complaints against known abusers, or systemic issues like inadequate policies and poor staff oversight.
Deadline for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in California
If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse at a California juvenile detention center, such as Los Padrinos, you need to grasp the legal timelines for pursuing justice. While California has strengthened protections for survivors, deadlines can still impact your ability to file a claim.
For abuse occurring before 2024 (which will be most Los Padrinos cases), victims typically have until their 40th birthday, or five years from the date they discovered the psychological or emotional impact of the abuse—whichever occurs later—to file a civil lawsuit.
If this deadline has already passed, the ability to bring a legal claim may no longer be available under current law.
Settlement Value of Los Padrinos Sex Abuse Lawsuits
When calculating settlement amounts or jury awards in California sexual abuse cases, several critical factors consistently shape the outcome. While each case is unique, the following considerations often carry the most weight in determining compensation for survivors:
- Severity and Duration of the Abuse
The extent and nature of the abuse are among the most significant factors in assessing damages. Cases involving repeated incidents, prolonged abuse, or physical harm generally result in higher settlements or jury awards. Emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, also play a central role. When expert witnesses provide medical or psychological evidence of long-term effects, juries are more inclined to award substantial compensation for pain and suffering. - Age of the Survivor
Younger victims typically receive higher compensation due to their increased vulnerability and the long-term developmental impact of abuse. Courts also consider whether the perpetrator held a position of trust or authority, such as a teacher, coach, or religious leader. Abuse by someone in such a role can justify enhanced damages, including punitive awards, due to the breach of trust and increased power imbalance. - Strength of the Evidence
Although a survivor’s testimony alone can be powerful and sufficient for a successful claim, additional supporting evidence, such as eyewitness accounts, medical documentation, or records of previous complaints, can greatly strengthen the case. This corroborating evidence not only increases credibility but can also lead to higher settlement values.
Contact Us About Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall Sex Abuse Cases
If you were sexually abused as an inmate at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get compensation. Reach out to us online or call 800-553-8082.
Other California Juvenile Facilities