Were You Abused at a Detention Center?
If you experienced abuse at a juvenile detention or immigration facility, you may qualify for compensation - even years later
⚠️ You Don't Need to Go to Court
Most cases settle without trial. The person who harmed you doesn't need to be convicted or publicly identified. Text or call to learn if you qualify.
A National Crisis of Abuse in Youth Detention
Thousands of Survivors Coming Forward
Illinois: Over 800 lawsuits filed since 2024 alleging sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers
New York: 539 survivors filed lawsuits against NYC juvenile detention facilities
Maryland: Over 3,500 lawsuits filed against state agencies for detention center abuse
California: $4 billion settlement - largest in U.S. history for child abuse claims
New Jersey: 350+ survivors filed lawsuits alleging abuse from 1982-2024
Systemic Failures Across the Country
Department of Justice investigations have found constitutional violations, excessive force, prolonged isolation, sexual abuse, and inadequate mental health services in facilities nationwide.
Types of Abuse in Detention Facilities
- • Staff-on-child sexual assault
- • Failure to prevent child-on-child assault
- • Sexual harassment and coercion
- • Inappropriate strip searches
- • Failure to protect vulnerable children
- • Beatings and physical assaults
- • Excessive use of restraints
- • Tasers and chemical spray misuse
- • Violent takedowns and injuries
- • Denial of medical care after injuries
- • 23-24 hours/day in isolation
- • Prolonged sensory deprivation
- • Psychological torture effects
- • Denial of education and programming
- • Violation of constitutional rights
- • Denial of necessary medical treatment
- • Inadequate mental health services
- • Medication withheld or misused
- • Failure to treat serious conditions
- • Lack of qualified medical staff
Legal Basis for Claims
Eighth Amendment: Protection from cruel and unusual punishment - applies to excessive force, inhumane conditions, and deliberate indifference to medical needs.
Fourteenth Amendment: Due process rights - children in state custody have a constitutional right to reasonable safety and freedom from harm.
CRIPA: The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act authorizes DOJ investigations and lawsuits to enforce these rights.
Duty of Care: Facilities and staff owe detained children a duty to provide for their safety, medical needs, and protection from harm.
Negligent Supervision: Failure to adequately supervise staff and prevent abuse constitutes actionable negligence.
Institutional Liability: Systemic failures, inadequate policies, and failure to train staff can create liability for the operating agency.
Many states have eliminated or extended statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file claims even decades after the abuse occurred.
Examples: Maryland eliminated time limits in 2023. New York's lookback window (closed March 2025) enabled 539 detention abuse lawsuits. New Jersey extended the deadline in 2019.
Even if your abuse occurred years ago, you may still be able to seek justice and compensation.
Compensation & Accountability
Medical & Therapy
Past and future counseling, mental health treatment, and medical expenses
Pain & Suffering
Compensation for trauma, emotional distress, and loss of childhood
Punitive Damages
Hold perpetrators and institutions accountable for systemic failures
Recent Settlements:
• California: $4 billion (6,800+ claims)
• New Hampshire: $38 million (single case)
• Washington: $4.4 million (23 survivors)
Compensation varies based on severity, duration, and impact of abuse
Who Can File a Claim?
- You or your child experienced abuse in a juvenile detention, immigration detention, or youth correctional facility
- The abuse was physical, sexual, emotional, or constituted medical neglect
- The facility was operated by state, county, or federal government (or private contractors)
- You are within the statute of limitations for your state (many states have eliminated or extended deadlines)
- Both survivors and parents/guardians can file claims on behalf of affected children
Act Now - Deadlines May Apply
While many states have extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for childhood abuse, some lookback windows have specific deadlines. Don't wait to find out if you qualify.
Thousands of survivors are coming forward: Join the wave of accountability sweeping the nation. You are not alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in many states. Recent legal changes have eliminated or extended statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Maryland, New York, New Jersey, California, and other states have enabled survivors to seek justice even if the abuse occurred 20, 30, or 40+ years ago.
Many survivors never reported abuse due to fear, shame, or believing they wouldn't be believed. You can still file a claim. Attorneys work with expert witnesses and investigators to corroborate your account and build your case.
Yes. Parents and legal guardians can file civil rights lawsuits on behalf of minor children or adult children who were abused while in detention. Some claims can be filed by both the survivor and the parents.
Yes. Federal investigations have documented widespread abuse in immigration detention facilities, including 510+ credible reports of human rights violations, with 18 involving mistreatment of children. Lawsuits have been filed against both government agencies and private contractors operating these facilities.
Nothing upfront. Civil rights attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless you win. There are no costs for case evaluation or consultation.
Many cases settle confidentially before trial. If cases proceed to court, some information becomes public record, but attorneys work to protect your privacy. Minors are often identified by initials only in court documents.
Sources & References
The information on this page is based on government investigations, court filings, and reputable news sources.
U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division
Official DOJ page on children's rights in the juvenile justice system, including CRIPA enforcement and facility investigations.
View DOJ Children's Rights Page →NPR: Youth Detention Facilities Face Increased Scrutiny (2024)
National coverage of the wave of sexual abuse lawsuits against juvenile detention facilities across multiple states.
Read NPR Coverage →Stateline: Thousands Are Suing States Over Sexual Abuse (March 2025)
Comprehensive overview of lawsuits in Illinois, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, and other states, with case counts and settlement information.
Read Stateline Article →DOJ Findings on Texas Juvenile Facilities
Department of Justice found constitutional violations, excessive force, prolonged isolation, and failure to protect children from sexual abuse in five Texas facilities.
View DOJ Findings →NBC News: Immigration Detention Human Rights Abuses (2024)
Report on 510 credible human rights abuse allegations in immigration detention, including 18 cases of child mistreatment.
Read NBC Investigation →Los Angeles County $4 Billion Settlement
Largest child sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history, covering 6,800+ claims spanning 60+ years in LA County juvenile detention and foster care.
Read About LA Settlement →Disclaimer: This page provides educational information about ongoing litigation and civil rights violations. Individual case outcomes vary based on specific facts, jurisdiction, and applicable laws. Consult with a qualified civil rights attorney for legal advice specific to your situation. Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state.
Government Reports & News Sources
The information on this page is based on government investigations and investigative journalism:
U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division
Juvenile Justice Oversight & InvestigationsOffice of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
Federal Statistics & ResearchNPR Investigations
Juvenile Detention ReportingThe Marshall Project
Criminal Justice JournalismHuman Rights Watch
Juvenile Justice & Rights ReportsThis page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for case-specific guidance.
You Deserve Justice
Thousands of survivors are coming forward. You are not alone. Free, confidential case review with experienced civil rights attorneys.
★ Protecting children's constitutional rights