Devereux Behavioral Health Abuse: Lawsuits & How to Get Help
If you have experienced sexual abuse at a Devereux facility, you have legal rights and options, including filing a sexual abuse lawsuit.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
Survivor Advocate
- Several investigations into Devereux facilities around the U.S. have revealed allegations of ongoing and pervasive sexual abuse, including sexual harm to mentally disabled children.
- Dozens of sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed against Devereux. In one case, a jury awarded a $60 million verdict to a 15-year-old girl who was sexually abused by a Devereux staff member.
- You have legal rights and options if you experienced sexual abuse at a Devereux facility, even if the harm happened years ago. We can help you explore your options.
Overview of Devereux Behavioral Health Sexual Abuse Allegations
Devereux Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit providers of behavioral health services, with programs and services offered in thirteen states and nearly 6,500 employees. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health operates behavioral health facilities, psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, group homes, foster care programs, and special education facilities. It serves over 25,000 children and vulnerable individuals with psychiatric conditions, behavioral issues, and developmental or intellectual disabilities.
According to a recent tax filing, the organization generated more than $500 million in revenue in 2021, with a large portion coming from taxpayer dollars for Medicaid-funded residential treatment programs.
Devereux Foundation operates facilities in the following states:
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Flordia
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
Devereux has faced mounting media scrutiny and civil lawsuits over widespread allegations that staff members have sexually abused those housed at the organization’s facilities. Many of the allegations involve minors placed at youth residential treatment facilities by the juvenile justice system. Additionally, many of Devereux’s facilities focus on vulnerable groups of children who are more at risk of being sexually abused, including children with autism, children in foster care, and those in special education programs.
Over 50 sexual abuse lawsuits against Devereux have been consolidated for discovery in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where Devereux is headquartered. Meanwhile, dozens more lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts around the United States.
Recently, a jury awarded $60 million to a 15-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted in 2012 by a male staff member at a Devereux facility in Kennesaw, Georgia. This lawsuit uncovered many failings on the part of Devereux that led to the abuse, including understaffing, not following policies, and failing to address the abuse once it was discovered.
Reported examples of abuse at Devereux facilities include the following:
- Groping and inappropriate touching
- Molestation
- Forced oral sex
- Rape
- Physical abuse, including kicking, hitting, and choking
- Threats of violence
- Retaliation against those who reported sexual abuse
- Other forms of sexual abuse and assault
If you have experienced physical or sexual abuse at a Devereux facility, you have rights and options. We can help you understand them. Whether you were an adult or a child in their care, you never should have experienced abuse, and it is not your fault. Your options include reporting the abuse and filing a lawsuit against Devereux. Contact us if you have questions or want to speak with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case today.
- Overview of Devereux Behavioral Health Sexual Abuse Allegations
- Legal Rights & Options for Devereux Behavioral Health Patients Impacted by Sexual Abuse
- How a Devereux Abuse Attorney Can Help Today
- Devereux Foundation Sexual Abuse Allegations in the News
- Devereux Abuse Lawsuit FAQs
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
Legal Rights & Options for Devereux Behavioral Health Patients Impacted by Sexual Abuse
Experiencing any form of sexual abuse can have lifelong effects, especially for those already in a vulnerable position, such as a young person in a residential treatment facility, a youth detained at a behavioral health facility, or those experiencing mental health issues. Devereux facilities provide care and services to some of the most vulnerable individuals. The allegations that they’ve ignored physical and sexual abuse at their facilities are devastating.
However, those impacted by abuse and neglect have legal rights and options to pursue justice and seek help, healing, and accountability for their harm.
In general, impacted individuals might be able to do the following:
- Report sexual abuse by a Devereux staff member to law enforcement
- Report the abuse at a Devereux facility to state regulatory agencies
- File a sexual abuse lawsuit against Devereux
Local laws and other factors, including the civil and criminal statutes of limitations, may impact your ability to pursue these options. Each jurisdiction has its own statutes of limitations for criminal charges and civil lawsuits. The criminal statute of limitations sets the deadline for prosecutors to file criminal charges, while the civil statute of limitations imposes the deadline for filing a lawsuit.
Some states give as little as two years after an incident to file a lawsuit, while others offer longer periods. The best way to understand the deadline that applies to your case is to contact us. We can connect you with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can determine whether prosecutors can still file charges or if you are still eligible to file a suit. In addition, they can advise you on whether any exemptions to the statute of limitations are available to you.
Report Sexual Abuse at Devereux to Law Enforcement
Reporting abuse to law enforcement can be intimidating for abuse survivors, particularly when those connected to law enforcement or behavioral health have committed it.
Reporting may feel unsafe or overwhelming for those under 18 or still at a Devereux-run facility. A trusted individual outside the facility can provide support in understanding their rights and options. However, it’s crucial that they act only with the full knowledge and informed consent of the other person.
If the abuse occurred years ago, you still have the right to report it to law enforcement even if the applicable criminal statute of limitations has expired.
Filing a report initiates a criminal investigation. However, prosecutors’ ability to pursue charges will depend on factors such as the availability of evidence and the applicable statute of limitations. It’s important to note that individuals cannot file criminal charges—only prosecutors can bring charges. Although law enforcement might not be able to pursue charges, filing the report can create a valuable paper trail for you and others who may come forward.
Helping Survivors can guide you through the process of reporting abuse to law enforcement. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Report Abuse to State Regulatory Agencies
State regulatory agencies oversee all the facilities Devereux operates. Given that Devereux runs several different types of facilities across many states, the specific agencies with oversight might take some searching. Devereux facilities may be under the oversight of agencies such as a state’s health department or child protective services agencies.
Some states may have online forms you can use to report sexual abuse at Devereux, while others may offer phone, email, or physical mailing options. Filing a report with a state oversight agency will trigger an investigation that could result in termination, policy change, or be required to be reported to law enforcement, especially if the incident involves physical or sexual abuse against a child.
Important note: We highly recommend consulting with an experienced attorney specializing in such cases before contacting any oversight agency. An attorney can provide crucial guidance and protect your rights during the reporting process. Helping Survivors can connect you with a qualified attorney at no cost today.
File a Devereux Behavioral Health Abuse Lawsuit
Dozens of former Devereux patients across the United States have already filed lawsuits against the organization over physical and sexual abuse at its facilities.
A civil lawsuit allows individuals to seek monetary compensation for the harm they experienced. While no amount of money can erase the harm that happened and its effects, the funds from winning a civil lawsuit can help individuals seek mental health support and cover other costs associated with their healing.
Additionally, survivors may often seek punitive damages in such cases. Courts award punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter future harm. In the Georgia case of the 15-year-old girl who won a $60 million jury verdict, the jury awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages against Devereux.
In general, the steps involved in filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against Devereux include the following:
- Document the Incident – Record all details you can recall about the abuse, including dates, locations, and individuals involved. Retain any evidence, such as emails, text messages, or other communications.
- Consult an Attorney – Speak with an experienced attorney specializing in Devereux abuse lawsuits as soon as possible. An attorney can evaluate your case, provide critical guidance, and navigate the legal process for you.
- Retain a Law Firm – Experienced law firms handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay any upfront fees. The firm only gets paid if and when it recovers compensation for you. However, before retaining a law firm, ensure they have the experience necessary to represent you and be your fiercest advocate.
- File Suit Against Devereux and Litigate Your Case – The process for filing a lawsuit varies by state, and your attorney will handle these steps, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements while you focus on your recovery.
- Handle Court Filings & Appearances – Your attorney will prepare and submit court filings and appear in court on your behalf. In most cases, you will not need to attend hearings unless absolutely necessary.
- Discovery Process – During this phase, your attorney will gather evidence and information to support your case. This process might include obtaining Devereux’s records, staff background checks, and prior incident reports. You may need to participate in a deposition, during which you will testify under oath. Your attorney will prepare you for a deposition if necessary.
- Conduct Settlement Negotiations or Trial – Throughout the process, the parties may engage in settlement discussions.
- Try Your Case – If a settlement is not reached, your case might go to trial before a judge and jury. Your attorney will fight for you in court if necessary.
An experienced sexual abuse attorney will handle the legal complexities of your case, advocating for justice while allowing you to focus on your well-being.
If you have experienced sexual abuse while at a Devereux facility, the lawyers we work with take these types of cases on a contingency fee basis. Thus, there are no upfront costs for pursuing a lawsuit against Devereux. The law firm only gets paid if and when it wins your case. Its fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement or judgment.
Whether you’re just starting to explore this option or are ready to take the next step, we can connect you with an experienced sexual abuse attorney today.
We are here to listen and advocate for you.
How a Devereux Abuse Attorney Can Help Today
We understand that speaking to an attorney about your sexual abuse can be overwhelming and daunting, but every lawyer we work with is trauma-informed and trained in such cases. They are compassionate and focused on your healing – but will also be the fiercest advocates for you against Devereux and their litigation tactics.
An experienced attorney can not only help you file a sexual abuse lawsuit against Devereux and other relevant third parties but with a variety of other factors related to sexual abuse at a Devereux facility.
An experienced attorney can assist victims of Devereux abuse with the following:
- Investigating and collecting evidence of the abuse
- Filing a formal complaint or report with Devereux or the relevant oversight authorities if it hasn’t already been done
- Filing a report with law enforcement, if appropriate
- Filing a lawsuit against Devereux on your behalf
- Managing all communications with Devereux, their legal representatives, and the courts
- Litigating your case and handling all of the legal work
- Negotiating with the opposition for a full and just settlement
- Protecting your identity by filing a claim anonymously “under seal” if available
- Advocating for your best interests in all public court appearances and legal proceedings related to your case
An attorney experienced in Devereux abuse cases will work to protect your rights and pursue justice while allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Devereux Foundation Sexual Abuse Allegations in the News
Chester County Treatment Center Worker Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen Patient
In August 2024, Devereux employee Shakur Austin was accused of sexually grooming and assaulting a teenage girl at the Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services in West Chester. The facility provides services to children, teens, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
He faces numerous criminal charges, including involuntary deviant sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, institutional sexual assault of a minor, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, and indecent assault.
Senate Finance Committee Releases Investigation of Abuse in At-Risk Youth Industry including Devereux Facilities
In June 2024, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released a 136-page report titled “Warehouse of Neglect: How Taxpayers are Funding Systemic Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities.” The report concluded that systemic harm and abuse are “routine” parts of the at-risk youth industry, including at Devereux and Universal Health Services.
The investigation documented specific incidents of abuse at Devereux facilities, including the following:
- A child eloped overnight from Devereux–Red Hook in New York when the staff failed to conduct required bed checks. The child was fatally struck by a truck hours before the facility discovered the escape. Staff allegedly falsified records to conceal the error. State regulators uncovered further supervision failures during a week-long monitoring period.
- A Philadelphia Inquirer investigation found numerous incidents of sexual abuse of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Devereux facilities, which led the city to immediately terminate its contract with Devereux.
- A staff member at Devereux Mapleton was charged with several criminal offenses for grooming and sexually assailant a resident in the program. He allegedly supplied the resident with a cellphone to send and receive naked photos, and while the patient was on leave, the staff member took her shopping, drove to an alley, and sexually assaulted her in his car.
- In July 2022, a staffer at Devereux Titusville in Florida was arrested on allegations that he sexually abused, groomed, and solicited naked photographs from a child in the program. A second child reported being sexually abused by the same staffer soon after.
- The Committee also reviewed documents regarding a reported sexual grooming incident at Devereux’s Georgia Center, but the documents focused solely on protecting the company’s image rather than documenting or addressing the abuse.
- The Committee reviewed a report and lawsuit regarding a 13-year-old resident at Devereux Brandywine in Pennsylvania who requested not to share a room with a 15-year-old, whom he feared. However, the staff allegedly disregarded the request and made them share a room. The older boy went on to sexually assault the younger boy several times, according to the lawsuit.
- In another incident, a Devereux Brandywine staff member punched and kicked a 14-year-old in the head, face, and body until the child was unconscious. Devereux allegedly failed to report the assault until the child’s adoptive parents reported it to a tip service.
- Two Devereux employees at the Florida-based Viera Campus were arrested over an incident where one grabbed a child’s neck and slammed them against the ground while the other attempted to block a security camera.
- According to court records from Chester County, Pennsylvania, 20 Devereux staff members were charged with assaulting 18 residential patients at the organization’s three area campuses over roughly 20 months.
- The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care issued 301 licensing violations against Devereux–Rutland in Massachusetts, a facility specializing in children with autism. Numerous violations reportedly involved instances of negligent supervision.
The above are just some of the findings from the investigation. Overall, the report concluded:
“The Committee’s investigation found that children…suffer harms such as the risk of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the hands of staff and peers, improperly executed and overused restraint and seclusion, inadequate treatment and supervision, and non-homelike environments. These harms amount to acute safety concerns and have long-term effects, including suffering, trauma, and even death.”
Philadelphia Inquirer Investigates City’s Devereux Facilities
In 2020, the Philadelphia Inquirer published the results of an investigation into Devereux facilities in the city. Reporters documented decades of abuse, impacting dozens to hundreds of individuals.
Their investigation found that Devereux staff members had sexually abused at least 41 children with intellectual disabilities over the last 50 years. The investigation also revealed persistent understaffing and lack of oversight throughout the organization. These deficiencies persisted even though the organization generated over $450 million in revenue in 2020, with the CEO earning over $800,000.
The paper went on to publish several more follow-up articles. Ultimately, the city of Philadelphia terminated its contracts with the organization, and all children were removed from Devereux’s care at city-based facilities.
Devereux Abuse Lawsuit FAQs
We have helped thousands of individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, including many who experienced sexual abuse while under the care of youth detention centers, prisons, behavioral health facilities, and other youth or troubled teen programs.
Many survivors have similar questions about the process of filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against their perpetrators and responsible organizations, such as Devereux. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of common questions individuals may have regarding Devereux sexual abuse lawsuits.
If you have questions or want to speak with an experienced attorney about a potential claim, contact us today.
How long do I have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit against Devereux facilities?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a sexual abuse lawsuit against Devereux?
What are the potential outcomes of a sexual abuse lawsuit against Devereux?
The primary outcome of a civil lawsuit is financial compensation. You can pursue compensation for your financial losses, such as treatment costs, lost wages, and lost opportunities. You can also generally pursue compensation for the impacts on your life, like pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Additionally, lawsuits can result in mandatory changes to the organization’s policies or practices to prevent future harm.
Compensation amounts vary depending on specific details, and an attorney may be able to estimate potential recovery after evaluating the specifics of your case.
Can I file a lawsuit against Devereux without revealing my personal information?
You can likely file a lawsuit confidentially or “under seal” as a Jane or John Doe. However, this depends on local laws. An experienced attorney can review your case and let you know if this is possible.
Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
