Abuse and Neglect Allegations Against Alameda County Juvenile Hall
Video Transcript
Located in San Leandro, California, the Alameda County Juvenile Hall is a secure detention facility for minors awaiting cases in the juvenile justice system. Managed by the Alameda County Probation Department, the facility houses up to 358 individuals, some as young as 12 years old, who may remain in custody until age 25. While the juvenile hall was established to provide structure, care, and rehabilitation for young people, the facility has a long history of troubling conditions, including allegations of excessive force, staff misconduct, and neglect. At least one former staff member has also been criminally charged with sexually abusing a minor detainee.
In 2023, prosecutors charged former probation officer Nicole Pales, aged 50, with felony sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old minor who was in custody at the Alameda Juvenile Justice Center between 2004 and 2005. She faces allegations of lewd acts on a child and oral copulation with a minor in detention. Beyond these serious accusations, the facility has also been criticized for chronic understaffing, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate rehabilitation programs that have contributed to repeated calls for reform within Alameda County’s juvenile justice system.
If you or loved one has experienced sexual abuse, neglect, or mistreatment while detained at Alameda County Juvenile Hall or any California juvenile facility, you have legal rights and options. Survivors can file confidential complaints with the California Bureau of Children’s Justice or Office of Youth and Community Restoration, which investigates misconduct in the state’s juvenile system. Individuals also have the option to file a civil lawsuit against the institution and individuals who caused or enabled harm.
These cases can result in compensation for emotional distress, medical costs, and other damages while also holding the responsible parties accountable and potentially preventing future harm from happening to others. Assembly Bill 218 enables survivors of childhood sexual abuse in California to now have until their 40th birthday or 5 years after discovering the harm to file a civil lawsuit for abuse occurring on or after January 1st, 2024. There are no statute of limitations, allowing survivors to come forward whenever they are ready.
At Helping Survivors, our mission is to heal, educate, and empower individuals impacted by sexual abuse. We can connect survivors with lawyers experienced in handling juvenile detention center and institutional abuse cases. Our partner law firms provide free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to understanding your rights and potentially pursuing a claim.
If you or someone you love suffered sexual abuse at Alameda County Juvenile Hall or another California juvenile facility, please reach out to us today.