Child Abuse Allegations in San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Centers

San Bernardino County juvenile detention centers are now at the center of multiple lawsuits and investigations over allegations of child sexual abuse by staff. Survivors say the county failed to protect vulnerable youth who were in detention under its care. Across California, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against counties like San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and San Diego, alleging that minors were sexually abused inside county-run juvenile facilities, often by probation officers, counselors, and other staff members in positions of authority.

In San Bernardino County, lawsuits allege abuse dating back as far as the 1970s, and survivors claim that the system repeatedly failed to intervene, investigate, and stop misconduct. There are two facilities frequently named in these allegations. First, the Central Juvenile Valley Detention and Assessment Center, also known as Gilbert Street Juvenile Hall. It has capacity for hundreds of detained youth, and recent lawsuits include allegations that a child as young as 10 years old was abused by a probation officer while in custody. And the West Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center in Rancho Cucamonga, which closed down in 2011 before it shut down, the US Department of Justice reported that more than 8% of juveniles there said they experienced sexual abuse by staff in 2008 and 2009.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse while detained in San Bernardino County, even if it was years ago, you have legal rights and options. Survivors can report abuse to state agencies, to law enforcement, and potentially pursue civil lawsuits to seek compensation and accountability. California has expanded its protection for survivors of sexual abuse. And while legal time limits may depend on when the abuse occurred, many survivors may still be eligible to take action even decades later.

At Helping Survivors, we help individuals understand their rights and connect them with experienced juvenile detention abuse attorneys at no cost. Consultations are free and confidential, and many cases can be pursued with no upfront legal costs, and the lawyers will only be paid if and when they win your case. Please reach out to us today to learn more about your rights and options.