Backbone Mountain Youth Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Backbone Mountain Youth Center is one of the many facilities in Maryland facing past and ongoing sexual abuse allegations. A growing number of survivors are coming forward, leading to investigations into these instances. Survivors need to understand their rights and legal options in order to pursue justice effectively.
At Helping Survivors, we are on a mission to empower victims of abuse to heal and hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions. Our compassionate team can help facilitate a Backbone Mountain Youth Center sex abuse lawsuit. If you or a loved one has experienced abuse at a facility in the Maryland area, please call today.
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- Backbone Mountain Youth Center has a history of serious sexual abuse allegations, with studies showing abuse rates far exceeding the national average. Investigations have uncovered both past and ongoing misconduct by staff and peers.
- Maryland’s 2023 Child Victims Act removed the statute of limitations for civil claims, allowing survivors to file lawsuits against juvenile detention centers like Backbone Mountain Youth Center, even decades after the abuse occurred.
- Helping Survivors supports individuals through the legal process, providing access to experienced attorneys and advocating for victims to seek justice and compensation. You can schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case.
What is Backbone Mountain Youth Center?
Opened in 1966, the Backbone Mountain Youth Center in Swanton, Maryland, is a program for male adolescents who have been ordered by the court to receive treatment services. The program typically lasts around six to nine months and encompasses a range of services, including dietary, medical, educational, recreational, and counseling components.
The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services operates the facility and its processes. The design of Backbone Mountain Youth Center and its role in the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate and reintegrate youths into society. Unfortunately, allegations of sex abuse are ongoing at this facility as well as other youth centers in the state.
- What is Backbone Mountain Youth Center?
- History of Abuse Allegations at Backbone Mountain Youth Center
- Backbone Mountain Youth Center Sex Abuse in the News
- What is Considered Sexual Abuse in Maryland Juvenile Detention Centers?
- Rights and Options for Individuals Impacted by Abuse at Backbone Mountain Youth Center
- How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help Today
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
History of Abuse Allegations at Backbone Mountain Youth Center
Abuse allegations are continuing to surface at facilities like Backbone Mountain Youth Center. Some key investigations found the following:
- In a study of six facilities, including Backbone Mountain Youth Center, a survey found that at least 3 out of every 10 inmates claimed to be sexually victimized while in custody.
- Between 2008 and 2009, Backbone Youth Center had the highest reported sexual abuse rate in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 36.4% of surveyed juveniles reported sexual abuse by staff or peers.
- From the same study mentioned above, the 36.4% sexual abuse rate reported by youth at Backbone Mountain was three times the national average of 12%.
Staff misconduct, including allegations of sexual contact with youths at the center, continues to be an ongoing issue. While a high number of self-reported abuse rates exist, few official records substantiate these cases, indicating a possible failure in reporting.
Backbone Mountain Youth Center Sex Abuse in the News
- Maryland could face over $3 billion in liabilities from approximately 3,500 claims filed under the Child Victims Act. A significant number of these claims involve alleged abuse from Juvenile detention facilities dating back to the 1960s. Survivors of sex abuse in juvenile facilities are surfacing throughout the state, coming forward with their testimonies and seeking justice.
- Due to the high volume of lawsuits and financial implications, Maryland lawmakers passed legislation in April 2025 to limit the state’s liability. For claims filed after May 31, 2025, the cap for non-economic damages against state entities decreased from $890,000 to $400,000 per occurrence, and $1.5 million to $700,000 per occurrence for private institutions.
What is Considered Sexual Abuse in Maryland Juvenile Detention Centers?
In Maryland, sexual abuse that takes place in juvenile detention centers includes inappropriate or non-consensual sexual contact with minors, including acts by staff, other detainees, or anyone within the facility.
Several types of sexual abuse can occur, such as:
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Coerced sexual acts
- Rape or attempted rape
- Sexual harassment
- Forced nudity or exposure
- Voyeurism
- Sexual exploitation
- Digital or verbal sexual abuse
Following the enactment of the Child Victims Act in 2023, survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland can file lawsuits against state juvenile detention centers without adhering to a statute of limitations for civil claims.
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sex abuse, please consult our team at Helping Survivors today for compassionate legal support.
Rights and Options for Individuals Impacted by Abuse at Backbone Mountain Youth Center
If you or someone you care about has experienced abuse at Backbone Mountain, it is crucial to know that you are not alone and that you have legal rights. Survivors can pursue justice through both criminal and civil legal pathways.
File a Civil Lawsuit Against Backbone Mountain Youth Center
Filing a civil lawsuit can allow you to seek financial compensation for the injustice done to you or a loved one. Common types of damages that survivors may be eligible for include the following:
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses
- Therapy
- Lost opportunities
Along with aiding in your personal recovery, a civil suit can also hold institutions accountable and push for systemic change.
Report Abuse to Law Enforcement & Oversight Agency
To report sexual abuse allegations related to Backbone Mountain Youth Center or another juvenile detention facility in Maryland, you can contact the following agencies:
- Call the local police for cases involving a crime or emergency.
- The Maryland Child Protective Services handles cases of abuse involving minor neglect.
- Maryland Department of Juvenile Services oversees juvenile detention facilities and community programs.
- The Maryland Office of the Inspector General investigates misconduct within state agencies, including those related to juvenile services.
- Maryland Attorney General’s Office’s Civil Rights Division handles civil rights violations, including abuse in state facilities.
- The U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division investigates systemic abuse in juvenile and correctional facilities.
How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help Today
Going through an experience as traumatic as sex abuse can feel isolating and overwhelming. It is important to know that you are not alone in this challenging time. At Helping Survivors, we can connect you with an experienced attorney specializing in sexual abuse lawsuits today. Our team offers compassionate support and guaranteed confidentiality. Call today for a free consultation.
Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
