Maryland Youth Residence Center Sexual Abuse
Opened in 1972, the Maryland Youth Residence Center was a juvenile justice facility that housed male youths. While the facility closed in 2007, allegations of sexual abuse at the Maryland Youth Residence Center continue to circulate as more survivors step forward.
These allegations include instances of harassment and other forms of injustice. Victims of abuse have legal rights to pursue compensation for the mistreatment they experienced. Contact Helping Survivors today for assistance with your case.
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- The Maryland Youth Residence Center is among several Maryland juvenile facilities facing sexual abuse allegations. Over 3,500 lawsuits have been filed under the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, claiming harassment and systematic assault since the 1960s.
- Survivors can pursue civil lawsuits against perpetrators and institutions for negligence, seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. However, Maryland caps total recoverable damages.
- Survivors can report abuse to local authorities or organizations to seek legal representation to navigate the claims process, maximize compensation, and hold responsible parties accountable.
Sexual Abuse at the Maryland Youth Residence Center
Although specific reports from this facility have not been made public, numerous incidents have occurred at state-run juvenile facilities across Maryland.
- More than 3,500 lawsuits have been filed under the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, which eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases.
- These lawsuits span at least 15 different juvenile detention centers and date back to the 1960s through the 2010s.
- Twenty women claimed that staff at a juvenile facility sexually abused them between the 1990s and 2000s.
- In one lawsuit, thirty-seven men accused staff of systematically sexually assaulting inmates at a juvenile detention center from the 1970s until 2009.
- At Cheltenham Youth Detention Center, more than twenty-five individuals have initiated lawsuits concerning alleged sexual abuse.
- The Montrose School, which closed in 1988, has been criticized for sexual abuse allegations and lawsuits dating back to the 1970s.
Several forms of sexual abuse can take place at a juvenile detention center, such as:
- Physical assault
- Coerced sexual acts
- Trafficking
- Grooming
- Harassment
- Exploitation
Along with this, multiple parties can be held responsible for abuse, including nurses, guards, counselors, and other residents. If you or your loved one had an experience at a juvenile detention center, do not hesitate to speak with Helping Survivors today.
- Sexual Abuse at the Maryland Youth Residence Center
- What Legal Actions Can Survivors of the Maryland Youth Residence Center Take?
- How To File a Civil Lawsuit
- What Types of Compensation Can Survivors of Maryland Youth Residence Center Seek Through a Lawsuit?
- Why Hire a Sex Abuse Attorney?
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
What Legal Actions Can Survivors of the Maryland Youth Residence Center Take?
Victims and survivors of sexual abuse at Maryland Youth Residence Center have the right to file a claim against the perpetrators and the institution. In many of these cases, you or your loved one can claim that the facility was negligent in preventing the abuse. This could involve a failure to properly supervise inmates or employees or ignoring complaints. If proven to be true, you could hold the facility liable for the harm it caused.
Reporting Sexual Abuse
Reporting sexual abuse is a right afforded to survivors who resided at juvenile facilities. To do this, you can contact a local police agency by phone or in person at the station. An officer can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
If you or a loved one feels uncomfortable contacting authorities, you can speak with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) at 800.656.HOPE. By reaching out to RAINN, you can talk to counselors trained to support survivors of sexual assault and abuse. They can help you file an online report or connect you with a local organization that can provide a trained advocate to accompany you when you report to law enforcement.
At Helping Survivors, we understand that it can be difficult to report abuse. These experiences often come with feelings of embarrassment, shame, and fear. Our compassionate team is here to help you seek justice for the wrong done to you and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Have You Been Abused at a Juvenile Detention Center?
If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse while in a juvenile detention center, you have the right to seek justice. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you deserve.
How To File a Civil Lawsuit
Survivors of sexual abuse can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrators and potentially the institution where the incident or incidents took place. This type of lawsuit can help you secure compensation for damages related to the abuse, including compensatory damages like emotional distress, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Fortunately, since the passing of the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, the state has removed the statute of limitations on all child sexual abuse cases. This means that survivors can report their abuse and pursue a lawsuit regardless of how much time has passed since the experience.
What Types of Compensation Can Survivors of Maryland Youth Residence Center Seek Through a Lawsuit?
Compensation for a sexual abuse case covers damages directly related to the losses you have suffered. These can include several types of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the objective, tangible losses you experience in relation to an incident, such as:
- Medical treatment and expenses
- Physical and behavioral therapy
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages are the intangible, more subjective losses that you experience following a sexual abuse case. These consist of:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Permanent psychological injury
You also have the opportunity to obtain punitive damages. These are meant to punish the defendant for particularly harmful actions, which are warranted in many child sexual abuse cases.
It is important to note that as of 2025, Maryland legislation caps total damages for child sexual abuse cases at $400,000 against public institutions and $700,000 against private institutions. This applies to all claims filed after May 31, 2025. Unfortunately, this means that someone who has suffered significantly may not be able to recover the full extent of their damages.
At Helping Survivors, we can help connect you to an attorney who will fight to get you the highest financial award possible for your case. Survivors have the right to seek compensation for their suffering, and anyone who has experienced sexual abuse at the Maryland Youth Residence Center may be eligible for compensation based on the damages they have suffered.
Why Hire a Sex Abuse Attorney?
Before you take on a lawsuit on your own, consider working with a skilled lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process by assessing your case, gathering evidence, and negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf. More than anything, your attorney can be your advocate and represent your best interests in court.
Helping Survivors supports victims of sexual abuse at the Maryland Youth Residence Center. We can get you connected to a lawyer who has an in-depth understanding and knowledge of state laws as they relate to child sex abuse cases. Get in touch with us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
