Thomas O'Farrell Youth Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Numerous sexual abuse allegations have surfaced at juvenile detention centers in the Maryland area. The now-closed Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center is among these facilities facing allegations. As a growing number of survivors come forward, there is a continued push for investigations into these cases.
If you or your loved one experienced sex abuse at this or another facility in the Maryland area, it is essential to understand your rights and legal options to file a lawsuit. Our compassionate team at Helping Survivors can help connect you to a knowledgeable attorney to handle your case. Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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- Several juvenile detention centers, including the Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center, face scrutiny for decades-long abuse allegations, resulting in numerous lawsuits under the Maryland Child Victims Act.
- Survivors now have more legal remedies, including lawsuits with no statute of limitations due to the 2023 Child Victims Act.
- If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse in a juvenile detention facility, Helping Survivors offers free consultations and connects you with experienced attorneys to seek justice.
What was the Thomas O'Farrell Youth Center?
The Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center was a juvenile detention facility in Marriottsville, Maryland. The center ran a secure residential program for youth committed to Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services. It housed and rehabilitated male juveniles aged 13 to 18 who had committed offenses such as drug-related crimes or property offenses.
Operated by the North American Family Institute, the program compares favorably with other community-based youth correctional programs nationwide in terms of recidivism rates. However, a handful of juvenile detention centers in Maryland have faced allegations of a severe nature, like sexual abuse and assault claims, including Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center.
History of Abuse Allegations at Thomas O'Farrell Youth Center
From its opening in 1986 to its eventual closure in 2008, Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center has been part of a larger group of facilities at the center of scrutiny due to physical and sexual abuse allegations. While there are no publicly available reports for this facility specifically, several other centers in the area have faced allegations of abuse, indicating a systemic issue.
- What was the Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center?
- History of Abuse Allegations at Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center
- Current Lawsuits Against Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center
- Thomas O’Farrell 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 Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center
- How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help Today
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
Current Lawsuits AgainstThomas O'Farrell Youth Center
While no public lawsuits are pending for the Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center, the state of Maryland is facing sexual abuse cases for several of its juvenile detention facilities.
- At one youth center in Maryland, over 30 former inmates filed a December 2023 lawsuit alleging sexual assault by the staff members between the 1970s and 2009.
- In another lawsuit filed in November 2023, 25 people filed lawsuits against the Chelten Youth Detention Center, also located in Maryland, for alleged sexual abuse.
- Before its closure in 1988, the Montrose School faced sexual abuse allegations and lawsuits that trace back to instances from the 1970s.
- The Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center in Maryland is facing a lawsuit as of February 2024 involving a woman’s ill experience as a child at the facility. She alleges sexual abuse took place in 1992 when she was 7 years old.
In February 2024, a lawsuit against the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center alleged that staff used bribery and threats to dissuade inmates from reporting abuse.
Thomas O'Farrell Youth Center Sex Abuse in the News
More than 3,500 lawsuits have been initiated under the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, which eliminated the statute of limitations for cases of child sexual abuse. These lawsuits involve at least 15 juvenile detention centers and address incidents spanning from the 1960s through the 2010s.
Lawsuits continue emerging throughout the state, identifying alleged abuse at a number of detention centers. In response to the surge of allegations, Maryland legislators enacted new laws in April 2025 to restrict the state’s liability. For claims submitted after May 31, 2025, the limit for non-economic damages against state entities has been reduced from $890,000 to $400,000 per incident, and from $1.5 million to $700,000 per incident for private institutions.
What is Considered Sexual Abuse in Maryland Juvenile Detention Centers?
In Maryland, sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers is any action involving inappropriate or non-consensual sexual contact with a minor. This includes acts by staff, other detainees, or anyone within the facility.
Sexual abuse can take several forms, such as:
- Sexual contact
- Sexual harassment
- Indecent exposure
- Sexual coercion
- Sexual exploitation
- Grooming
If you or a loved one experienced abuse of any kind at a juvenile detention facility, do not hesitate to call Helping Survivors today. Our hardworking team can help you find an attorney who handles child sexual abuse cases and can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Maryland’s Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
As of 2023, survivors of child sexual abuse no longer have to adhere to a filing deadline thanks to the passing of the Child Victims Act. This act eliminated the statute of limitations, providing victims greater empowerment in reporting their abuse and pursuing justice.
Rights and Options for Individuals Impacted by Abuse at the Victor Cullen Center
If you or someone you love has been abused at the Thomas O’Farrell Youth Center, it is vital to know that you are not alone, and you have legal rights. Survivors can pursue justice through both the criminal and civil legal systems.
File a Civil Lawsuit Against Thomas O'Farrell Youth Center
Civil lawsuits provide a clear path to financial compensation for victims. The purpose of this type of lawsuit is to secure a damages award that compensates a survivor for their losses, including:
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses
- Therapy
- Lost opportunities
- Reduced quality of life
Civil suits can also hold institutions accountable and push for systemic change. To determine whether your case qualifies for compensation, contact a seasoned attorney through Helping Survivors today.
Report Abuse to Law Enforcement & Oversight Agency
You can report juvenile detention center sexual abuse to the following agencies:
- The Maryland Juvenile Justice Monitoring Unit oversees juvenile detention facilities and investigates allegations of abuse.
- The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is responsible for running juvenile facilities and is available for reporting incidents.
- Through local police departments, survivors can file reports that will trigger criminal investigations.
No matter how you choose to report, it is highly advisable to consult a lawyer about your case. They can assist in reviewing details, gathering more evidence, filing claims with the appropriate agency, and providing essential documentation. An attorney can also advocate for you throughout the claims process and ensure your rights are upheld.
How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help Today
Helping Survivors can connect you with an experienced attorney specializing in sexual abuse lawsuits today. Our team guarantees compassionate support and confidentiality to all our clients.
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation. We will not charge a fee unless we recover the compensation to which you are entitled.
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