More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.
More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.

Western Maryland Children’s Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit

If you or a loved one had an experience involving sexual abuse at Western Maryland Children’s Center, do not hesitate to speak with our compassionate team today. We can connect you with a knowledgeable attorney to initiate the process of pursuing compensation. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to learn more about our services and discover how we can assist you.

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Key Takeaways
  • The Western Maryland Children’s Center, like many juvenile facilities in Maryland, has faced allegations of mistreatment, neglect, and abuse. These claims reflect a broader pattern of systemic abuse in the state’s juvenile detention centers.
  • Survivors and advocacy groups are highlighting decades of alleged mistreatment and sexual abuse in these facilities. Their voices are crucial in revealing the hidden abuse and advocating for accountability and reform.
  • Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023 allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred, empowering thousands to seek justice while legal reforms aim to balance survivor rights with institutional accountability.
  • If you or a loved one experienced abuse at the Western Maryland Children’s Center or a similar facility, Helping Survivors can connect you with a compassionate attorney.

What is Western Maryland Children’s Center?

The Western Maryland Children’s Center, initially opened in September 2003 at 18420 Roxbury Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740, is a secure detention facility that houses female adolescent offenders. These individuals are either awaiting their trial date or placement into a treatment program.

As part of Maryland’s juvenile justice system, Western Maryland Children’s Center housed female youth from across the state. The facility offers educational services, medical care, counseling, and recreational activities to its inmates.

However, while its original purpose was to rehabilitate and reintegrate troubled adolescents back into society, Western Maryland Children’s Center has faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse, along with other facilities in Maryland. As a result, the center has a lasting, controversial, and profoundly troubling legacy.

History of Abuse Allegations at Western Maryland Children’s Center

While no lawsuits are currently public involving Western Maryland Children’s Center, there have been multiple instances of violence and other outbreaks at this facility, along with a slew of sexual abuse allegations at juvenile detention centers across the state of Maryland.

  • Over 3,500 lawsuits have been filed under the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, which abolished the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. These cases involve at least 15 different juvenile detention centers and cover incidents from the 1960s to the 2010s.
  • In one case, thirty-seven men alleged that staff members systematically sexually assaulted inmates at a juvenile detention facility from the 1970s until 2009.
  • At Cheltenham Youth Detention Center, more than twenty-five individuals have filed lawsuits regarding claims of sexual abuse.
  • The Montrose School, which closed in 1988, faces criticism for sexual abuse allegations and lawsuits that trace back to the 1970s.

The Western Maryland Children’s Center has been part of a larger chain of lawsuits alleging systemic abuse across several other facilities. Due to the high number of sexual abuse allegations, Maryland enacted the Child Victims Act in 2023, eliminating the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse claims.

For individuals seeking additional information or legal assistance regarding these matters, Helping Survivors offers resources and support for victims of abuse in Maryland juvenile detention centers. Call our compassionate team today to learn more.

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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.

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Current Lawsuits Against Western Maryland Children’s Center

Currently, there are no pending lawsuits against Western Maryland Children’s Center. However, juvenile detention centers across the state of Maryland have seen a significant increase in the number of allegations and lawsuits being filed, especially following the enactment of the Child Victims Act.

Rights and Options for Individuals Impacted by Abuse at Western Maryland Children’s Hospital

If you or a loved one has been sexually abused at Western Maryland Children’s Center or any Maryland juvenile detention center, you have legal rights. Survivors can pursue justice through both the criminal and civil legal systems. In criminal cases, the government investigates incidents and charges the offenders. These criminal charges aim to penalize the abuser with consequences such as incarceration, probation, or fines. Here, it is the state initiating the lawsuit, not the survivor. Civil cases, on the other hand, differ from criminal cases. In these instances, the survivor files a lawsuit against the alleged offender or the institution that contributed to or permitted the abuse. The focus is not on punishment but on obtaining financial compensation for the harm endured and preventing future occurrences. In light of the surge in lawsuits and financial consequences arising from the Child Victims Act, Maryland lawmakers enacted legislation in April 2025 to restrict the state’s liability. Effective as of June 30, 2025, the limit for non-economic damages against state entities was reduced from $890,000 to $400,000 per incident, and from $1.5 million to $700,000 per incident for private institutions.

How To Report Sex Abuse to Law Enforcement & Oversight Agency

You can report sexual abuse to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement. Consider speaking with a lawyer who handles civil claims and sexual abuse cases. Filing on your own is possible, but having an advocate can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

At Helping Survivors, we connect you with skilled legal professionals in sexual abuse civil claims. The trauma of sexual abuse complicates reporting, but our hardworking team supports you through the process, ensuring you feel informed at every step.

File a Civil Lawsuit

When you reach out to an attorney, you can expect to have your case reviewed and your questions answered. This professional is trained to represent you throughout the filing process and be your advocate for pursuing compensation. Helping Survivors can connect you and your family with a lawyer who works on a contingency basis, meaning you do not have to pay anything unless a settlement is reached.

How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help

At Helping Survivors, we connect you with a sexual abuse attorney who is experienced and compassionate in their practice. Our team offers free consultations, and you only pay if we get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to start building a strong case for financial recovery.

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