William Donald Schaefer House Sex Abuse Lawsuit
As one of Maryland’s juvenile detention centers, William Donald Schaefer House has a controversial legacy among previous residents. Many have taken legal action for the abuse they suffered during their stays in similar facilities.
Survivors of William Donald Schaefer House abuse have legal options. It’s important to understand your rights and the alternatives available to you. Recent changes in legislation allow victims to seek monetary damages against perpetrators and institutions that facilitate their actions.
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- Thousands of former residents of Maryland’s juvenile detention centers have recently filed lawsuits. Their claims indicate a widespread, systemic problem in the state-run facilities. Many victims are disproportionately black and have suffered neglect, mistreatment, and abuse.
- In 2023, Maryland removed the statute of limitations for sex abuse claims involving minors. The new law allows victims to pursue damages against perpetrators, even if the abuse happened long ago.
- Survivors of William Donald Schaefer House sex abuse may be eligible for compensation. Contact Helping Survivors to connect with a compassionate attorney who can help you understand your legal options.
What is the William Donald Schaefer House?
William Donald Schaefer House was a state-run substance abuse treatment center for male youth in the heart of downtown Baltimore at 907 Druid Park Lake Drive, near the Inner Harbor area. The facility first opened in 1972 as the Group Home for Boys. Maryland renamed it after its governor in 1992, and the center provided services for several decades before its closure.
Maryland’s juvenile courts sometimes placed offenders into the facility following a conviction for low-level drug and alcohol-related crimes. Residents underwent substance abuse treatment and counseling during their stay, which usually lasted up to 90 days. Afterward, residents transitioned to local aftercare programs in their community.
The facility’s goal was to help youth get clean and overcome addiction issues. With a fresh slate, they could re-enter society and move forward with their lives. It also offered educational and life skills development support for its residents.
- What is the William Donald Schaefer House?
- History of Abuse Allegations at William Donald Schaefer House
- Current Lawsuits Against William Donald Schaefer House
- Rights and Options for Individuals Impacted by Abuse at William Donald Schaefer House
- How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
History of Abuse Allegations at William Donald Schaefer House
There is no public record of lawsuits against William Donald Schaefer House for abuse. However, other facilities in Maryland’s juvenile detention system are facing lawsuits from thousands of people who allege they suffered abuse and mistreatment during their stays. The sheer number of lawsuits indicates a widespread problem among state-run juvenile centers in the state.
Facilities named in recent legal claims include the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center, Western Maryland Children’s Center, and several others. The lawsuits allege that victims suffered sexual abuse, violence, and neglect while in the state’s care. The claims highlight growing concerns about misconduct and systemic failures throughout Maryland’s juvenile justice system, including centers like William Donald Schaefer House.
Current Lawsuits Against William Donald Schaefer House
Many people are taking legal action against Maryland’s detention centers. The trend began after the state introduced the Child Victims Act. The new law eliminates the statute of limitations for individuals who experienced sex abuse as a minor. Victims may pursue legal action, even if their experience occurred in the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s.
As of March 2025, over 6,000 people have retained a lawyer for actions involving child sex abuse. That number increases daily as more people come forward with their own claims. While there are no publicized lawsuits against William Donald Schaefer House, its history as a state-run juvenile home means it may be implicated.
Other states, including California and Oregon, are seeing increased claims involving juvenile detention centers. This points to a systemic problem that requires reform. As a survivor, coming forward with your story may push Maryland to introduce new reforms in its juvenile facilities.
Rights and Options for Individuals Impacted by Abuse at William Donald Schaefer House
Abuse victims may be reluctant to share their stories with others. Fear of retaliation may drive some to stay quiet. However, coming forward allows you to hold bad actors accountable for their actions. As a survivor, you may pursue criminal charges against a perpetrator. A civil lawsuit is also possible. Both options can help you get justice against those who hurt you.
In a civil claim, survivors may receive monetary damages. Compensation can include reimbursement for past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims who suffered sexual abuse as a minor no longer have to worry about the statute of limitations since the Child Victims Act removes the time limit to file a lawsuit.
How To Report Sex Abuse to Law Enforcement & Oversight Agency
Local law enforcement agencies have trained officers who understand the nature of sexual abuse and can provide support during the reporting process. To start a criminal complaint, you may share your experience with an officer over the phone or in person. It doesn’t matter if you experienced the abuse yesterday or five years ago. The officer will listen and determine the next steps.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report with law enforcement yourself, call the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, or RAINN, at 1-800-656-HOPE. It offers a 24-hour hotline that connects abuse victims with trained counselors. The organization may connect you with a local attorney or counselor who can help you file a criminal complaint.
File a Civil Lawsuit
Abuse victims interested in filing a civil claim can start the process by contacting an attorney. A lawyer will listen to your experience and help you understand your legal options. If you decide to move forward with a lawsuit, your attorney will file the necessary court paperwork and gather evidence to support your case.
A civil child sexual abuse lawsuit may end in a settlement or a trial. Your attorney will represent you throughout the process and negotiate a fair solution. If the defendant isn’t willing to settle, an attorney will advocate for you in the courtroom.
Helping Survivors offers resources to sexual abuse victims. We can connect you with a compassionate and skilled legal advisor in a claim against a juvenile detention center like William Donald Schaefer Center. Rest assured that our attorneys work on a contingency basis. That means you won’t pay anything for legal representation unless your case ends in a settlement or award.
How a Sex Abuse Attorney Can Help
Sexual abuse survivors often suffer long-term effects from their experiences, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. They may struggle to maintain relationships or hold gainful employment. The result can be lost opportunities and declining mental health.
While a lawsuit can’t reverse time and erase your experience, it can help right the wrong. Through legal action, you can pursue justice and make your voice heard. Your bravery may encourage others to come forward and share their own stories. The result may be reforms to Maryland’s juvenile detention centers that prevent future generations from experiencing the same abuse you did.
If successful, a civil action for child sexual abuse may enable you to collect damages for the pain you endured. The money can help pay expenses for necessary therapy and compensate you for your emotional pain and suffering.
Helping Survivors believes in supporting sexual abuse victims. Since 2023, we’ve helped over 1,200 victims. Through our network, you can connect with a compassionate attorney who will listen to your experience. All consultations are completely free, and there is no payment unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Reach out today to explore your legal alternatives with a skilled attorney.
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