A New Jersey judge will soon take charge of the mounting legal challenges stemming from allegations of child sexual abuse at the state’s juvenile detention centers. With more than 100 lawsuits already filed, the legal proceedings are set to undergo a pivotal phase as Judge Bruce J. Kaplan of Middlesex County Superior Court assumes leadership of a multicounty litigation (MCL) to centralize these cases.
Legal Action Following New Law Change
The surge of lawsuits follows a significant legal change in New Jersey. In May 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation extending the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse. The new law allows survivors to file claims until their 55th birthday or up to seven years after discovering the harm caused by the abuse. Additionally, a two-year “window” was created, allowing individuals whose claims were previously barred by the statute of limitations to file lawsuits against offenders or organizations.
Since the law’s passage, 108 survivors have stepped forward, accusing New Jersey’s juvenile justice system of mishandling their safety while they were detained as minors. These lawsuits describe instances of sexual harassment, physical abuse, and even rape, allegedly at the hands of state employees entrusted with their protection.
Consolidation of Lawsuits for Streamlined Legal Process
To streamline the legal process, plaintiffs submitted a request for all lawsuits to be consolidated under one judge for coordinated pretrial proceedings. In May, the New Jersey Supreme Court granted this request, assigning Judge Kaplan to oversee the cases. This move is expected to create efficiencies in managing discovery, motions, and other pretrial activities.
Judge Kaplan’s involvement is a crucial step in potentially holding the state accountable for the abuses alleged in these lawsuits. However, should a settlement not be reached before pretrial proceedings conclude, each case may be heard individually by a jury to determine liability and compensation for the survivors’ physical and emotional harm.
Next Steps for the Legal Proceedings
As part of the case management process, Judge Kaplan has scheduled the first status conference for August 6, 2025, to be held via Zoom. The conference will provide an opportunity for the parties involved to discuss progress on key legal issues, including the discovery process, amendments to claims, and motions related to the case.
An important aspect of the legal proceedings is the protection of the plaintiffs’ privacy. The court has issued specific guidelines to ensure that none of the lawsuits include personal identifiers of the plaintiffs. Additionally, lawsuits filed jointly involving multiple plaintiffs must be amended to reflect individual claims. This ensures that the lawsuits adhere to New Jersey’s two-year statute of limitations “window.”
A National Trend of Legal Accountability
New Jersey is not alone in addressing child sexual abuse claims in its juvenile detention centers. Similar legislation has been passed in several states, granting survivors a renewed opportunity for legal redress. New York, for example, enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019, opening a two-year window for individuals to file lawsuits previously barred by the statute of limitations. The state saw over 10,000 lawsuits filed, including claims against New York City’s juvenile detention centers, such as the Crossroads Juvenile Center and Riker’s Island.
Maryland followed suit in 2023, abolishing the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases altogether, prompting over 100 lawsuits against its juvenile detention system. Other states like California and North Carolina have also enacted similar laws to allow survivors to seek justice years or even decades after their abuse.
Support for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers
The lawsuits involving juvenile detention centers bring to light the ongoing issue of abuse within the state-run systems meant to protect minors. Survivors who have faced such abuse are encouraged to come forward and seek legal assistance. Legal professionals specializing in sexual abuse cases can help survivors understand their rights, options for legal action, and the support systems available for emotional recovery.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual abuse in a juvenile detention facility or any other institution, you can contact Helping Survivors today. Our team of experts offers comprehensive support, connecting you to trusted resources, legal assistance, and a community of individuals who understand your journey.
