In recent years, the state of Maryland has seen an alarming increase in lawsuits filed by individuals who allege they were sexually abused while detained in state-run juvenile detention centers. These claims, many of which date back several decades, have sparked widespread attention and concern over the treatment of vulnerable youth in the state’s care.
Recently, 85 people joined a civil lawsuit against Maryland and the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), detailing allegations of sexual abuse that span from 1974 to 2018. This lawsuit is just the latest in a series of growing legal actions against Maryland’s juvenile detention centers, as survivors of abuse demand justice for the horrific mistreatment they endured as children.
These lawsuits follow a major shift in Maryland’s legal landscape, fueled in part by the passage of the Child Victims Act in April 2023. The act, which grants survivors of childhood sexual abuse the ability to pursue civil action against their abusers and the institutions that allowed the abuse to occur, has provided a platform for those who previously had no recourse. However, it also includes significant changes, such as caps on the amount of damages that can be awarded—an issue that has sparked further anger among survivors and their advocates.
The Widespread Impact of Abuse in Maryland Juvenile Detention Centers
The civil suits filed in Maryland allege widespread sexual abuse within the state’s juvenile detention facilities, including the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School. One notable case involves Ronald Neverdon, a former staff member at Hickey, who is accused of sexually abusing children from 1976 to 1988. Neverdon, now in his 70s, faces nearly 40 charges related to child abuse and second-degree sexual offenses. Three of the 85 plaintiffs in the latest filing have accused Neverdon of sexual abuse during their time at the juvenile facility.
These cases reflect a disturbing trend not just in Maryland but across the nation, where juvenile detention centers and youth facilities have seen an increase in sexual abuse allegations in recent years. Youth in these institutions are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, as they are often isolated and under the control of staff members who are meant to protect them.
The victims in these cases, many of whom were young children at the time of the alleged abuse, have lived with the trauma for years. The long-standing nature of these cases, some dating back more than 40 years, raises critical questions about institutional accountability and the ongoing failures of the juvenile justice system to protect those in its care.
State’s Response and Legal Action
Despite the overwhelming number of abuse cases coming to light, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) has remained defensive in its stance. DJS spokespersons have stated that they take allegations of abuse “with utmost seriousness” and are committed to providing “decent, humane, and rehabilitative environments for youth.” However, the department’s response has been met with criticism, as survivors argue that the state has failed to hold responsible parties accountable for years of abuse.
Furthermore, the state’s efforts to implement new limitations on victims’ rights to seek compensation, including the reduction of potential damages under the Child Victims Act, have fueled the frustration of survivors and their advocates. “The state has callously attempted to revoke vested rights provided by the Maryland Child Victims Act,” said one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys. Survivors are vowing not to be silenced and are determined to fight for full justice, despite what they see as unconstitutional tort reform efforts that limit their right to seek justice.
National Trend of Rising Allegations in Juvenile Detention Centers
Across the United States, juvenile detention centers and youth facilities are seeing an alarming increase in sexual abuse allegations. These centers, which are meant to protect and rehabilitate vulnerable children, have instead become sites of exploitation, with hundreds of survivors coming forward to report abuse by staff members. The rise in lawsuits and legal action indicates systemic failures in the juvenile justice system, where abuse often goes unchecked, and victims are left without proper support. From Maryland to California, the stories of survivors reflect a growing crisis that is forcing the public to reckon with the treatment of youth in detention centers.
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles became infamous for its history of abuse, with former inmates detailing sexual assault by staff members. Another facility, McLaren Hall, has also faced legal action from survivors of sexual abuse, who have described harrowing accounts of mistreatment during their time at the facility.
These institutions are not isolated incidents. The growing number of lawsuits highlights a systemic issue within juvenile detention centers nationwide, where young people are frequently subjected to abuse by the very staff members entrusted with their care.
Bringing Justice to Survivors: How Helping Survivors Can Help
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse in a Maryland juvenile detention center, you may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit. Helping Survivors specializes in cases involving sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers, foster care, and other institutional settings. We understand the unique challenges that survivors face, and we are committed to helping those who have been harmed seek justice.
Our legal team is experienced in advocating for survivors of institutional abuse, and we offer compassionate, confidential support throughout the legal process. Survivors of juvenile detention abuse deserve the opportunity to bring their abusers to justice, and we are here to ensure that their voices are heard.
Contact Helping Survivors today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you navigate the legal process toward seeking justice and accountability. You don’t have to face this journey alone.
