Abuse in Youth Detention: What’s Really Happening

Juvenile detention centers have grown exponentially over the last two decades, and seemingly so has the abuse occurring within them. Juvenile detention is generally a short-term confinement center primarily used after a minor has been arrested, but before the court has determined their innocence or guilt. As of 2017, one in four cases in juvenile court involved a juvenile detention center. In 2018, there were over 195,000 minors placed in over 625 juvenile detention centers around the United States. Those forced into juvenile detention centers have legal rights, including the right to education, medical and mental health care, due process, access to their families, access to legal counsel, and the court system and safe and humane treatments. These rights are guaranteed by the US Constitution and Federal and State laws. However, we have seen a rise in juvenile detention center abuse over the past decade. Juvenile detention center abuse encompasses physical, emotional, and most alarmingly sexual abuse.

Young individuals are often vulnerable and find themselves at risk from both staff and other inmates. Instances of juvenile detention center abuse range from unwanted advances to physical assault to forced sexual acts, creating an environment of fear and trauma for individuals likely already experiencing these emotions in the confines of this system. High profile cases have hit the media drawing attention to this widespread issue. For example, recently two individuals were arrested for sexual abuse at the Tulsa County Family Center for Juvenile Justice, which came after a civil lawsuit was filed against multiple staff members and public officials tied to the center in New York. There have been over 250 civil lawsuits filed against youth detention centers, including the Crossroads Juvenile facility in Brooklyn. Yet despite these efforts, many young individuals continue to suffer in silence. Survivors of juvenile detention center abuse have legal rights and options. Filing a civil lawsuit can be a pathway to compensation for the harm and suffering, and a means to hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable them accountable.

However, the statute of limitations, which is the amount of time someone has to file a civil lawsuit, varies by jurisdiction, and this is why if you or someone has experienced abuse in a juvenile detention center, it’s crucial to speak to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Here at Helping Survivors, we work with a variety of law firms around the country and we are committed to supporting survivors of all forms of abuse, including juvenile detention center abuse. You can reach out to us and we can connect you with an experienced lawyer who specializes in navigating these complex cases.