Camp Barrett Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Camp Barrett, a juvenile detention facility in San Diego County, was supposed to be a place for rehabilitation. Instead, numerous former detainees have come forward with disturbing allegations of sexual abuse by staff. It was also reported that administrators ignored or even covered up their complaints. Until its closure in 2018, Camp Barrett housed up to 118 youths accused of crimes or serving short sentences. Its remote location in Alpine, California, made it difficult for families to visit and easier for abuse to go unchecked. After operating for more than two decades, the facility was eventually shut down as part of reforms to San Diego’s juvenile justice system. But for many who were incarcerated there, the damage had already been done.

As of 2025, at least two dozen survivors have filed lawsuits against the County’s probation department. These lawsuits allege systemic sexual abuse not only at Camp Barrett but across multiple San Diego juvenile facilities. Survivors of Camp Barrett abuse have important legal rights. In California, those who were sexually abused as minors can pursue civil lawsuits against the institutions that enabled them. Survivors may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. Recent changes in California law have expanded these rights. Survivors can file lawsuits until their 40th birthday or within 5 years of discovering the lasting harm caused by abuse. And starting in 2024, the civil statute of limitations was eliminated altogether for new cases, giving survivors more opportunities to seek justice even decades later.

At Helping Survivors, our mission is to support survivors of sexual abuse by connecting them with experienced attorneys. If you’re considering legal action against San Diego County or other responsible parties, we can connect you with a law firm that specializes in these cases and works on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options.