Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center in San Bernardino, California, also known as the Gilbert Street Juvenile Hall, is one of the county’s main detention centers for youth. Managed by the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the facility has recently come under scrutiny for disturbing allegations of sexual abuse.

Across California, hundreds of survivors have come forward with similar stories, describing years of abuse and neglect inside county-run juvenile facilities. The lawsuits against San Bernardino County alleged widespread sexual abuse by probation officers and staff dating back to the 1970s. Survivors claim that the county failed to prevent minors in its care, neglecting proper screening, supervision, and discipline of abusive employees. In December 2023, four survivors filed new lawsuits against the county, including one that detailed the abuse of a 10-year-old boy by a probation officer at the Central Valley Facility.

Sadly, these are not isolated cases. Counties like Los Angeles and San Diego have also faced hundreds of similar lawsuits, revealing a statewide failure to protect vulnerable youth. If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse while detained at the Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center, it’s important to know that you have legal rights and options.

One option is to file a complaint with the state. California law provides strong legal protections for survivors through the victim’s bill of rights, also known as Marcy’s law, and the sexual assault survivors bill of rights, both of which help safeguard survivors privacy, safety, and well-being during the legal process. Another option is to report the abuse directly to local law enforcement or the California Department of Social Services.

Survivors may also pursue justice through a civil lawsuit. In California, the law gives survivors more time to come forward. Under Assembly Bill 218, you can file a lawsuit until your 40th birthday or within 5 years of realizing the harm caused by the abuse. And since January 2024, there is no statute of limitations for child sexual abuse that occurred on or after that date, meaning survivors can still take legal action even decades later.

At Helping Survivors, we connect survivors of juvenile detention sexual abuse with experienced attorneys who understand how to handle these complex and sensitive cases. Our legal partners work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and you don’t pay unless they win your case. If you or someone you love was sexually abused at the Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center, reach out to Helping Survivors today to learn more about your rights and legal options.