Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall

The Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall in Modesto, California is a detention facility managed by the county’s probation department, housing minors, awaiting court proceedings, or serving short-term criminal court related sentences. While the facility was established to provide safety and rehabilitation for young offenders, recent reports have raised serious concerns about sexual misconduct and abuse by staff members within California’s juvenile detention system.

Across the state, hundreds of survivors have already filed lawsuits against county detention centers for sexual abuse committed by probation officers, counselors, and other staff. These lawsuits accuse county agencies of failing to screen, supervise, and discipline employees, allowing abuse to persist unchecked. Although no recent lawsuits have been filed against Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall, specifically, the facility and its leadership have faced troubling incidents.

In late 2024, a probation officer was arrested on charges related to invasion of privacy and possession of sexual material. In an earlier case, two minors allegedly assaulted another individual in custody. Yet, no staff were disciplined for failing to protect the victim. These cases echo a larger pattern seen across California counties, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino, where survivors have accused officials of ignoring or concealing misconduct inside juvenile detention centers.

If you or loved one experienced sexual abuse while in a juvenile detention center, you have legal rights and options. First, you can report the abuse to the Office of Youth and Community Restoration, the California Bureau of Children’s Justice, or local law enforcement. Reports can be filed even if the abuse occurred years ago or during childhood. And we understand that individuals may be hesitant to report, which is why we recommend speaking to an experienced attorney prior to the reporting process, as they can help ensure your rights are protected and preserved throughout this process.

You also have the right to pursue civil legal action against both the abuser and the institutions that failed to protect you. Civil lawsuits can seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages, helping to hold responsible parties accountable and prevent future abuse. Under Assembly Bill 218, victims have until their 40th birthday or 5 years after discovering the harm to file a civil lawsuit for abuse occurring on or after January 1st, 2024. There is no statute of limitations allowing survivors to file civil lawsuits at any time.

At Helping Survivors, we assist individuals who have suffered abuse in detention and institutional settings. Our mission is to educate, empower, and connect survivors with trauma-informed attorneys who offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to potentially pursuing a civil lawsuit for the harm you endured. If you or someone you loved experienced sexual abuse at Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall or another California juvenile facility, please contact Helping Survivors today to learn more about your legal rights and options.