Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Thousands of survivors of sexual abuse at Maryland juvenile detention centers are coming forward to share their stories, seek justice, and begin healing. If you’ve been harmed at one of these facilities, you can join the fight.

This is more than a legal battle. It’s about reclaiming your power. About holding the people and systems that failed you accountable. And about finding the strength to move forward.

Sexual abuse at juvenile detention centers is not just a dark chapter of the past; it’s an ongoing crisis. Recent lawsuits show that abuse happened across multiple facilities and continued for decades. The harm caused has been deep, lasting, and inexcusable. Many survivors, like you, have lived in silence for years, told they wouldn’t be believed or threatened into keeping quiet.

But today, you have the right to speak out. You have the right to take legal action. And you deserve to be heard.

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we understand how hard it is to come forward. We’re here to help you do it safely, with dignity and support every step of the way. If you’re thinking about filing a Maryland juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuit, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options.

Contact us for a free and confidential consultation. We’re here to listen to your story when you’re ready.

WWhy Choose File Abuse Lawsuit for Your Maryland Sexual Abuse Case

Choosing the right legal team is an important step in your healing journey. You need someone who doesn’t just understand the law, but someone who understands what you’ve been through.

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we combine deep legal experience with true compassion. We’re not just here to win your case. We’re here to support your healing and help you move forward with strength.

Here’s why so many survivors trust us with their stories:

• 115+ Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys have decades of experience handling sensitive and complex sexual abuse cases, including those involving juvenile detention centers.
• Over $150 Million Recovered: We have a proven track record of securing strong results for our clients because your pain deserves recognition, and your healing deserves resources.
• Trial-Tested Attorneys: If the state or any institution refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to go to trial. We don’t back down.
• Direct Personal Attention: You won’t be passed around or ignored. You’ll have direct access to your attorney and our managing partner throughout your case.
• National Recognition: Our work has earned national recognition, which gives us the resources, reach, and reputation to handle high-profile, high-stakes cases.
• Compassionate Support: We know that filing a lawsuit isn’t just legal—it’s emotional. That’s why we provide trauma-informed support and connect you with counseling and healing resources.

You’ve already survived more than most people could imagine. We’ll stand with you now and for whatever comes next.

Sexual Abuse is Not Uncommon in Juvenile Detention Centers

Sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers is far more widespread than most people realize. Nationwide, thousands of young people have reported being abused while in state custody.

A U.S. Department of Justice report found over 2,460 allegations of sexual abuse by youth inmates in just one year—a number that had nearly doubled over the prior decade. Even more disturbing: over half of these allegations involved staff members.

In Maryland, the truth is now coming to light. As many as 6,000 people have already filed or are in the process of filing lawsuits against the state. These lawsuits allege abuse dating back to the 1960s, and in some cases, as recent as 2022.

Survivors describe a disturbing pattern of abuse carried out by staff members: counselors, guards, laundry workers, kitchen aides, and even wardens. They speak of threats, punishment, and manipulation used to silence them. Abuse often happened behind closed doors or during strip searches and lockdowns when children were most vulnerable.

These children, some as young as seven, were often sent to juvenile detention not because they were dangerous, but because they had nowhere else to go. Some ran away from abusive homes. Some made mistakes, like stealing a car or skipping school. They were supposed to be protected. Instead, they were harmed.

Now, it’s time for justice.

You Have a Right to Seek Justice

Sexual abuse is a violation of your body, your trust, and your human dignity. It should never have happened. But if it did, you have the legal right to hold those responsible accountable.

Thanks to Maryland’s Child Victims Act, passed in 2023, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can now file civil lawsuits no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. This law removed the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases against public institutions, giving thousands of people the chance to finally be heard.

Some Maryland juvenile detention centers include:

• Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School (Baltimore County)
• Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center (Prince George’s County)
• Backbone Mountain Youth Center (Garrett County)
• Cheltenham Youth Facility (Cheltenham, MD)
• Alfred D. Noyes Children’s Center (Montgomery County)

If you were abused at one of these facilities or any other Maryland detention center you may be eligible to file a juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuit.

Even if the abuse happened years ago. Even if you were told to stay quiet. Even if you’ve never shared your story before.

This is your time.

Why Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Matters

Filing a lawsuit isn’t just about money. It’s about being seen, being heard, and being believed.

For many survivors, taking legal action is the first step toward healing. It gives you a voice after years of silence. It says, “What happened to me matters.” And it puts the blame where it belongs—on the people and systems that hurt you.

Here’s why filing a sexual abuse lawsuit matters:

• It helps you reclaim your story. You get to tell the truth—on your terms.
• It holds institutions accountable. Juvenile detention centers are supposed to protect children, not harm them. Lawsuits shine a light on the failures and demand change.
• It can bring change. Survivors speaking out have already helped expose decades of abuse and prompted reform efforts. Your courage could protect others.
• It may bring closure. Legal action won’t erase the past, but it can help you move forward.

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we treat your story with the care and respect it deserves. We’re here to help you make an informed decision about your next step and support you no matter what you decide.

The Legal Process for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against a Maryland Juvenile Detention Center

We understand that filing a lawsuit may feel scary or intimidating. Our legal team is here to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Confidential Consultation: Your story is yours to share. We’ll start with a confidential discussion of your experience and your goals.
2. Case Review: Our attorneys will carefully review your case, gathering evidence and understanding the events that led to the harm you experienced.
3. Filing the Claim: We’ll formally file a Maryland juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuit on your behalf.
4. Investigation and Negotiation: We’ll work to hold those responsible accountable, whether through a settlement or by preparing for trial if necessary.
5. Representation in Court: If a trial becomes necessary, our experienced team will represent you every step of the way, advocating for your rights and justice.

We’ll keep you informed at every stage. This is your case, and you deserve to feel empowered throughout the process.

Compensation Available to Maryland Sexual Abuse Survivors

No amount of money can undo what happened. But financial compensation can help support your healing. It can cover medical care, therapy, and other resources that help you move forward.

If you file a sexual abuse lawsuit against a Maryland juvenile detention center, you may be eligible for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for physical treatment, therapy, and long-term care.
• Mental Health Care: Counseling and support for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other effects of trauma.
• Lost Income: Compensation for time away from work, or if the abuse affected your ability to earn a living.
• Pain and Suffering: Acknowledgement of the emotional and psychological toll of what you endured.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, Maryland law allows additional compensation if the abuse was part of a cover-up or if the state acted with gross negligence.

Compensation isn’t about putting a price on pain. It’s about giving you the tools to rebuild and reclaim your life.

How Long Do I Have to File a Sexual Abuse Civil Lawsuit in Maryland?

Maryland's Child Victims Act removed the statute of limitations for filing sexual abuse claims in civil court, providing a pathway to justice and allowing many survivors to file lawsuits even decades after the abuse occurred. However, recent legislative changes have introduced deadlines and limitations for these cases. Currently, survivors must file by May 31, 2025, to access the full range of damages allowed.

If you're unsure whether your case qualifies or whether the deadline affects you, please contact us immediately. We’ll review your case confidentially and help you understand your options.

State and Federal Laws Designed to Protect Juveniles in Custody from Abuse

When a child is placed in state care, the government has a legal responsibility to keep them safe. Several important laws are designed to protect juveniles in detention centers from abuse:

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Enacted in 2003, PREA is a federal law aimed at ending sexual abuse in correctional institutions, including juvenile facilities. It requires training, proper supervision, and systems for reporting abuse safely and confidentially.

Maryland’s Child Victims Act

As mentioned above, this landmark 2023 law removed the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. It gives survivors more time and more power to seek justice.

Mandatory Reporting Laws

Maryland law requires juvenile facility staff to report any suspected abuse. Failure to report can result in penalties. Sadly, many lawsuits allege that staff ignored or covered up abuse instead of reporting it.

Oversight by State Agencies

Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is supposed to monitor safety in juvenile centers. But lawsuits allege that the state failed to investigate abuse complaints and allowed known abusers to continue working with children.

Filing a lawsuit doesn’t just help you. It helps enforce these laws and create safer conditions for future generations.

Discuss Your Case with Our Trusted Maryland Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Talking to a lawyer may feel intimidating, but our job is to make the process easier, not harder. At File Abuse Lawsuit, we offer compassionate, confidential support every step of the way.

Here’s how we help:

• Free, confidential consultation
• No fees unless we win your case
• Privacy protections to keep your identity safe
• Experienced attorneys who handle everything for you
• Emotional support and connection to resources for healing

Our team understands the deep pain of sexual abuse. We’ve helped hundreds of survivors take back their power and move forward with strength. We can do the same for you.

The abuse you experienced should never have happened. And for too long, those responsible have gone unpunished. Now is the time to speak your truth and take the next step in your healing.

Contact File Abuse Lawsuit today at (209) 283-2205 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation. Whether you're ready to take action or just need someone to talk to, we’re here for you.

You Are Not Alone. You Deserve Justice. You Deserve Healing.

CALL 209-283-2205 FOR LEGAL HELP