Table Of Contents
- Important Update: Time Limits for Filing LA Juvenile Hall Abuse Claims (2024)
- Recent Developments Timeline
- Survivors Allege Sexual Abuse at LA County Juvenile Camps
- Studies Show Widespread Child Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers
- Which Facilities Did the Abuse Take Place in?
- Allegations Against 10 Probation Officers, Staff Members at Camp Joseph Scott
- What is Camp Scott?
- Who Can Be Held Accountable for Sexual Abuse at Camp Scott?
- Camp Kenyon Scudder Sexual Abuse Allegations
- Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
- Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Child Sexual Abuse
- Why Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney?
- What Damages Could I Be Awarded?
- Legal Process for Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim
- FAQs:
- Get a Free Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Important Update: Time Limits for Filing LA Juvenile Hall Abuse Claims (2024)
✓ Under 40? You Can Still File
If you experienced abuse at an LA County juvenile facility, a new California law allows you to file until your 40th birthday – regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Key Deadlines to Know:
1. For Those Under 40:
• You have until your 40th birthday to file
• This applies even if abuse happened decades ago
• No immediate evidence needed to start your claim
2. For Those Over 40:
• 10-year window from last incident of abuse
• Special “Discovery Rule” exceptions may apply
• Contact us to understand your specific deadline
3. The “Discovery Rule” Protection:
• 5 additional years from when you connect current trauma to past abuse
• Applies if you recently discovered impact of abuse
• Particularly important for suppressed memories
⚠️ Don’t Wait: While these deadlines provide time, starting your claim early:
• Preserves evidence
• Protects your rights
• Increases chances of maximum compensation
• Helps prevent evidence from being lost
Start My Free Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Case Review
Recent Developments Timeline
Here is a chronological timeline of recent developments related to the Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawsuit, highlighting key lawsuit filings, major settlements, legislative changes, and facility closures or reforms.
Date | Event |
---|---|
December 20, 2022 | Nearly 300 former detainees filed a landmark lawsuit against Los Angeles County, detailing systemic sexual abuse in juvenile facilities. |
January 1, 2023 | Expiration of the three-year revival window established by AB 218 for childhood sexual assault claims. |
June 18, 2024 | California Assembly Bill AB 2693 is introduced, reviving expired claims for damages from childhood sexual assault in juvenile facilities. |
December 11, 2024 | Over 600 victims have initiated civil actions against Los Angeles County and individual staff members for sexual abuse. |
December 17, 2024 | Reports indicate that Los Angeles County estimates potential payouts of up to $3 billion to resolve over 3,000 claims related to childhood sexual assault. |
December 18, 2024 | State oversight officials order the closure of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall due to unsafe conditions; the county opposes this closure amid ongoing legal scrutiny. |
Key Legislative Changes
- AB 218 (2019): Extended the statute of limitations for civil childhood sexual assault cases by providing a three-year window for previously expired claims.
- AB 2693 (2024): Revives otherwise expired claims for damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual assault by employees of juvenile probation camps or detention facilities. This bill allows victims who missed previous deadlines another opportunity to file claims until the end of 2025.
Facility Closures/Reforms
- Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall: Initially closed in 2019 due to allegations of abuse but reopened in 2023 amid overcrowding issues. Currently facing closure again due to safety concerns.
- Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall: Closed in May 2023 after being deemed unsuitable for housing minors.
This timeline summarizes significant events and legislative changes related to the ongoing issues surrounding sexual abuse in Los Angeles County juvenile detention facilities. It highlights the evolving legal landscape aimed at providing justice for survivors and addressing systemic failures within the juvenile justice system.
Survivors Allege Sexual Abuse at LA County Juvenile Camps
Studies Show Widespread Child Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers
The lawsuits follow multiple studies that found that child sexual abuse is a highly alarming problem in the United States and beyond.
Key research findings include:
2018 U.S. Department of Justice Survey [2]
• Hundreds of teens report abuse annually
• Majority of perpetrators: Male staff members
• Only 6% of victims report the abuse
2008 Federal Investigation Results [3]
• Systemic abuse discovered in LA juvenile camps
• Camp Joseph Scott: Major violations found
• County response: Outside monitors appointed
2010 Los Angeles Times Investigation [4]
• 11+ workers convicted of crimes
• Multiple cases of inappropriate conduct
• Pattern of escaped disciplinary action revealed
Comparison Chart: Incidents by Facility
Facility Name | Number of Reported Incidents | Year(s) of Major Violations |
---|---|---|
Camp Joseph Scott | 50+ | 2008 |
Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall | 30+ | 2019, 2024 |
Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall | 20+ | 2023 |
Settlement Statistics
- Total Settlements to Date: Over $3 billion in estimated payouts to resolve claims.
- Average Settlement Amount: Approximately $1 million per claim for severe cases.
Timeline of Reported Cases
Year | Event | Description |
---|---|---|
2008 | Federal Investigation | Systemic abuse discovered in LA juvenile camps. |
2010 | LA Times Investigation | Multiple convictions and misconduct revealed. |
2018 | DOJ Survey | Hundreds of teens report abuse; low reporting rates. |
2019 | Camp Joseph Scott Violations | Major violations lead to external monitoring. |
2023 | Barry J. Nidorf Closure | Facility closed due to unsuitability for minors. |
2024 | Los Padrinos Closure Order | Ordered closure due to unsafe conditions. |
Which Facilities Did the Abuse Take Place in?
The abuse is alleged to have occurred in various juvenile halls and detention centers throughout Los Angeles County, including:
Allegations Against 10 Probation Officers, Staff Members at Camp Joseph Scott
According to the Los Angeles Daily News, twenty women have filed a class action lawsuit against at least 10 probation officers and staff members, claiming they were subjected to sexual abuse, harassment, and rape during their time as minors at the military-style Camp Joseph Scott boot camp in Santa Clarita [5].
Key Details of the Allegations
Timeframe of Abuse:
The alleged abuse occurred between 1996 and 2008. Deputy probation officers had complete control over the girls’ lives, including:
-
- Cutting off mail and visitations.
- Deciding punishments, including extended solitary confinement.
Nature of Abuse:
One officer is accused of abusing at least 15 girls, with one victim becoming pregnant as a result. Initial abuse often began with officers watching the girls while they showered, escalating to sexual acts. Victims were reportedly coerced into continuing sexual acts even after leaving Camp Joseph Scott due to fear of being sent back.
Male officers allegedly had unsupervised access to the girls, including:
- Touching them in front of coworkers.
- Entering sleeping quarters without supervision.
The plaintiffs described an environment where girls were treated like property. It was common to see sexual relationships between staff and detainees.
Current Status of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit is currently pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court. It seeks justice for the survivors and accountability for those responsible for the abuses.
The court documents highlight systemic failures within the Los Angeles County Probation Department, which operated Camp Joseph Scott.
The perpetrators used this position of trust and authority to repeatedly sexually abuse juvenile females in their custody, care, control and direction,” the lawsuit states. “The alleged abuses were committed for no other reason than to satisfy the (alleged) perpetrators’ own prurient sexual desires at the expense, suffering, and demise of vulnerable and defenseless juveniles.
Jo Kaplan, a former commissioner on the Los Angeles County Probation Oversight Committee, said that although she was not aware of the alleged abuse at Camp Scott, there were regular disciplinary system problems that led to the mistreatment of minors at the camp.
It does not surprise me. The conditions were horrible,” Kaplan said. “The probation department heads at the time allowed children’s lives to be ruined every day
One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, 38-year-old Akeila Jefferson, claims she was 16 when she entered Camp Scott, and deputy probation officer Thomas Jackson began grooming her for sexual favors.
First, he began touching her sexually and eventually assaulted her multiple times in the laundry room, guard shack, and camp office. Jefferson said Jackson warned her he would make her time at the camp difficult if she told anyone.
The abuse continued even after her release at age 18 in 2001, with Jackson taking her out to eat, to shop, and to a rented motel room for repeated sexual encounters.
I always felt I had to go. It never crossed my mind otherwise,” Jefferson said
What is Camp Scott?
Initially opened as a boy’s facility in 1958, Camp Joseph Scott was converted to house-only girls in 1987. At the time, the facility was said to resemble a summer camp more than a detention camp. County officials and judges once touted it as a model for rehabilitating youthful offenders.
According to the LA TimesIn the mid-1990s, the camp transformed into a military-style boot camp, where squadrons of girls in combat boots and khaki uniforms marched in strict drill formation across a concrete exercise field [6]
Camp Joseph Scott is currently one of 18 juvenile camps in Los Angeles County. The facility neighbors Camp Kenyon Scudder.
Camp Scott features a charter school education system that the Los Angeles Unified School District supervises.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Sexual Abuse at Camp Scott?
The long-standing pattern of sexual abuse at Camp Scott appears to have been allowed to persist for decades due to the negligence of Los Angeles County.
Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm. In this case, the county allegedly failed to take the necessary steps to stop the abuse and protect vulnerable individuals.
This disturbing trend of abuse was reportedly enabled by the county’s failure to implement preventative measures, correct the abusive behavior, and comply with mandatory reporting laws concerning child sexual abuse. The lack of action allowed the abuse to continue unchecked for an extended period.
Under California law, victims of negligence have the right to seek financial compensation for the harm they have suffered.
By working with experienced sexual abuse attorneys, survivors can hold Los Angeles County accountable for their negligent actions. Our legal team is committed to helping you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.
Camp Kenyon Scudder Sexual Abuse Allegations
In 2017, Oscar Calderon Jr. was sentenced to 1 year in jail after pleading guilty to 2 counts of felony assault for inappropriately touching a pair of girls at Camp Kenyon Scudder, another all-girls juvenile detention center located in Santa Clarita.
In a lawsuit settled for $1 million over that abuse, the victims claimed that Calderon’s supervisor, a therapist, and up to 10 probation staff at the facility were aware of the abuse but failed to stop it.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse is defined as any form of sexual act between an adult and a minor or between two minors where one uses power or control over the other [7]. It involves forcing, coercing, or persuading a child into participating in any form of sexual activity.
This abuse can extend beyond physical contact and includes non-contact behaviors such as exhibitionism, exposure to explicit materials, voyeurism, or sexually explicit communication via phone or online platforms.
Types of Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can take on many forms, whether physical, verbal, or emotional.
It includes both contact and non-contact behaviors, with examples ranging from:
Direct Contact Abuse:
- Physical, and sexual acts
- Inappropriate touching
- Forced undressing
Indirect Forms of Abuse:
- Voyeurism during showers
- Sexual harassment
- Intimidation tactics
Position of Authority Abuse:
- Grooming behaviors
- Coercion using privileges
- Threats of punishment
Digital/Technology-Related:
- Inappropriate photography
- Sexual communications
- Online exploitation
Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Child Sexual Abuse
The true extent of child sexual abuse (CSA) is difficult to measure because many cases go unreported. Experts agree that the actual incidence of CSA is much higher than what is officially recorded, and the definition of CSA can vary, leading to differing statistics. Below are key findings from research on child sexual abuse.
Key Statistics on Child Sexual Abuse
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau, 9.2% of children who were victims of abuse in 2010 were sexually assaulted.
Research by David Finkelhor, Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, found that [8]:
- 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys have experienced child sexual abuse.
- Self-reported surveys show that 20% of adult women and 5-10% of adult men recall being sexually abused as children.
- During one year, 16% of youth aged 14 to 17 in the U.S. reported being sexually victimized.
- Over their lifetime, 28% of U.S. youth aged 14 to 17 reported being sexually victimized.
- Children are most vulnerable to sexual abuse between the ages of 7 and 13.
Perpetrators and Risk Factors
- A National Institute of Justice report in 2003 [9] revealed that 3 out of 4 adolescents who were sexually assaulted knew their abuser.
- The Bureau of Justice Statistics [10] reported that 1.6% of children aged 12-17 were victims of rape or sexual assault.
Long-Term Impact of Child Sexual Abuse
- A 1986 study found that 63% of women who were sexually abused by a family member later experienced rape or attempted rape after the age of 14. Similar findings were reported in studies conducted in 2000, 2002, and 2005.
- Victims of rape or attempted rape during adolescence are 13.7 times more likely to experience rape or attempted rape in their first year of college.
- Children who experience prolonged sexual abuse often develop low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and a distorted view of sex. They may become withdrawn, distrustful of adults, and even suicidal.
Risk Factors for Child Sexual Abuse
- Children who do not live with both parents, or who live in homes affected by parental discord, divorce, or domestic violence, face a higher risk of being sexually abused.
- In cases where credible evidence of sexual abuse exists, only 5-15% of children will have physical injuries consistent with sexual abuse.
Non-Contact Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse does not always involve physical contact. It can also include acts like exposure, voyeurism, and the creation or distribution of child pornography.
Long-Term Effects on Young Males
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health revealed that young males who were sexually abused are:
- 5 times more likely to cause teen pregnancy.
- 3 times more likely to have multiple sexual partners.
- 2 times more likely to engage in unprotected sex compared to those without a history of sexual abuse.
These findings underscore the devastating and long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse, highlighting the need for greater awareness, reporting, and prevention efforts.
Why Contact a Sexual Abuse Attorney?
Understanding the statute of limitations and the discovery rule can be complex. Consulting with an experienced juvenile detention sexual abuse attorney ensures that you fully understand your rights and deadlines.
An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your claim is filed on time, maximizing your chances for compensation and justice.
By taking legal action, you can hold Los Angeles County accountable for its negligence in protecting vulnerable individuals in its care.
What Damages Could I Be Awarded?
1. Pain and Suffering
- Physical Pain: Compensation for the physical trauma endured during and after the abuse.
- Mental Suffering: Covers long-lasting psychological effects resulting from the abuse.
2. Emotional Distress
- Anxiety: Compensation for anxiety directly stemming from the abuse.
- Depression: Addresses feelings of hopelessness or sadness that may arise.
- PTSD: Covers costs related to post-traumatic stress disorder and its treatment.
3. Mental Anguish
- Therapy Needs: Compensation for therapy required to address trauma.
- Psychiatric Care: Covers costs associated with psychiatric evaluations and treatment.
- Mental Health Services: Ongoing mental health support services.
4. Medical Expenses
- Physical Injury Treatment: Costs for medical treatment related to physical injuries sustained during the abuse.
- Psychological Care: Expenses for psychological assessments and treatments.
- Ongoing Therapy Needs: Future therapy sessions, medications, and rehabilitation programs.
5. Loss of Quality of Life or Companionship
- Diminished Quality of Life: Compensation for a reduced ability to enjoy life due to trauma.
- Loss of Companionship: Damages for emotional or physical trauma affecting relationships with loved ones.
6. Punitive Damages
- Punishment for Negligence: Awarded in cases where conduct was particularly egregious.
- Deterrent Effect: Aims to discourage future misconduct by punishing responsible parties.
Understanding these categories of damages can help victims and their families recognize the potential compensation available in their cases. If you believe you have a claim, it is advisable to consult with legal professionals who specialize in sexual abuse cases to ensure you pursue all appropriate avenues for recovery.
Building a Strong Case
The amount you can recover depends on the specific details of your case, including the evidence you present. Our team is experienced in handling such cases, guiding you through the process, helping you collect critical evidence, and advocating for the maximum compensation you deserve.
By working with a dedicated legal team, you can ensure that all aspects of your case, from emotional distress to medical costs, are fully accounted for, and that Los Angeles County is held accountable for any negligence that contributed to the abuse.
Legal Process for Filing a Sexual Abuse Claim
Once you’ve confirmed the statute of limitations for your claim—if one applies—the next step is to gather all necessary documentation and file your lawsuit.
The legal process is essential to secure the financial compensation available under California law for sexual abuse survivors. Before proceeding, taking advantage of free consultations is highly recommended to understand what to expect.
Key Steps in the Legal Process
- Discovery Phase: During discovery, both sides request and exchange relevant evidence. This can include documents, emails, witness testimonies, and other crucial information. Additionally, you may undergo depositions, where both parties answer formal questions under oath.
- Mediation: Before reaching trial, both sides typically engage in mediation. This is a settlement negotiation process overseen by a neutral third-party mediator. Mediation can help both sides agree on compensation, potentially avoiding the need for a trial.
- Trial: If mediation doesn’t result in a settlement, your case may proceed to trial. At this stage, your legal team will present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case in front of a judge and jury. The jury will then decide whether to award damages, and if so, how much.
Throughout the entire process, an experienced legal team will stand by your side, ensuring your interests are protected and that you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. This includes navigating through the legal complexities and advocating for justice on your behalf.
By working with specialized attorneys, you can rest assured that every step, from discovery to trial, will be handled professionally and with care, helping you focus on healing while pursuing justice.
Related Articles:
- Nationwide Methodist Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
- Southern Baptist Church Ministers Accused of Sexual Assault
- Nationwide Methodist Sexual Abuse Claim
See all related sexual abuse lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQs:
Get a Free Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you were victimized while being detained in a juvenile detention center in California, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
References:
- https://www.dailynews.com/2022/12/28/279-file-lawsuit-over-alleged-abuse-at-la-county-juvenile-halls-camps/
- https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/sexual-victimization-reported-youth-juvenile-facilities-2018
- https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2010/12/15/lacamps_findings_10-31-08.pdf
- https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-feb-21-la-me-probation21-2010feb21-story.html
- https://www.dailynews.com/2022/03/09/woman-say-they-were-sexually-abused-as-minors-at-la-county-juvenile-camp/
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-09/vast-sex-abuse-of-girls-at-l-a-detention-camp-suit-shows
- https://bravehearts.org.au/about-child-sexual-abuse/what-is-child-sexual-abuse/
- https://www.unh.edu/ccrc/about
- https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/194972.pdf
- https://bjs.ojp.gov/