Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Survivors Allege Sexual Abuse at LA County Juvenile Camps

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in December 2022 claims that from the 1970s to 2018, dozens of probation officers and staff members subjected thousands of victims to sexual abuse, harassment, and rape throughout their confinement in Los Angeles County foster homes, shelters and probation-run camps and halls [1]. The lawsuit is just one of about 2,300 now before the courts, following a loosening of the statute of limitations.

Survivors of sexual abuse, now ranging in age from their 20s to 70s, have come forward with allegations spanning decades. A notable case occurred as recently as March 2024, when a probation officer was arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a young person detained at the Dorothy Kirby Center in Commerce, a facility that specializes in serving youth with significant mental health challenges.

The Los Angeles County Probation Department, which employs about 5,500 members, has faced multiple incidents of sexual misconduct in recent years. In 2022, 23 employees were placed on administrative leave due to sexual abuse allegations. Additionally, since the beginning of this year, 18 more employees have been placed on leave. So far, 8 staff members have resigned or been terminated in connection with these allegations, and 2 cases have been referred to the district attorney for possible criminal charges.

Attorneys representing the alleged victims argue that a disturbing pattern has emerged: Los Angeles County has consistently failed to prevent widespread sexual abuse of minors under the supervision of its probation department. Despite repeated reports and allegations over the years, the county has been unable to implement effective measures to protect the vulnerable youth in its care, allowing this abusive behavior to persist unchecked.

Studies Show Widespread Child Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers

The lawsuits follow multiple studies which found that child sexual abuse is a highly alarming problem in the United States and beyond.

A 2018 U.S. Department of Justice survey that found hundreds of teens are raped or sexually assaulted in juvenile facilities each year in the United States [2]. Most are victimized by staff, with the perpetrators overwhelmingly male. Only 6% of teens in the facilities reported the abuse, according to the survey.

According to Justice, the results of a 2-year federal investigation released in 2008 found systemic abuse of youth in Los Angeles juvenile camps [3]. A staff member at Camp Joseph Scott, who failed to report an inappropriate relationship between a girl and another employee at the facility, was implicated in a pair of earlier abuse reports. Threatened by a federal lawsuit, county supervisors elected to hire a team of outside monitors to improve safety in L.A.’s 19 juvenile detention facilities.

In 2010, a Los Angeles Times investigation found that at least 11 workers in juvenile detention halls and camps had been convicted of crimes or punished for inappropriate conduct involving current or former probationers, although many more had escaped discipline [4].

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:

• Camp Joseph Scott – Before its closure in 2020, Camp Joseph Scott operated as a juvenile detention center for incarcerated female minors in Santa Clarita, California. In recent years, several former detainees have come forward with claims of sexual abuse during their time at the facility.
• Camp Kenyon Scudder – In the mid-2010s, California undertook significant reforms to its youth correctional system, which led to the closure of facilities like Camp Kenyon Scudder in Santa Clarita, along with several other juvenile detention centers. These reforms aimed to improve conditions and address longstanding issues within the system. However, despite these efforts and ongoing activism, reports of abuse continued to surface, highlighting persistent challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of incarcerated youth.
• Challenger Memorial Youth Center – Closed in 2019, Challenger Memorial Youth Center in Lancaster, California, served as a facility that housed multiple units, including Camp Ellison Onizuka, McNair, Scobee, Jarvis, Resnik, and Smith. These camps were home to teenage juveniles who had been convicted of serious offenses, including theft, assault, and other violent crimes. Each unit was part of a broader effort to manage and rehabilitate young offenders within California’s juvenile justice system.
• Los Padrinos, Central – Located in Downey, California, Los Padrinos was initially closed in 2019 following allegations of abuse and a declining number of juvenile offenders in Los Angeles County. However, due to overcrowding issues at other juvenile detention facilities, Los Padrinos was reopened in 2023 to help alleviate the strain on other centers. The facility had to address challenges from the past while managing the increasing population of youth offenders within the county’s system. The reopening highlighted ongoing concerns over overcrowding and the need for more effective juvenile rehabilitation options.
• Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall – In May 2023, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, along with Central Juvenile Hall, was shut down after Los Angeles County deemed both facilities “unsuitable” for housing incarcerated minors. The closures came amid growing concerns over the treatment of minors and the need for more humane and rehabilitative approaches within the juvenile justice system.
• Camp David Gonzales – Closed in 2018 due to a significant decline in the population of incarcerated youth. However, prior to its closure, the facility had been the subject of allegations of abuse and mistreatment, raising concerns about the treatment of juveniles within the camp.
• Camp Karl Holton – Originally located in Sylmar, Camp Karl Holton ceased operating as a juvenile detention center in 2009. Following its closure, the facility was repurposed into a firefighting camp, aligning with efforts to provide alternative uses for formerly incarcerated youth and rehabilitative programs through fire service training.
• Camp William Mendenhall – Located in Lake Hughes, Camp William Mendenhall was one of several juvenile detention facilities closed as part of California’s mid-2010s reforms aimed at overhauling the state’s youth prison system. Despite the camp’s closure and ongoing efforts by activists to improve conditions, allegations of abuse and mistreatment persisted, not only at Mendenhall but at other juvenile facilities as well.
• Camp John Munz – In the mid-2010s, California undertook a major overhaul of its juvenile justice system, driven by a declining number of incarcerated youth and budgetary constraints. As part of these reforms, Camp John Munz in Lake Hughes, along with several other facilities, was closed.
• Camp Louis Routh – Camp Louis Routh in Tujunga was among several facilities shut down during California’s mid-2010s reform of its youth correctional system.
• Camp Clinton B. Afflerbaugh – Located in La Verne, Camp Clinton B. Afflerbaugh one of six operational juvenile detention camps in Los Angeles County. However, like other facilities, it has been the subject of allegations and incidents of sexual abuse involving juvenile detainees. Despite its continued operation, these troubling reports have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of minors housed at the camp.
• Camp Vernon Kilpatrick – Situated in Malibu, Camp Vernon Kilpatrick remains an active juvenile detention facility under the management of the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Over the years, like many other similar institutions, it has faced allegations of abuse and mistreatment of its juvenile inmates.
• Camp Joseph Paige – Located in La Verne, Camp Joseph Paige is one of the active juvenile detention camps managed by Los Angeles County. Over the years, both current and former inmates have reported experiencing sexual abuse and other forms of mistreatment at the facility.
• Camp Glenn Rockey – Located in San Dimas, Camp Glenn Rockey is one of the active juvenile detention facilities operated by Los Angeles County. This camp, like others in the region, focuses on housing and rehabilitating juvenile offenders, offering programs aimed at behavioral improvement and reintegration into society. However, it has faced similar challenges that many detention centers encounter, including concerns regarding the treatment and well-being of the youth in its care.
• Dorothy Kirby Center – The Dorothy Kirby Center in Commerce is one of the two active juvenile detention centers in LA County. As opposed to the camp system, this center provides much-needed mental health services to its juvenile inmates.
• Central Juvenile Hall – Located in Los Angeles County, Central Juvenile Hall was shut down after being deemed unsuitable for housing incarcerated minors. This decision was part of ongoing efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, addressing issues related to facility conditions and the treatment of juvenile detainees.

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].

The alleged abuse took place between 1996 and 2008, and was perpetrated by deputy probation officers who controlled every aspect of the girls’ lives and could cut off mail or visitations as well as decide punishments, including extended periods in a solitary confinement unit, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The complaint states that one probation officer abused at least 15 girls, one of whom became pregnant as a result of the abuse, and that abusers were left alone and unsupervised with the girls in violation of state and county policy.

In many cases, the abuse would start with probation officers viewing the girls while they showered and that this would then escalate to sexual acts, according to the lawsuits. Many of the girls were allegedly coerced into continuing to engage in sexual acts after they left Camp Joseph Scott out of fear of being sent back to the facility.

Finally, the lawsuits allege that male officers at Camp Scott touched girls in front of coworkers, had access to victims alone and behind closed doors, and were allowed to enter sleeping quarters while unsupervised.

One plaintiff even claimed that girls were treated like property by officers, and that it was common to see sexual relationships at Camp 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 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. Jackson warned her he would make her time at the camp difficult if she told anyone, Jefferson said.

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 boys 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. It was once touted by county officials and judges 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 which is supervised by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

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, and 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:

• Engaging in sexual acts, whether penetrative or non-penetrative, with a child below the legal age of consent.
• Forcing or coercing a child to undress or perform sexual acts, such as masturbation.
• Inappropriately touching a child, either through clothing or directly on their body.
• Performing sexual acts in front of a child, including viewing or showing pornography.
• Taking, downloading, or distributing sexual images of children.
• Possession of child sexual abuse images or materials.
• Encouraging a child to perform sexual acts on a webcam or any recording device.
• Grooming a child, their parents, or caregivers to gain access and trust, which creates an opportunity for abuse. Grooming may happen in person or online and often goes unnoticed because it may not initially appear abusive or sexual.

Child sexual abuse is a serious crime that leaves lasting emotional and psychological damage. Recognizing the signs and understanding how grooming and exploitation occur, both online and offline, is essential in protecting children from harm.

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 [8], found that:

• 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys have experienced child sexual abuse.
• Self-reported surveys show 20% of adult women and 5-10% of adult men recall being sexually abused as children.
• During a one-year period, 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.

What is the Time Limit for Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Los Angeles County?

Victims of sexual abuse at Los Angeles County juvenile detention centers have specific time limits, or statutes of limitations, to file lawsuits. These deadlines depend on the age of the victim when the abuse occurred and when the victim became aware of the harm caused by the abuse.

Time Limits for Adult Victims (18 and Older):
If you were 18 or older at the time of the abuse, California law allows you 10 years from the last incident of abuse to file a lawsuit against Los Angeles County.

Time Limits for Child Victims (Under 18):
For those who were under 18 at the time of the abuse, the statute of limitations is different. You have until your 40th birthday to file a lawsuit. This means that you have 22 years after reaching the age of majority (18) to file a claim for child sexual abuse under California law.

The Discovery Rule:
In addition to these time limits, California law also provides the discovery rule for victims who might not immediately realize the extent of their injuries. Under this rule, a victim can file a lawsuit within 5 years from the moment they recognize that they suffered harm due to the abuse. This rule is particularly helpful in cases where psychological injuries from abuse manifest later in life.

Many survivors of abuse, especially in juvenile detention centers, may suppress their traumatic experiences due to fear of retaliation or the belief that reporting the abuse will not lead to justice. Over time, these suppressed memories can result in severe psychological issues, which may only become apparent years later. The discovery rule provides an extended timeframe to seek justice once these injuries are recognized.

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 that 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 their negligence in protecting vulnerable individuals in their care.

What Damages Could I Be Awarded?

The goal of a lawsuit is to recover compensation, known as “damages,” from the parties responsible for the harm. In cases of sexual abuse, the impact is often significant and multifaceted. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:

1. Pain and Suffering
This category covers both physical pain and mental suffering resulting from the abuse. It compensates for the physical trauma endured as well as the long-lasting psychological effects.

2. Emotional Distress
Sexual abuse often causes severe emotional harm. This type of damage seeks to compensate victims for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional consequences that stem directly from the abuse.

3. Mental Anguish
This category focuses on therapy and psychological care required to address the trauma caused by the abuse. Victims may need ongoing therapy, psychiatric care, and mental health services, all of which can be covered under this damage type.

4. Medical Expenses
Victims of abuse often require medical treatment for physical injuries, as well as long-term psychological care. Medical expenses also cover future therapy sessions, medications, and any necessary rehabilitation programs.

5. Loss of Quality of Life or Companionship
Abuse can negatively affect the victim’s ability to maintain relationships or experience a fulfilling life. These damages compensate for the diminished quality of life and the loss of companionship with loved ones due to emotional or physical trauma.

6. Punitive Damages
In cases where the conduct was especially egregious or negligent, the court may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim directly but to punish the responsible parties and discourage future misconduct.

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, it’s highly recommended to take advantage of free consultations 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.

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:

1. https://www.dailynews.com/2022/12/28/279-file-lawsuit-over-alleged-abuse-at-la-county-juvenile-halls-camps/
2. https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/sexual-victimization-reported-youth-juvenile-facilities-2018
3. https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2010/12/15/lacamps_findings_10-31-08.pdf
4. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-feb-21-la-me-probation21-2010feb21-story.html
5. https://www.dailynews.com/2022/03/09/woman-say-they-were-sexually-abused-as-minors-at-la-county-juvenile-camp/
6. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-09/vast-sex-abuse-of-girls-at-l-a-detention-camp-suit-shows
7. https://bravehearts.org.au/about-child-sexual-abuse/what-is-child-sexual-abuse/
8. https://www.unh.edu/ccrc/about
9. https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/194972.pdf
10. https://bjs.ojp.gov/