Justice for survivors of abuse in California juvenile detention centers

Take the first step toward justice and healing

Thousands of people who were once held in California’s juvenile detention centers have come forward to share their experiences of sexual abuse and mistreatment. If you were abused while in a youth detention facility or probation camp, you have the right to be heard — and you may have legal options.

Abuse in the California juvenile detention system has affected thousands of children, yet many cases went unreported for years. Recent legal changes now make it possible for survivors to take action, pursue justice, and seek compensation for the harm they endured while in California juvenile detention centers or probation camps.

These juvenile detention lawsuits may provide a way to seek compensation and hold the facilities accountable for allegedly failing to prevent the abuse.

If you or someone you love were abused while in youth detention, you can take the first step by completing the confidential form on this page. Your information will be kept private and used solely to determine whether you qualify for legal action.

Rise in reports of abuse in California juvenile detention centers

Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse struggle to come forward. In some cases, it can take years before they feel ready to come forward. Due to the strict statutes of limitations in many states, some individuals have been unable to seek justice or compensation for what they endured.

In 2019, California introduced Assembly Bill 218, which expanded the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. This change has opened the door for more people to pursue legal action.

As a result, the state has seen a surge in reports and lawsuits, with thousands of individuals coming forward to share experiences of abuse within juvenile detention centers, probation camps, group homes, and other youth facilities.

Compensation for abuse in California juvenile detention centers

California courts are now addressing thousands of sexual abuse lawsuits involving juvenile detention centers. These cases represent an important step toward accountability and acknowledgment of the harm caused.

Los Angeles County recently approved two major settlements that highlight the scale and seriousness of these cases.

• April 2025: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $4 billion settlement, which will be distributed among more than 6,800 individuals.
• October 2025: The Board of Supervisors approved an additional $828 million settlement to resolve allegations that staff at California juvenile detention centers, foster care facilities and probation camps sexually abused individuals in their care.

These settlements represent a significant step toward accountability and a major development for anyone considering filing a juvenile detention lawsuit in California.

While every case is unique, these resolutions show that survivors’ voices are being heard — and that justice and meaningful compensation are possible.

How to join the juvenile detention lawsuit

If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse while in a California juvenile detention center, you are not alone — and you may have legal options.

Filing a juvenile detention lawsuit can help expose systemic failures, hold responsible agencies accountable, and provide compensation for the pain and trauma endured.

To get started, please share your experience using the form on this page. Your responses will remain strictly confidential and will only be used to determine whether you qualify for potential legal action.

We understand how difficult this can be. Sharing your story can be a powerful first step toward healing, justice, and change.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.