More and more people are coming forward with allegations against the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), claiming it failed to do enough to protect children from child abusers that worked for the youth organization.

The Boys and Girls Clubs provide a variety of programs for at-risk youth to help them “reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,” according to the organization’s website. 

However, court records indicate that some adults affiliated with the organization abused children who were entrusted to their care, The Associated Press reported.

The Boys and Girls Clubs allegedly failed to adequately protect the children it aims to empower, according to victims who say they were abused as children.

Court Records Suggest Widespread BGCA Sexual Abuse

In 2019, Hearst Connecticut Media went public with a six-month investigation into the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The investigation found more than 350 instances of sexual abuse across 35 states allegedly perpetrated by employees, volunteers, and other BGCA members when the victims were children.

The Hearst investigation examined thousands of criminal and civil court documents filed nationwide and found that children as young as 6 years old had been sexually assaulted and, in some instances, raped, according to reports.

Some victims had allegedly been abused by the same perpetrator for years. Others were abused during school trips and sleepovers while the victims were isolated from their peers, according to claims.

Some of the purported perpetrators identified in the investigation include club directors, coaches, and volunteers. 

Civil lawsuits launched close to five decades ago include accusations of negligence against Boys and Girls Clubs leadership, including claims that BGCA leaders failed to report known instances of abuse to law enforcement, that they failed to adhere to BGCA safety guidelines, or that they failed to perform adequate background checks on adults involved with the organization.

BGCA Allegedly Failed to Act Despite Knowledge of Sexual Abuse

In one case, a perpetrator was allowed to work at a nearby Boys and Girls Clubs of America club after abuse had been reported, according to the AP.

In March 2019, the AP reported on allegations of sexual abuse at BGCA locations across the country. The report was based on a review of court documents.

In one case, Paul Dwayne Kilgore, a former coach at BGCA of Sonoma Valley in California, was accused of sexually abusing at least four boys for more than 10 years. 

Boys and Girls Clubs leadership was reportedly aware of the sexual abuse allegations but did not take any action to stop the abuse, even when Kilgore began working at another BGCA club, according to the AP. After Kilgore was arrested, BGCA allegedly falsely said there had been no indications of abuse at the club.

Unfortunately, the Sonoma Valley BGCA situation is not an isolated case. The AP points to several other abuse situations in which sexual abuse allegations were reported but the Boys and Girls Clubs of America reportedly failed to take adequate steps to stop it.

Filing a BGCA Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Individuals with claims of BGCA sexual abuse may qualify to join a free Boys and Girls Clubs sexual assault class action lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by abuse, but it can at least help to hold those responsible for the abuse accountable for their actions and inactions, as well as provide some amount of financial compensation.

Even if the abuse took place years ago, the statute of limitations may not yet have expired — and many states have recently introduced changes to their sexual abuse laws, such as expanding their statutes of limitations or opening look-back windows for past abuse claims. New York, California, and New Jersey are among those that have introduced updates to their sexual abuse laws in the last couple of years.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially over something as serious and traumatic as childhood sexual abuse, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation. Submit your information now for a free case evaluation.