Thousands of adults are now coming forward about sexual abuse they suffered as children in juvenile halls, probation camps, youth detention centers, and state facilities across the country. In April 2025, Los Angeles County reached a tentative $4 billion settlement to resolve over 6,800 claims dating back to 1959—the largest public-entity sexual abuse resolution in U.S. history.
👉 If you or a loved one were abused in a youth facility, you may still have time to file a claim. Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP for a confidential, free consultation.
Across the U.S., many states have reformed statutes of limitations (SOLs) by opening “lookback” windows or permanently removing civil time limits. This allows survivors to file lawsuits—even decades after the abuse occurred.
CHILD USA tracks these changes and confirms that dozens of states and territories have open revival windows or extended SOLs today.
Eligibility depends on where the abuse occurred and when you file. Examples:
Patterns documented in public reports and lawsuits include:
The Los Angeles County settlement illustrates how systemic abuse thrived in facilities that failed to protect children (Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors).
Settlements or jury awards may cover:
Maryland is confronting a surge of lawsuits alleging decades of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers. Since the enactment of the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, which eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, survivors have filed more than 3,500 cases. Many allegations trace back to the 1960s and involve abuse in state-run youth facilities.
In response to growing financial exposure, lawmakers passed legislation in April 2025 that:
Caps damages at $400,000 for public institutions and $700,000 for private entities
Restricts survivors to a single payout per lawsuit, even for multiple incidents
These new limits apply to claims filed after May 31, 2025, drawing sharp criticism from survivors and advocacy groups. Critics argue the move undermines the intent of the Child Victims Act and shortchanges survivors who endured lifelong harm.
Advocates point to Los Angeles County’s $4 billion settlement (the largest public-entity sex abuse resolution in U.S. history) as a better model for comprehensive accountability
A new federal lawsuit accuses staff at Oregon’s MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility of sexual abuse, adding to a growing backlog of uninvestigated complaints against the Oregon Youth Authority. The lawsuit alleges systemic misconduct, insufficient oversight, and a culture of silence that enabled abuse to persist.
This case joins a wave of litigation across the country targeting juvenile halls, correctional centers, and youth detention programs that failed to protect children in their custody.
Los Angeles County announced a record-setting $4 billion tentative settlement resolving more than 6,800 sexual abuse claims involving minors in county-run detention centers and foster care programs. The cases span incidents from 1959 through the early 2000s, with many concentrated in the 1980s and 1990s.
This historic resolution underscores the scope of institutional failures and highlights the possibility of large-scale settlements for survivors in other jurisdictions.
Can I file if the abuse happened decades ago?
Often yes. Many states have opened lookback windows or permanently expanded SOLs. See the CHILD USA statute of limitations tracker for current updates.
Does a large settlement like LA County’s mean I missed my chance?
Not necessarily. Some global settlements cover filed claims, while other survivors may still proceed under current laws and deadlines.
What if the facility closed or records are missing?
We build corroboration through medical files, school placement records, and witness testimony. Facility closure does not block your right to file.
If you were sexually abused in a juvenile hall, detention center, or youth facility, you deserve justice.
📞 Call (800) 675-8556 or fill out our secure online form for a confidential, free case review.