Illinois Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyer | Injury Lawyer Team

Illinois juvenile detention facilities are supposed to be places where young people go to be rehabilitated and get a second chance at getting their life back on track. However, many juvenile detention centers have a problem with sexual abuse against detainees.

Because of their vulnerable position and the stigma around being an abuse victim, many of these victims refuse to come forward about the abuse that they suffer. Sexual abuse in youth detention centers is coming to light more often, and victims are seeking legal help to take action and hold their abusers accountable.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent sexual abuse victims who are ready to take legal action against their abusers. Our Illinois youth center abuse lawyers are here to help you throughout the legal process of recovering compensation.

WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.

IF YOU HAVE A MATTER INVOLVING A RELATIVE OR ACQUAINTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ASSOCIATION

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a long history of securing settlements for civil cases in the state of Illinois. To date, we have recovered more than $450 million for our clients. Our strong record of advocating for maximum financial compensation in sexual abuse cases helps many of our clients seek justice after what’s happened to them.

Experience in Filing Civil Lawsuits in Sexual Abuse Cases

Our law firm has experience in filing sex abuse cases in Illinois court. Our compassionate legal team understands the nuances and special considerations that need to be addressed when building these complex cases. The laws surrounding the statute of limitations and what’s acceptable have continued to evolve. We are up to date on everything pertinent to these cases.

Commitment to Confidentiality

No one wants the painful details of their sexual assault aired publicly. We are committed to maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. In some cases, we may even be able to obscure or anonymize your name in court records to be an initial or pseudonym for more confidentiality and privacy.

Starting with your free and confidential consultation, we are bound by attorney-client privilege. Anything you share stays between us, and we will go over any testimony or evidence that will be shared during your case so that you are comfortable moving forward. If you decide that you don’t want to file a lawsuit, you are under no obligation to file one by scheduling a consultation.

Nationwide Resources

Located in Chicago, at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent clients who have suffered childhood sexual abuse across the United States. We have the resources available and the experience to build a strong case for compensation on your behalf. If you live in Illinois now or have spent time in a county juvenile detention center here as a teen, we can help you build a strong case.

History of Large Settlements

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have recovered more than $450 million in settlements and jury awards. We’re confident that we can build the strongest case possible to advocate for maximum compensation in your case.

Not only do we consider you tangible losses, but we will build a case that demonstrates how sexual abuse will continue to unfairly impact you in the future. We will ensure that we do everything in our power to maximize your financial settlement.

Understanding Illinois Youth Center Sexual Abuse

Both sexual and physical abuse are extremely common in Illinois youth centers used for juvenile detention. The state of Illinois had a sexual abuse rate of more than 15% for youth in a county juvenile detention center [1].

Most victims do not report their sexual assaults to juvenile detention facility staff members, and when they do, they risk being hurt again by staff or their attackers. When reported, the staff may do little to stop or report it properly through the correct channels [2]. A research study showed how data on victimization was missing for the state of Illinois [3].

According to its own reports, the state is unlikely to seriously investigate misconduct claims against staff members. In the most recent report, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice claimed that all five reports of staff-related sexual harassment and misconduct were unsubstantiated despite having such a high sexual victimization rate [4].

We handle cases in all Illinois youth center facilities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

IYC Chicago

136 N Western Ave

Chicago, IL 60612

312-633-5219

IYC Harrisburg

1201 W Poplar St

Harrisburg, IL 62946

618-252-8681

IYC Pere Marquette

17808 IL-100

Grafton, IL 62037

618-786-3680

IYC Warrenville

30W200 Ferry Rd

Warrenville, IL 60555

630-983-6231

Phoenix Emerging Adults Career & Education (PEACE) Center- St. Charles

3825 Campton Hills Rd.

St. Charles, IL 60175

630-584-0506

An Illinois youth detention center sexual abuse lawyer from our team can also help with cases related to county juvenile detention centers:

Adams County Juvenile Detention

200 N 52nd St

Quincy, IL 62305

217-277-2233

Champaign County Detention

502 S Lierman Ave

Urbana, IL 61802

217-384-1243

Cook County Juvenile Detention

2245 West Ogden Avenue – Suite 8004

Chicago, IL 60612

312-433-4757

Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center

409 E Washington St

Benton, IL 62812

618-438-2222

Kane County Juvenile Detention Center

3825 Campton Hills Rd

St. Charles, IL 60175

630-584-0506

Mary Davis Detention Home

1319 E 5th St

Galesburg, IL 61401

309-343-5112

Hulse Detention Center – Lake County

24647 N Milwaukee Ave

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

847-377-7825

LaSalle County Detention Home

707 Etna Road

Ottawa, IL 61350

815-434-8300

Madison County Detention

100 West Fifth Ave

Edwardsville, IL 62025

618-692-1002

McLean County Detention

104 W Front St

Bloomington, IL 61701

309-888-5065

Peoria County Detention Center

223 N Maxwell Rd

Peoria, IL 61604

309-634-4200

St. Clair County Detention

700 N 5th St

Belleville, IL 62220

618-207-4374

Sangamon County/Custody Services Division

2201 South Dirksen Parkway

Springfield, IL 62703

217-747-8000

River Valley Justice Center (Will County Juvenile Detention)

3200 McDonough St

Joliet, IL 60431

815-730-7070

Vermilion County Juvenile Detention Center

150 Sager St

Danville, IL 61832

217-431-6691

Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center

5350 Northrock Dr

Rockford, IL 61103

815-516-2980

Common Forms of Youth Detention Center Abuse

Even though many cases of sexual abuse go unreported, from what is reported, we can see that different forms of childhood sexual abuse regularly occur in juvenile detention centers.

Child Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, many children are sexually abused in juvenile detention facilities. This comes in different forms, but all types cause severe psychological harm and emotional trauma as a result.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can range from unwanted sexual contact or being sexually molested to aggravated sexual abuse. In past cases, a range of employees can be held accountable, from a juvenile justice specialist to counselors and teachers.

Often, these cases have both a civil and a criminal case, where the state may charge the person responsible with misdemeanor criminal sexual abuse, felony official misconduct, or multiple felony counts of child abuse. Whether or not the state pursues a criminal case, you are still able to file a civil claim with our help.

Youth Inmate Abuse

If not properly supervised, children can suffer from sexual or physical abuse from other juvenile detainees. It is possible to hold the aggressor and their family responsible. However, at the end of the day, it is still the responsibility of juvenile detention facilities to monitor the behavior of residents and to protect them from abuse.

Staff Sexual Misconduct

One of the most common forms of sexual abuse that occurs at juvenile detention centers is staff sexual misconduct. Youth living in a juvenile detention center cannot consent to sexual contact, even if they are 18 years old. It is an abuse of power and against the law.

Inappropriate Touching

Any inappropriate touching is a type of sexual abuse in Illinois juvenile detention facilities. Whether it is grazing a hand over a thigh during a search or sexual molestation, this can count as sexual assault.

Unlawful Strip Searches

Even as detainees in a county juvenile detention center, Illinois youth have the right to dignity and respect. Unnecessary and illegal strip searches subject youth to humiliation and fear. It can be a form of sexual victimization and a punishment for youth who do not comply with demands for other sexual acts.

Eligibility to File a Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Claim in Illinois

Generally speaking, two groups of people can file civil lawsuits against Illinois youth detention facilities.

Sexual Abuse Victims

People who have been sexually abused while living in a juvenile detention facility can file their own lawsuits against the juvenile detention center and the sexual predators who worked there. As minors, child victims may need the help of their parents or legal guardians. However, many victims come forward as adults to exercise their legal rights to compensation.

Parents or Legal Guardians

Parents or legal guardians who discover sex abuse may decide to pursue justice while their child is still a minor. They may opt to take legal action, whether or not the victim wants to do so, as a way to hold the juvenile detention center accountable for what happened.

Criminal Cases of Sexual Abuse in Illinois Youth Centers

As of June 2024, nearly 200 people have come forward with allegations against Youth Centers operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice [5]. The abuse allegations occurred at nine youth centers [6]. By coming forward, these former Illinois youth hope to prevent future abuse from happening.

Unfortunately, the claims of sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers are not new. Over the past 15 to 20 years, numerous cases have been settled for victims who were sexually abused. In 2008, Illinois juvenile detention center guard Thomas O’Donnell pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy. The case resulted in a $900,000 settlement. [7]

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Illinois

The statute of limitations refers to how long you have to file a claim in civil court. Previously, the statute of limitations in Illinois for filing a lawsuit after having suffered sexual abuse as a child was 20 years after turning 18.

This meant that victims needed to file their claims against the Illinois juvenile detention centers by the time they were 38 years old. Many victims need a lot of time to process everything that happened to them. They may not be ready at age 38.

In 2019, new legislation was passed into law that removes the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims [8]. This means that child sex abuse victims can come forward at any time. However, the law was not retroactive. If the statute of limitations has already passed on your case, you may not be able to file a claim under this new law.

How Our Illinois Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help

The team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help you file your civil claim for juvenile detention center sexual abuse. We will help you seek justice through the civil court system and stand by you every step of the way.

Free Consultation

First, you will meet with a member of our law firm to discuss your case during a free consultation. We will learn more about what happened and provide you with information about all of your legal options.

Depending on how long ago the sexual abuse occurred, you may have different paths you can choose. We will never pressure you to proceed with a legal case. Rather, we will give you information about moving forward.

Gathering Evidence

Should you decide to move forward with your juvenile detention center sex abuse lawsuit, we will begin the process of gathering evidence and building your case. This will include taking your testimony and finding and interviewing witnesses. In some cases, there is also physical evidence and video surveillance footage that we will review.

File a Civil Lawsuit

Once we gather evidence and build your case, we will file a civil lawsuit in the appropriate courthouse. We take care of everything and will inform you of every step we take so you know how your case progresses.

Settlement Negotiations

Sometimes, we’re able to negotiate a fair settlement through negotiations without having to go to court. If this is possible, we often recommend it, as it can save time and money in court fees. This can often allow you to receive compensation without having to give testimony.

Trial

If we are not able to reach a fair settlement outside of court, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Compensation for Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Victims

There are different types of compensation available in juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuits. Your ability to receive each type of compensation depends on the nature of your case and what happened.

Economic Damages

Economic damages relate to tangible financial losses. Even if the sexual abuse occurred decades ago, you may still have some economic damages, such as therapy costs.

Medical Treatment

These are medical bills and future medical expenses related to your sexual assault. For example, the immediate medical care after being sexually assaulted or the ongoing care associated with contracting HIV during a sexual assault.

Therapy Costs

Psychotherapy is often needed, even decades after being sexually abused. The costs associated with this therapy are a type of economic damage that you can claim in your lawsuit.

Property Damage

Sometimes, property is damaged during the sexual assault or by the perpetrator. The cost of replacing damaged property, such as clothes and personal items, can be recovered.

Lost Wages

If being sexually abused has impacted your ability to work, you can claim lost wages in your lawsuit.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are not related to tangible financial losses, but factors such as pain or trauma. The court will assess these amounts based on how long you suffered and the severity of your suffering.

Pain and Suffering

If your sexual assault caused physical pain and suffering, you can be compensated for this.

Emotional Trauma

Most sexual abuse survivors face some degree of emotional trauma after what happened to them. You can be compensated for emotional trauma in your lawsuit, along with other types of damages.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and to prevent similar behaviors from happening in the future. It isn’t awarded in most cases. However, as a widespread problem that hasn’t been stopped in Illinois youth center facilities, there could be a strong argument on why punitive damages should be assessed in your case.

Factors That Influence Compensation in Sexual Abuse Claims

Every case is unique. There’s no real way to promise that a case will settle for a specific amount. However, some factors do correlate with higher settlements. The severity, the impact of the assault, and the length of time that the abuse went on will all contribute to the settlement size. If you have ongoing medical issues or trauma related to the sexual abuse, that too can result in a larger settlement.

Contact Our Illinois Youth Center Abuse Attorneys Today!

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about coming up with any money upfront or out of pocket. You only have to pay a set percentage of the settlement that we help you win. If we can’t secure you compensation, you don’t have to pay anything.

Contact us for a free consultation with a skilled sexual abuse lawyer by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients and are ready to do the same for you.

Related Practice Areas

• Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Arkansas Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• California Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• The Lord’s Ranch Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
• Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Michigan Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawyer
• Thomas Waxter Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Resources: [1] Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, [2] Juvenile Justice Information Exchange, [3] Bureau of Justice Statistics, [4] 2022 Annual Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice PREA Report, [5] CBS News, [6] AP News, [7] Prison Legal News, [8] ABC 13

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.