Michigan Youth Detention Sexual Abuse Lawsuit | Injury Lawyer Team

Child sexual abuse is a crime that frequently occurs in juvenile detention centers in Michigan. Numerous sexual assault allegations have been made against juvenile detention centers across the state. While we may never know the full extent of how many youths have been victimized, we do know that most sexual assaults go unreported.

The experienced attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team have helped clients recover millions of dollars in civil lawsuits related to sexual abuse and sexual assault. We help sexual abuse survivors seek justice for what happened to them at such facilities.

WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES INVOLVING INSTITUTIONS.

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

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

Injury Lawyer Team is experienced in recovering substantial compensation for our clients. To date, we have recovered more than $450 million in settlements and jury awards. Our compassionate team takes our commitment to our clients seriously. We strive to build the strongest cases possible to maximize compensation.

Our law firm represents victims of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits across the nation. We have nationwide resources available and maintain updated knowledge about the local laws and statutes of limitations of different states and jurisdictions.

We remain deeply committed to confidentiality and sensitivity. While we always uphold attorney-client privilege, we understand that sexual abuse causes deep psychological harm, fear, and humiliation. Under no circumstances will we push you to move forward with a lawsuit if you are not ready or interested in moving forward.

Understanding Youth Detention Center Sex Abuse

Sex abuse at Michigan juvenile detention facilities is not new. Allegations of sex abuse, sexual assault, and other crimes have been reported at juvenile facilities for decades. A 2021 lawsuit filed by McLain against Lobert details how a 16-year-old was forced to perform sexual acts on an adult in the 1990s [1].

In 2004, through a federal CRIPA investigation of the WJ Maxey Training School in Whitemore Lake, Michigan, government agencies gathered evidence of the mistreatment of youth in Michigan juvenile detention centers. While the sexual violence that took place was only one of the injustices found, it took 11 years for the juvenile detention center to close. [2]

Youth detainees are frequently subjected to sexual abuse at the hands of the adults who are supposed to be in charge of supervising and helping them while keeping them safe. This can be different than the issues that lead to sex abuse in adult facilities. Below are some of the reasons why youth in Michigan juvenile detention centers are so vulnerable.

We handle cases in all Michigan youth center facilities under the jurisdiction of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention:

Bay Pines Center

2425 N 30th St

Escanaba, MI 49829

906-789-1232

Shawono Center

10 N Howes Lake Rd

Grayling, MI 49738

989-344-5008

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

Allegan County Juvenile Detention (COF)

2243 33rd St

Allegan, MI 49010

269-673-4167

Bay County Juvenile Home (CCI)

520 W Hampton Rd

Essexville, MI 48732

989-892-4519

Berrien County Juvenile Center (COF)

6414 Deans Hill Rd

Berrien Center, MI 49102

269-471-2831

Calhoun County Juvenile Home (CCI)

14555 18 1/2 Mile Rd

Marshall, MI 49068

269-781-7221

Eaton County Youth Facility (COF)

14555 18 1/2 Mile Rd

Charlotte, MI 48813

517-543-3244

Genesee Valley Regional Center (COF)

4287 Pasadena Ave

Flint, MI 48504

810-733-3820

Ingham County Youth Center (COF)

700 E Jolly Rd

Lansing, MI 48910

517-887-4330

Jackson County Youth Center (COF)

930 Fleming Ave

Jackson, MI 49202

517-788-4460

Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home (COF)

1424 Gull Rd

Kalamazoo, MI 49048

269-385-8550

Kent County Juvenile Detention (COF)

1501 Cedar St NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-632-5750

Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center (CCI)

400 N Rose St

Mt Clemens, MI 48043

586-469-5375

Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center (CCI)

2910 Airport Rd

Adrian, MI 49221

517-265-5171

Midland County Juvenile Care Center (COF)

3712 E Ashman St

Midland, MI 48642

989-837-6080

Monroe County Youth Center (COF)

3600 S Custer Rd

Monroe, MI 48161

734-240-3220

Muskegon County Juvenile Transition Center (COF)

205 E Apple Ave

Muskegon, MI 49442

231-724-8850

Oakland County Children’s Village (CCI)

1200 N Telegraph Building 63W

Waterford Twp, MI 48328

248-858-1151

Ottawa County Juvenile Detention (COF)

12110 Fillmore St

West Olive, MI 49460

616-786-4130

Saginaw County Juvenile Detention (COF)

3360 Hospital Rd

Saginaw, MI 48603

989-799-2821

Washtenaw County Youth Center (CCI)

4125 Washtenaw Ave

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

734-973-4343

Washtenaw County Youth Center (CCI)

4125 Washtenaw Ave

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

734-973-4343

Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility (CCI)

1326 St Antoine

Detroit, MI 48226

313-967-2040

Power Dynamics

There are inherent differences in power between youth and adults as well as inmates and correctional officers and other staff in juvenile detention centers. Many victims do not feel that they can say no or stop the person who is sexually assaulting them. The juvenile detainee does not have any real rights or power in the relationship.

Fear of Retaliation

In many cases of detention center sex abuse, victims have been retaliated against if they speak up or try to stop the sexual abuse. The abusers may withhold food and recreation time or put the victim in solitary confinement if they try to report what’s happening to them.

Lack of Safe Reporting

We know that most sexual assaults do not get reported in Michigan juvenile detention facilities, as most forms of sexual abuse are underreported. However, many victims know that their claims have a good chance of going nowhere. They might even be blamed for the assault, or the people in charge may do nothing to stop it.

As a result, it is understandable why victims and sexual predators know that there is a lack of safe and effective reporting for those who have been sexually abused in juvenile detention centers. This lack of recourse makes these youth easy targets.

Sexual Inexperience

Most children and teens have little to no experience in romantic or sexual relationships. They may not realize that adults are grooming them and may mistake grooming for a real and true connection with adults around them or be made to feel special because of the attention.

Lack of Financial Resources

Many, if not most, youth in juvenile detention facilities lack the resources they would need to take legal action against the people who have hurt them. They may not realize that there are lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis and would not charge them upfront for assistance. This can also make them easy prey.

Types of Youth Detention Center Sexual Abuse Cases

Multiple forms of childhood sexual abuse are common in juvenile detention facilities, including:

• Child sexual abuse – Even if they are 18 years old, youth inmates are not able to consent to sexual activity. They are under the care of the correctional facilities that detain them and can be subjected to repeated sexual abuse from staff members.
• Sexual assault – A significant number of former youth inmates report being sexually assaulted by other youth inmates or a staff member while detained in a juvenile detention facility.
• Forced oral sex – Another form of sexual assault is forced sexual acts, whether with peers or staff.

Eligibility to File a Youth Detention Center Sex Abuse Claim

Typically, three groups can take legal action by filing juvenile detention center sex abuse claims.

Victims

The victims themselves bring forth a large proportion of juvenile detention facility sexual abuse lawsuits. This can happen while the victim lives at the juvenile detention center or afterward, as an adult.

Families

Parents and legal guardians can file a sexual abuse claim on behalf of their child. Often, these cases take place after the youth who has been sexually abused comes forward to family while they are still minors and may still live at the juvenile detention center.

The Government

While government agencies cannot file a civil suit for compensation against the staff of juvenile detention facilities, government agencies can file criminal charges against the people who operate and work at juvenile detention facilities. This does not lead to substantial compensation for the victim. However, the outcome of the criminal case can help support civil litigation.

For example, in 2024, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office charged a former employee of the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center with two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for the sexual assaults of 16 and 17-year-old boys [3]. The victims and their families can file a claim in civil court for their losses.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit in Michigan

A 2018 Michigan law extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse victims to a person’s 28th birthday or three years after they realize the connection between the sexual abuse and their injuries or trauma [4].

However, this new extension is not necessarily applied retroactively. It is a good idea to consult with a juvenile detention center sex abuse lawyer to evaluate your case and give you guidance about your legal options for financial compensation through civil claims.

Compensation for Youth Detention Facility Sexual Abuse Victims

The specific types of compensation available in your case will depend on the nature of what happened, how it has impacted you, and your long-term injuries. Often, victims suffer from depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other mental health issues as a result of being sexually abused. These can all influence how much compensation you can expect to receive.

Some common types of compensation available in sex abuse cases in juvenile detention centers are listed below.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, such as the cost associated with medical treatment and therapy, are related to tangible losses you suffered as a result of what happened. These can be past or future anticipated costs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are related to emotional distress, psychological harm, and pain and suffering, instead of tangible financial costs. However, these could make up the majority of your settlement.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages intend to punish the parties responsible for egregious forms of misconduct. In juvenile detention facility sexual abuse claims, this could be the individuals who committed the crimes or the government institutions who allowed this to take place.

Not all cases are eligible for punitive damages, but in cases where they are awarded by the judge, they serve to punish the defendant for particularly harmful conduct. While punitive damages don’t go directly to the victim, their presence can sometimes lead to higher overall settlements during negotiations.

Contact Our Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today!

While compensation can’t take away the pain, it can make it easier for you to get what you need to move forward and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. You don’t need to pay for the initial consultation or our services until we help recover compensation in your case. If we can’t help you get a settlement, you don’t owe us anything.

Contact us for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling toll-free at (888) 424-5757.

Related Practice Areas

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

Resources: [1] Fox 2 Detroit, [2] United States Department of Justice, [3] CBS News, [4] Michigan Public

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.