Youth Transition Campus (YTC) Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Representing Survivors of Sexual Misconduct at YTC in San Diego County 

Formerly the Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, YTC opened in 2022 and has a history of sexual assault. Youth Transition Campus sexual abuse can be devastating for victims, which is why they need a trauma-informed law firm that will fight for their rights. 

We offer comprehensive and confidential legal support for minors and young adults on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today for your free consultation. 

  • $21,000,000 sexual assault settlement for failure to screen employees
  • $15,000,000 for boys groomed by a private coach
  • $5,000,000 for two men abused by a therapist
  • $1,160,000 for teen assaulted by a guard

About Youth Transition Campus (YTC)

Youth Transition Campus

2861 Meadow Lark Drive

San Diego, CA 92123

(858) 694-4500

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/probation/Youth_Transition_Campus.html

This juvenile detention facility is designed to appear like a college campus. It offers classwork, behavioral health services, addiction counseling, and vocational training. 

The facility’s purpose is to prepare youth for reintegration into society through resources like creative expression, engaging with the outdoors, and career education. Both male and female minors are housed here, and stays range from 86 days to 12 months. 

Allegations & Lawsuits Filed Against YTC

San Diego County juvenile detention facilities are facing lawsuits due to sexual harassment and abuse. 

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on pending litigation in February 2025, noting that one plaintiff was sexually assaulted by a probation officer while at Kearny Mesa. This abuse, which started at age 16, later led to postpartum depression and a miscarriage. This facility was transformed into YTC in 2022.

Plaintiffs noted they were forced or encouraged into sex acts by probation officers, guards, and staff members. If they failed to comply, they were threatened with longer sentences or even physical violence. 

An attorney for the victims stated there was “a systemic failure to protect vulnerable minors in our juvenile detention system from egregious sexual misconduct and abuse by the same predator officers and county officials who swore an oath to serve and protect.”

The Injury Lawyer Team is here to support survivors through San Diego juvenile detention center sexual assault lawsuits. We will gather documentation about the abuse, file legal documents, and negotiate settlements with the responsible parties. 

If necessary, we can file a lawsuit and represent you in court, ensuring predatory probation officers or other staff members face justice. 

We fight hard for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. For example, we were able to get over a million dollars for one plaintiff who was assaulted while in juvenile detention.

We can help you file lawsuits against facilities such as:

Understanding Sexual Abuse Under California Law

All detention facilities are subject to the Prison Rape Elimination Act, a federal law that enforces standards for sexual assault in prison facilities (34 USC §303). This includes adopting a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, adhering to standards about detecting and punishing abuse, and collecting data that can be used to prevent further harm to inmates.

In lawsuits, we use California’s definition of sexual battery, which is stated as touching the intimate part of another person against the will of the person and for the specific purpose of sexual arousal or sexual gratification (PEN § 243.4). This definition is not gender-specific. 

The definition requires that the touching be intentional and sexually motivated. Additionally, there must be a lack of consent. This is automatic in cases with an adult and an underage individual (PEN §261.5 (a)). 

Additionally, any sexual contact between a staff member of a detention facility and an inmate is automatically illegal due to the power imbalance (PEN §289.6). 

Case law like Farmer v. Brennan asserts that detention center officers have a responsibility to protect inmates from any violence, including that by other staff or inmates. Residents of juvenile detention facilities are considered vulnerable under the law, and they must be afforded additional protection. 

As such, juvenile detention facilities like YTC have strict liability when it comes to residents who are sexually assaulted and can be held accountable for the actions of their probation officers or guards. 

Los Angeles law firm handling sexual abuse cases under the Prison Rape Elimination Act

Patterns of Abuse and Negligence at YTC and Other Juvenile Detention Centers  

The many lawsuits filed against San Diego County juvenile detention facilities demonstrate widespread institutional issues with abuse. Probation officers and other staff are often not properly vetted to ensure they do not have a history of assault, and they are not adequately supervised. 

This environment allowed known predators to commit sexual misconduct while intimidating vulnerable youth into not speaking up. When they did report, the administration vouched for their staff and refused to investigate. Attorneys report that the facilities did not fire individuals who committed illegal sex acts and instead vouched for them. 

One plaintiff stated that abuse was “swept under the rug” and complaints were ignored. In some cases, youth who spoke up were threatened into silence. 

Filing a Claim for Abuse at YTC

Our lawyers can use many aspects of the law to demand accountability. One of these is vicarious liability, which makes juvenile detention halls responsible for the actions of their probation officers or other staff. They are required to intervene when they suspect misconduct and carefully monitor all staff interactions with youth. 

Additionally, detention centers must protect residents from abuse by other individuals. Failing to do so is a lack of supervision, which can also be used to establish liability. 

However, we also recognize that victims face many barriers to speaking out, including fear of retaliation or shame. Our team will do everything we can to make the process as easy as possible and ensure your comfort. 

California Child Victims Act and Statute of Limitations

According to the Child Victims Act, California youth detention center sexual abuse lawyers can file claims for victims up to age 40, or up to five years after discovering the abuse (AB-218). This delayed discovery rule acknowledges the fact that youth may not be aware they can file a claim, or they may not understand that what happened to them is sexual assault.

Additionally, the courts may award treble punitive damages if it can be proven that YTC covered up evidence of sexual misconduct or failed to intervene. These punitive damages are meant to punish the perpetrator and discourage them from reoffending. 

Holding YTC and San Diego County Legally Accountable

We assist plaintiffs in filing civil lawsuits against perpetrators and organizations that did not protect them. There may be various defendants who all share liability, including the following:

  • Perpetrator – The abusive individual may be a probation officer, guard, or other staff member who committed the sexual acts. The law does not discriminate when it comes to gender, and we can pursue action against both male and female perpetrators. 
  • Facility Operator – Managers and administrators are liable for the actions of their staff, especially if they were aware of the misconduct but did not intervene. Failing to instruct employees about how to identify abuse can also be considered negligence. 
  • San Diego County Probation Department—The SDCPD is legally obligated to closely supervise all juvenile halls and take immediate action if it receives complaints. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for offending officers to be shuffled around between centers or to face no repercussions at all, which may make the SDCPD liable for a cover-up. 
  • Other Government Agencies – Organizations like the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) are tasked with investigating and inspecting places like YTC. If they do not identify concerns, they could be considered negligent.
  • Employers or Contractors – Places like YTC often hire contractors or outside parties to conduct certain activities, such as behavioral health services, addiction counseling, or vocational training. Unfortunately, these individuals may also commit sexual assault against youth. In this instance, their employers may be held accountable.

Eligibility for Filing a Lawsuit

To be eligible for a lawsuit, the abuse must have occurred at YTC or an associated youth rehabilitation center. The perpetrator must have been a staff member or affiliated worker, such as a social worker or teacher. If you do not know the perpetrator’s name, we can review personnel files and interview others present at the scene to determine their identity. 

We will need certain evidence to prove your case. If you reported the sex abuse, this can be very strong contemporaneous evidence. However, things like supporting testimony, medical records, or inspection reports can also help us show that you were assaulted at the center.

However, you do not have to file criminal charges against the defendant in order to open a civil lawsuit because tort law is a separate system. While this evidence can help, we can still build a strong case even if you did not go to the police. 

It’s important to note that you can still file a lawsuit if the perpetrator is now deceased, as we can pursue more than one defendant. We can seek damages from the abuser’s estate, or we can focus on proving that the San Diego juvenile detention system is liable under state and federal law, specifically the Prison Rape Elimination Act. 

Types of Compensation Available in Juvenile Detention Facility Abuse Cases 

Our team will ensure you receive all possible compensation for your sexual assault case. This can include both economic and non-economic damages. Some damages you may receive include:

  • Medical and psychological care
  • Mental health treatment and therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

If your case goes to trial, the court may also award up to three times the amount of damages as punitive damages. 

What Impacts Your Settlement Amount?

Our San Diego sexual abuse lawyers recognize that each case is different, which is why we consider all factors in your case when determining what constitutes a fair settlement. Some factors that may influence what you receive include the following:

  • Severity and Nature of Abuse – Violent assault, or a prolonged attack, often means the plaintiff receives more in damages. The age of the plaintiff is considered as well.
  • Frequency – If the plaintiff was assaulted for months or years, this will often entitle them to more compensation. 
  • Supporting Evidence – Strong supporting evidence, like medical reports, witness statements, and facility documentation, will make it easier to prove that you deserve a high settlement. You do not need to file a police report, but it can be solid evidence. 
  • Negligence – If you were forced or threatened to be silent, or if YTC did nothing to help you, this can increase your case’s value.
  • Long-Term Effects – If you have PTSD, depression, or lost career prospects, this can influence the case value.

In San Diego specifically, we will consider whether the perpetrator had previous employment at different centers within the system, including any complaints. 

For example, if a probation officer worked at Camp Barrett, Kearny Mesa, and YTC, the court could assume that there must have been some concerns about their behavior that the probation department ignored. This will more deeply implicate the county and could lead to higher damages. 

Book a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Attorneys 

No individual, no matter their age or sex, should be forced into unwanted sexual acts. However, it is especially grievous when done to a youth who cannot escape their situation. We fiercely advocate for male and female survivors, ensuring they receive a fair settlement. 

Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers can assist you with lawsuits against detainment facilities like Camp Barrett, Kearny Mesa, and YTC, including investigation and negotiation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we are able to earn compensation for you.Everything you say to your lawyer is protected under attorney-client privilege, offering you privacy and safety. To schedule a free consultation with a skilled sexual assault lawyer, call us at 866-757-6452 or use our online form.