We Encourage Victims Of Sexual Abuse At San Diego County's Juvenile Detention Facilities, Youth Residential Treatment Centers (YRTC), And Children's Shelters To Request A Free Case Review From Our Experienced Legal Team

Facilities Involved in the Allegations

The allegations of abuse have surfaced concerning the following San Diego County facilities:

1. Juvenile Detention Facilities:

• San Diego Juvenile Hall
• Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (now Youth Transition Campus)
• East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility
• Rancho del Campo Juvenile Ranch (now closed)
• Del Rayo Juvenile Ranch (now closed)
• Girls Rehabilitation Facility
• Camp Barrett (now closed)

2. YRTC Facilities:

• Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
• Aurora Behavioral Health
• Phoenix House Academy

3. Children's Shelters:

• Polinsky Children's Center

If you or a loved one resided at any of these facilities and experienced alleged sexual abuse, please reach out to us for a confidential discussion.

The safety and well-being of children in care should be paramount. Yet, disturbing allegations have emerged concerning the potential sexual abuse of vulnerable youth within San Diego County's juvenile detention facilities, youth residential treatment centers (YRTC), and children's shelters.

If you or someone you know experienced such trauma while residing in one of these facilities, it's crucial to understand your rights and the possibility of seeking justice and compensation.

At our firm, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to survivors of alleged sexual abuse. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and are committed to handling them with the utmost discretion and respect.

This page provides essential information for victims and their families in San Diego County.

Understanding the Allegations of Abuse

Recent reports and legal filings detail deeply concerning allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by staff members within various San Diego County facilities.

These allegations span decades and involve numerous individuals under these institutions' care and supervision.

According to a recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, "The county is facing lawsuits by at least two dozen people who say they were sexually assaulted as children and teens by probation officers while confined in the county’s juvenile detention facilities..." (San Diego Union-Tribune, February 16, 2025).

These lawsuits describe alleged incidents in bathrooms, showers, and individual cells.

Furthermore, allegations extend beyond juvenile detention centers.

As reported by CBS 8 San Diego, "...former foster children who say they were sexually abused while they stayed at a San Diego County emergency shelter for kids spoke out Friday morning," concerning the Polinsky Children's Center (CBS 8 San Diego, February 16, 2024).

A lawsuit involving numerous plaintiffs alleges that staff members sexually abused children over a significant period. It is important to reiterate that these are allegations, and the ongoing legal process.

However, understanding one's legal options is a critical first step for those who may have experienced such abuse.

Who May Be Eligible to Seek Justice?

You may be eligible to seek justice and compensation if you meet the following criteria:

1. Residency: You were a resident at one of the following San Diego facilities:
   • Juvenile Detention Facilities: San Diego Juvenile Hall, Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, Rancho del Campo Juvenile Ranch, Del Rayo Juvenile Ranch, Girls Rehabilitation Facility, Camp Barrett.
   • YRTC Facilities: Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, Aurora Behavioral Health, Phoenix House Academy.
   • Children's Shelters: Polinsky Children's Center.
2. Abuse by Authority: You were allegedly sexually abused by a guard, staff member, or other individual in a position of authority within the facility.
3. Age at the Time of Abuse: You were 17 years old or younger at the time the alleged abuse occurred.
4. Current Legal Representation: You do not have an attorney for this potential claim.

If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to contact our firm for a confidential consultation to discuss your situation and legal options.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with sensitive and traumatic experiences.

Having experienced legal representation can provide numerous benefits:

• Protecting Your Rights: An attorney will protect your rights throughout the legal process.
• Investigating Your Claim: We can thoroughly investigate to gather evidence and build a strong case.
• Expert Negotiation: Our attorneys have the skills and experience to negotiate effectively with opposing parties.
• Seeking Fair Compensation: We will fight diligently to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for the harm you have suffered.
• Providing Support: We offer compassionate and understanding support throughout the legal journey.

Understanding Your Legal Rights in California

California law has specific provisions in place to protect victims of childhood sexual abuse.

Notably, a 2019 state law expanded the statute of limitations, providing more time for survivors to file civil lawsuits.

This law allows individuals to file civil suits until they are 40 years old or within five years of discovering a connection between the abuse and psychological harm experienced in adulthood (San Diego Union-Tribune, February 16, 2025).

This change has been instrumental in allowing many survivors to come forward and seek justice.

Timeline of Allegations and Legal Developments

While specific dates of alleged abuse vary, the timeline of public awareness and legal action has evolved significantly:

• Pre-2019: Limited avenues for legal recourse for many survivors due to the previous statute of limitations.
• 2019: California law expands the statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault, opening a window for new lawsuits.
• 2023-2024: A significant number of lawsuits are filed against San Diego County, alleging sexual abuse within juvenile detention facilities, often represented by firms like ACTS Law (San Diego Union-Tribune, February 16, 2025).
• February 2024: A separate lawsuit emerges involving over 75 alleged victims of sexual abuse at the Polinsky Children's Center (CBS 8 San Diego, February 16, 2024).
• Ongoing: Discovery processes in these lawsuits continue, with attorneys seeking records and information related to the alleged abuse and the facilities' oversight.

This timeline highlights the recent surge in legal actions, facilitated mainly by the change in California law.

It underscores the importance of understanding the current legal landscape for potential survivors.

The Impact of Abuse and the Path to Healing

The trauma resulting from alleged sexual abuse within these facilities can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors. These effects can include:

• Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships
• Loss of trust
• Substance abuse issues

Seeking legal recourse is not just about accountability and compensation; it can also be a significant step in healing. By holding responsible parties accountable, survivors may find a sense of validation and closure.

As Jason Szanyi, a juvenile justice consultant and former director of the Children's Center for Law and Policy, stated, "The power dynamics and positions of authority are huge, and those can be exploited" (San Diego Union-Tribune, February 16, 2025).

This highlights the inherent vulnerability of youth in these facilities and the potential for abuse of power.

Taking the First Step Towards Justice

We understand that sharing such sensitive information can be incredibly difficult. Our team is committed to providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for you to explore your legal options.

Please contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story with compassion and respect, explain your rights, and discuss the potential next steps in seeking justice and compensation.

Do not let the silence continue. Your voice matters, and we are here to help you be heard.

We believe all victims who have experienced sexual abuse within San Diego County's juvenile detention facilities, youth residential treatment centers (YRTC), and children's shelters should receive justice and potential compensation, beginning with a free, private case review with our experienced legal team.