San Diego Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Were You or a Loved One Abused at a San Diego Juvenile Detention Center or Group Home?

There is no greater betrayal than the abuse of a child by adults entrusted with their care and protection. If you or a loved one spent time at a San Diego County juvenile detention center, group home, or emergency shelter and experienced sexual abuse, even if it was years ago, you may be entitled to compensation. Your pain matters, and you deserve to be heard.

If you’re ready to take the next step, the compassionate attorneys at Singleton Schreiber are here to listen, support you, and fight for your right to justice. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Client-Centered Justice

Support When You Need It Most

At Singleton Schreiber, we understand that coming forward about abuse takes incredible courage. The trauma of being mistreated by those in authority can last a lifetime, leaving survivors feeling isolated and powerless. We’re here to guide, advocate for, and support you as you pursue healing and accountability. 

Our team offers comprehensive assistance:

• Decades of experience in abuse and civil rights litigation
• Pursuing legal action against San Diego County
• Ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your pain and suffering
• Pay no fees unless we win

Background 

Case Details 

Dozens of male and female survivors have come forward with disturbing accounts of sexual abuse by probation officers and other staff while they were children and teens in San Diego County juvenile detention centers and group homes. Survivors describe being targeted in vulnerable settings such as bathrooms, showers, and cells, and say they were threatened with extended confinement, physical harm, or even being killed if they tried to resist or report the abuse. Victims who did speak up say their reports were largely ignored or dismissed, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.

Abuse has been reported at multiple San Diego County facilities, including: 

• Youth Transition Campus (formerly Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility) 
• San Diego Juvenile Ranch Facility
• Camp Barrett
• East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility
• Girls Rehabilitation Facility
• A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center (emergency shelter)
• Casa San Diego
• San Pasqual Academy
• Casa de Amparo
• Turning Winds
• San Diego Center for Children
• The Bridge Group Home

The incidents spanned from the 1970s through as recently as 2022, and ongoing investigations suggest that more facilities may be identified as additional survivors come forward. 

The impact of this abuse has been lifelong for many survivors, leading to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and struggles with trust and relationships. Through this lawsuit, Singleton Schreiber seeks to hold San Diego County accountable for its repeated failures, including inadequate screening of officers and staff, lack of intervention to stop abuse, failure to properly investigate complaints, and refusal to discipline or remove abusive staff.

If you or a loved one were sexually abused at a San Diego juvenile detention center, group home, or emergency shelter, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. By coming forward, we can hold those responsible accountable and bring about meaningful change, ensuring that no child endures such trauma within the system again.

Explore Your Options

If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit:

• Were sexually abused or harassed at any San Diego County juvenile detention facility, group home, or emergency shelter.
• You are under the age of 40, or it has been less than five years since you discovered the psychological or emotional harm caused by the abuse

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, our team can review your situation and help you understand your legal options and important deadlines.

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