Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse at DCJDC

In Pennsylvania, multiple juvenile detention facilities have histories of child abuse. The Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center is no exception, having been the source of numerous complaints in recent years. Fortunately, former victims can fight for justice and fair compensation via Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center sexual abuse lawsuits.

Although this center is now closed, Injury Lawyer Team can support your pursuit of compensation for legal damages. The fact that the facility is no longer operating does not prevent you from seeking justice with a Pennsylvania youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuit.

Together, we will fight for every dollar you deserve while holding the at-fault parties accountable for their actions.

Pending litigation involving Delaware County Youth Detention Center

Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse at Delco

The juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania has been hit with multiple accusations against various facilities for not preventing children from being sexually abused.

Here are some of the biggest recent cases involving the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center.

Staff Members Accused of a Culture of Sexual Abuse By Three Victims

The most prominent case of minors being sexually abused at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center is detailed in a recent lawsuit filed in 2024 by three victims. These child sex abuse survivors came forward recently to denounce the failures of the facility to protect them from staff-on-inmate abuse.

While the plaintiffs were staying at the facility, they were subjected to physical violence, sexual misconduct, and psychological abuse. The lawsuit claims that they were sexually abused and that staff members were negligent in not reporting the abuse or investigating complaints.

The complaint was filed with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in an attempt to hold the county liable for sexually inappropriate behavior at the facility. There were multiple counts in the charges, including causing emotional distress and failing to uphold a fiduciary duty.

Two Former Inmates Come Forward in Civil Lawsuits Against DCLDC

In another case, two young inmates filed a lawsuit in federal court in Philadelphia against the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center.

One survivor recounted how the guards at the juvenile facility would take her to “private parties,” where they would give her drugs and alcohol before sexual abuse occurred. She was only 16 when this treatment began.

The sex abuse lawsuit mentions how a culture of covering up allegations to protect DCJDC staff members led to more children being sexually assaulted. Some of the defendants named in the allegations included the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Child Guidance Resource Center, and the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center.

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims?

Victims who file civil lawsuits have a chance to recover financial compensation for legal damages. The purpose of a settlement is to address the losses you face as a direct result of the abuse.

Here are the most common legal damages that could play a role in your claim involving the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania:

Economic Damages

These losses are related to your out-of-pocket expenses that resulted from the abuse, including:

Lost income – If a victim of abuse is forced to miss work due to injuries, they can recover lost wages in the settlement
Medical expenses – Costs associated with your treatment can be included in the claim, including surgery, emergency room care, medical testing, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy
Future medical costs – Calculable future costs of treatment can be part of the settlement as well
Diminished earning capacity – If you cannot find gainful employment as a result of the abuse, lost potential income could be counted as a loss

Non-Economic Damages

This category of compensatory damages is for the emotional and long-term impact of the abuse on your life, which can include:

Emotional distress – Psychological trauma from abuse can look like depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-harm, or suicide ideation
Pain and suffering – A violent sexual assault could cause painful physical injuries that lead to ongoing suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life – Your ability to experience joy in life in the future may be affected by your trauma

Punitive Damages

Victims of abuse in Delaware County juvenile facilities could receive additional compensation called punitive damages. This category is reserved for cases involving gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or institutional cover-ups.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse at Juvenile Detention Facilities?

Filing youth detention center sexual abuse lawsuits requires establishing liability with the at-fault parties.

Here are some potentially liable parties in your juvenile facility claim:

State officials
Individual abusers
Security guards
Mental health professionals
Medical personnel
Facility administrators
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Detention centers
Delaware County

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Pennsylvania?

42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(i) – Child survivors of abuse have until their 55th birthdays to pursue compensation under the current statute of limitations.

42 Pa.C.S. §5533(b)(2)(ii) – There is a temporary two-year window for expired claims allowing victims of child abuse to file claims against their abusers, but this window ends in November 2025.

42 Pa.C.S. §5524(7) – An adult victim has two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery to file aPennsylvania sexual abuse lawsuit.

Abuse allegations against Delaware County Youth Detention Facility

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

The right legal representation can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement for your losses. At Injury Lawyer Team, we provide a compassionate and safe space for you to tell your story and seek justice for your suffering.

Our legal services include:

Investigating the abuse you suffered
Navigating the Pennsylvania legislature statutes related to child abuse
Assessing all legal damages
Gathering evidence from the facility
Negotiating with insurance companies for full compensation
Litigating in civil court if necessary

Book a Free Consultation

Our top attorneys will ensure you understand your rights during a sexual abuse lawsuit. We have worked with many survivors to hold institutions in Pennsylvania accountable for failing to prioritize safety for the children in their care.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win the settlement. Additionally, you can ask questions about the legal process during a no-obligation consultation.

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.