Warren Thornton Youth Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Compensation for Victims of Abuse at Warren E. Thornton Center

Warren Thornton Youth Center sexual abuse has traumatized countless foster children, all caused by systemic failures and staff oversight. The Injury Lawyer Team empowers survivors to tell their story while helping them secure financial compensation for a brighter future. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal options. 

Alleged Abuse at WET Center in Sacramento County

Numerous children have been subjected to neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse in California foster care, including at Warren E Thornton Center in Sacramento County. This former juvenile detention facility, located on Branch Center Road in Rosemont, was converted to house foster children awaiting placement after its prior location, a county office building, was closed.

However, the Sacramento Bee reported that foster youth were being kept in jail-like conditions, with metal bunk beds and toilets covered with wood. Other jail cells had been converted into bathrooms with metal toilets. 

Not only are these jail-like conditions against state law, but they are also psychologically unsafe for vulnerable foster children. Many of these minors have been previously detained or have incarcerated family members. Being forced to live in such housing is a form of neglect and may lead to poor outcomes, including lower educational achievement and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Though state officials have strongly cautioned Sacramento County officials from continuing to house foster children in these conditions, the county still sought a license to maintain operations. 

In 2023, a lawsuit was filed with the Sacramento Superior Court, alleging that a former resident of the Warren E Thornton Center was forced into sex work while living there. The minor was first housed in the previous county office building, where a man reportedly entered the building and trafficked her.

The child was then moved to the Warren E. Thornton Center, still under the control of the pimp. Despite this tragic situation, the youth center staff never reported the issue to the police or sought help for her. 

What Types of Damages Can Sex Abuse Victims Recover?

Foster care sexual abuse lawsuits may involve a variety of damages depending on the type of abuse that occurred. Survivors may receive damages for:

• Medical bills
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Behavioral health treatment
• Relocation expenses
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life

What Laws Govern Sex Abuse Cases Against California Foster Care and Juvenile Detention Facilities?

California juvenile detention sexual assault lawsuits are governed by state law, including regulations for youth facilities. 

The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act creates a framework for reporting the mistreatment of young people in youth centers, including designating mandatory reporters. California law requires juvenile detention facility and foster care workers to immediately report any suspected abuse, including sexual assault, to child protective services (§§ 11164–11174.3). 

Additionally, the California Code of Regulations regulates living conditions at California youth facilities. Children are entitled to supportive housing with adequate privacy and hygiene facilities. 

Regulations also mandate security measures that prevent unauthorized access to children in these facilities, which can prevent trafficking or other abuse. In multi-age housing, underage residents should always be separated from adults, which can prevent exploitation and assaults. Adequate oversight and proper staffing ratios are also crucial, but many facilities fail to hire enough employees. 

Anyone working with vulnerable children must undergo proper screening and training, with refresher training provided on a regular basis. Administrators must regularly review procedures, report any concerns to the appropriate government agencies, and implement preventative measures meant to safeguard all children in their care. There should also be multiple avenues for victims to report, with measures in place to prevent retaliation against any victim. 

Failure to implement any of these regulations can not only be a criminal offense, but it can also become the basis for a civil lawsuit with the help of a skilled attorney. 

If your lawsuit goes to court, you also have protections against facing your abuser. Many victims are afraid to testify, fearing repercussions. 

However, state law protects victims from being held in contempt of court if they choose not to testify (CCP § 1219). It is also possible to give your testimony remotely in some cases (Rule 3.672). Our firm will guide you through the process and ensure that you are protected at all times. 

How Long Do Sexually Abused Victims Have to Take Legal Action After the CA Child Victims Act?

There is no statute of limitations for a child sexual abuse lawsuit in California, thanks to the passing of AB 452. However, survivors over the age of 40 must submit a certificate of merit from an attorney and a licensed mental health practitioner demonstrating that their case has merit. 

For example, in the California Supreme Court case Quarry v. Doe I, the survivors did not develop psychological damage until adulthood, though the abuse had happened years prior. The court determined that because their injuries were not immediately discovered, the lawsuit was meritorious. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse?

Injury Lawyer Team will thoroughly investigate your youth detention sexual assault lawsuit and identify all potential defendants in a civil lawsuit. These liable parties can include:

• Individual perpetrators
• Other staff members for failing to intervene
• Social workers and other mandated reporters
• Third-party contractors who knew about the abuse
• The Warren E Thornton Center
• Sacramento County for systemic failures in oversight

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

These cases are often challenging due to the significant pain and trauma that survivors experience. Many are afraid to face their attacker in court or do not want to recount the horrors they were forced to go through at such a vulnerable time in their lives. 

We are a trauma-informed law firm that will protect your privacy, aggressively negotiate with liable parties, and help you access resources to move forward in your healing journey. 

The compassionate attorneys at Injury Lawyer Team thoroughly investigate all cases to uncover vital evidence. We’ll review facility records, previous complaints from other witnesses, incident reports, and county records to uncover systemic failures that contributed to the harm. 

While many cases settle before trial, we are always prepared to take cases to court, ensuring that you have the strongest chance of a fair settlement. 

Our Super Lawyers®-rated sexual abuse lawsuit attorneys fight for youth and their families in Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, and throughout California. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we secure a successful settlement or verdict. 

Take the first step toward healing and accountability for the psychological damage perpetrated by the Thornton Center. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal rights. 

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.