If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse as a minor in a San Diego or San Bernardino County juvenile facility, you may be eligible for compensation. At Direct2Attorney, we connect survivors with experienced attorneys to pursue justice. California’s no-statute-of-limitations law allows claims regardless of when the abuse occurred, but you must meet strict criteria: abused before age 18, currently under 39.5, not a registered sex offender, no current or prior attorney representation, and abuse by facility staff (not inmates) at a listed facility. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Happened and Who Are the Victims?
Sexual abuse in San Diego and San Bernardino County juvenile facilities involved systemic misconduct by staff, including probation officers, counselors, and medical personnel, targeting vulnerable minors. Victims were typically children under 18, often as young as 2 at Polinsky Children’s Center, detained or sheltered for reasons ranging from delinquency to abuse/neglect. Abuses included coerced sexual acts, rape, grooming, and assault in settings like showers, cells, bathrooms, or during transports, enabled by poor oversight and intimidation to silence victims. Specific incidents include:
At Direct2Attorney, we believe in your right to justice.
Our legal specialists will review your case thoroughly to identify your options.
We will assess your eligibility and assist you in filing your case, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process.
Long-Term Health Impacts on Survivors
Childhood sexual abuse in juvenile detention can lead to profound, lifelong physical and mental health challenges, exacerbating trauma from an already vulnerable time. Common impacts include:
These effects can persist into adulthood, affecting employment, education, and family life. Early intervention through therapy is crucial, but many survivors face barriers to care.
If you or your child have experienced abuse or misconduct in San Diego or San Bernardino counties and have suffered emotional or psychological harm, we are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Us
Recent Updates & Legal Developments (As of August 2025)
In 2025, investigations and lawsuits have surged, highlighting ongoing failures in these facilities. Key updates:
You can file if you were sexually abused before 18 by a staff member (not an inmate) at Polinsky Children’s Center, Kearny Mesa, Youth Transition Campus, Rancho Del Campo, Camp Barrett, or East Mesa in San Diego; or San Bernardino Juvenile Hall, High Desert JDAC, Gilbert Street, or Central Valley in San Bernardino. You must be under 39.5, not a sex offender, and have no past or current attorney.
Only serious sexual abuse (e.g., assault, grooming) by staff counts. Physical abuse, single-touch over clothes, brushing, shower watching, or inmate abuse doesn’t qualify.
Polinsky, a San Diego shelter for kids (ages 2–17), has many abuse reports from the 1970s to 2023, with staff targeting vulnerable boys and girls.
Share the abuser’s name or description, the facility, and when the abuse happened. For Catholic facilities, name the church/school and abuser’s role (e.g., teacher).
No, California law allows claims anytime if you meet the criteria. Acting fast helps get justice sooner.
Settlements often range from $1-3 million, covering therapy, pain, and suffering, depending on your case.
Direct2Attorney connects you with expert attorneys for juvenile sex abuse lawsuits at no upfront cost. Call 1-813-768-0409 or fill out our form for a free consultation.
