Sexual Abuse Inside the Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center (CVJDAC) and the San Bernardino Youth Justice Center: What Every Victim and Family Should Know

If you or someone you know experienced the trauma of sexual abuse while residing at a San Bernardino County juvenile detention facility, it's crucial to understand that you are not alone, and there may be legal avenues available to pursue justice and compensation.

Recent legal changes in California have expanded the ability for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the alleged abuse occurred after January 1, 2024.

There may still be pathways to seek accountability even for incidents before this date.

This page provides essential information for individuals who were residents at either the Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center (CVJDAC) or the San Bernardino Youth Justice Center and allegedly suffered sexual abuse by guards or staff while under the age of 18 and who currently do not have legal representation. 

Understanding your rights and the legal process is the first step towards healing and seeking the justice you deserve.

Have You Experienced Abuse at a San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Facility?

The allegations of abuse within California's juvenile detention system are deeply concerning.

It's important to recognize that if you were a resident of a San Bernardino juvenile detention center, were allegedly sexually abused by staff, were under 18 at the time, and currently do not have a lawyer, you may have the right to take legal action.

This includes individuals who were housed at:

• Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center (CVJDAC)
• San Bernardino Youth Justice Center

Like others across the state, these facilities have faced scrutiny regarding the safety and well-being of their residents.

The alleged betrayal of trust by those in positions of authority can have devastating and long-lasting effects on the lives of young people.

Understanding Your Rights as a Survivor

California law has evolved better to protect the rights of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Notably, recent changes have eliminated the statute of limitations for abuse on or after January 1, 2024.

This means that survivors of more recent abuse incidents now have their entire lifetime to file a civil lawsuit.

For alleged abuse that occurred before December 31, 2023, previous laws apply, which generally allowed survivors to file until the age of 40 or within five years of discovering the harm caused by the abuse, whichever was later.

New legislation has streamlined the process for filing claims against government entities like county-run juvenile detention facilities, removing previous procedural hurdles.

We've learned through our processes that this kind of harm doesn't just dissipate; it gets worse and festers to a point where it affects the quality of their life.

This underscores the critical need for survivors to seek support and explore their legal options.

What Qualifies as Sexual Abuse in a Juvenile Detention Setting?

Under California law, any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact constitutes sexual abuse.

For minors, the legal definition is particularly clear: a child cannot legally consent to sexual contact with an adult.

Therefore, any sexual act between a staff member or guard and a resident under the age of 18 is considered sexual abuse.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Unwanted touching of private areas
• Sexual assault or battery
• Sexual harassment
• Exploitation or coercion of a sexual nature

The inherent power dynamics in a juvenile detention facility environment further emphasize the lack of consent.

Young residents are particularly vulnerable to the authority and control of staff members.

The Potential for Justice and Compensation

Filing a civil lawsuit can be a significant step towards accountability and healing for survivors of alleged sexual abuse in San Bernardino juvenile detention facilities. 

Through legal action, survivors may be able to seek compensation for the harm they have endured, including:

• Emotional distress, pain, and suffering
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Costs of therapy and counseling
• Other related damages

As noted in a report on California juvenile detention sex abuse lawsuits, "The potential settlement compensation for a lawsuit against California and DJJ for sexual abuse at a juvenile facility depends on several key factors: strength of evidence, severity of abuse, duration of the abuse, age of victim, quality of legal representation."

Timeline of Events and Allegations

While specific details of all allegations at the Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center (CVJDAC) and the San Bernardino Youth Justice Center may not be publicly available, the broader context of abuse allegations within California's juvenile detention system provides a concerning timeline:

• Before the 2000s: Reports and allegations of abuse within California's juvenile detention facilities, including the California Youth Authority (CYA), which later became the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), began to surface.
• Early 2000s: A series of lawsuits were filed against the DJJ alleging violations of the constitutional rights of juvenile inmates, highlighting a culture of abuse.
• Late 2010s - Early 2020s: Continued scrutiny and ongoing reports of abuse led to significant legislative changes.
• 2020: California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation mandating the closure of all state-run juvenile detention centers by June 2023, with responsibilities shifting to individual counties.
• 2022 onwards: Following legislative changes that extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse, a significant number of survivors began filing civil lawsuits, particularly in Los Angeles County. This period also saw increased awareness of potential abuse in county-run facilities.
• January 1, 2024: A new California law took effect, eliminating the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after this date.
• Present: Investigations and legal actions continue, with attorneys representing numerous individuals alleging abuse in various juvenile detention facilities across California, including San Bernardino County.

This timeline underscores a history of alleged issues within the state's juvenile justice system and the ongoing efforts by survivors to seek justice.

Why It's Important to Seek Legal Help Now

If you believe you were a victim of sexual abuse at the Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center (CVJDAC) or the San Bernardino Youth Justice Center and meet the following criteria:

1. You were a resident at a San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Center.
2. You were sexually abused by guards or staff.
3. You were 17 or under at the time of the abuse.
4. You do not currently have a lawyer.

It is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases can:

• Explain your rights and legal options in detail.
• Guide you through the process of filing a claim.
• Help gather the necessary evidence to support your case.
• Represent your interests and advocate on your behalf.
• Work towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

The recent changes in California law provide a greater opportunity for survivors to come forward, and it is essential to understand how these changes apply to your specific situation.

Taking the First Step Towards Healing and Justice

Deciding to come forward and pursue legal action can be a challenging but empowering step.

Connecting with a compassionate and experienced legal team can give you the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Your voice matters, and by taking action, you can contribute to holding responsible parties accountable and potentially prevent future harm.

If you or someone you know fits the criteria outlined on this page, we encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation.

Let us help you understand your rights and explore the possibilities of seeking justice and compensation for the alleged abuse you endured at a San Bernardino juvenile detention facility.

You do not have to face this alone.

We believe all victims who have experienced sexual abuse within San Bernadino County's juvenile detention facilities should receive justice and potential compensation, beginning with a free, private case review with our experienced legal team.