Ingram, TX - Hill Country Youth Ranch House Parent, Alexandra Galindo, Charged With Having Sex With At Least Two Children

Care Worker Accused of Sexually Abusing Children

The Hill Country Community Journal has recently reported that a care worker was arrested from the Hill Country Youth Ranch located at 3522 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025.

About the Facility

The facility is a non-profit providing residential round-the-clock long-term therapeutic care for both abused and orphaned children at various levels of need. The facility boasts family-style homes and individual approach for "severely traumatized children." Hill Country Youth Ranch is just one of the three campuses and has housed over 2,000 children since its opening in 1977. The facility has since expanded, allowing it to serve up to 200 at one time.

Reports of Sexual Misconduct

Police began investigating a report of sexual misconduct on November 26, 2021. In December, they arrested 30-year-old house parent Alexandra Galindo. According to evidence uncovered, Galindo allegedly had a sexual relationship with at least two of the children in her care, both under the age of 15. Additionally, the investigation found that Galindo provided multiple children with alcohol, nicotine vape pens, and narcotics. 

Galindo has lived in one of the cabins with full-time resident youths for three years. She has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony in addition to a second-degree felony offense of sexual performance of a child. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division has determined that her behavior is an immediate risk and danger to the children. 

Who Can Be Liable For Sexual Assault at Residential Care Facilities

Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam is a sexual abuse lawyer who represents victims sexually abused at residential care facilities in civil lawsuits. Anjali recently offered insight into who can be held liable for sexual abuse at a residential care facility.

"Live-in and residential care facilities have a legal obligation to offer safety to the residents. This is especially important when caring for children with histories that include abuse and trauma. It is imperative that they take the precautions to conduct background checks on all staff. Additionally, video monitoring systems should be used to monitor the common areas. Without these preventatives, the risk of abuse is greater."

"When a victim suffers sexual abuse at the hands of a care worker, an investigation is the first step. Criminal charges can be made against the predator, but a civil lawsuit will determine if a third party can be held liable. Facilities that fail to implement sufficient security can be deemed liable in a sexual assault civil case."

"Victims and their families should employ the legal guidance of an experienced sexual abuse lawyer to determine if their situation involves safety negligence. The legal team will look to see if previous misconduct reports had been filed against the care worker. If a facility is found to have known about prior incidents of misconduct and still allowed them to care for the children, the residential care facility could be liable for its negligence. In cases involving negligence, the victim could have grounds for a civil lawsuit and may be awarded compensation for damages."

Sources:

Hill Country Community Journal