Lima, PA - Delaware County Juvenile Justice Center Staff Accused of Abusing Residents

Staff at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center in Pennsylvania Face Accusations of Abuse

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Delaware County Juvenile Justice Center faces physical, psychological, and sexual abuse claims from some of its detainees.

The Delaware County Juvenile Center faces claims such as staff ignoring an active suicide attempt, slamming a teen's head into a window, and forcing a child to drink from a toilet. Another victim, a pregnant teen, reported a staff member restraining her in a position that would induce a miscarriage. Additionally, staff allegedly locked children in isolation for weeks on end and covered their acts by threatening teens and staff.

Staff members said the children at the facility were routinely threatened with being locked in a room or physical abuse, reported the Philadelphia Inquirer. The facility's residents reported being choked until losing consciousness, hateful speech against transgender children, and racist speech. Another incident reported a child with a mental illness being covered in her excrement during isolation and remaining locked in the room without running water or a shower for three days.

Staff at the facility said the managers created a challenging climate to report abuse, reported the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Legal Options of Victims Abused by Detention Center Staff

Attorney Brian Kent, an experienced abuse lawyer, represents victims of sexual assault in civil lawsuits. Brian has worked with numerous victims of assault involving predators in positions of authority. Below are Brian's thoughts on the legal options of victims sexually abused by staff in a detention center.

"Detention center staff have a legal obligation to protect and serve the community. The residents of these centers trust the staff to provide a safe environment. Unfortunately, while many staff are trustworthy and live up to their duty, some predators exploit their authority to commit terrible sexual crimes. In incidents where a staff member abuses their power, the victims deserve justice."

"Reporting abusive staff will result in an investigation of the staff member and the facility. Some cases of sexual assault involving staff at detention centers result from negligence by a third party. The employer of the abusers in abuse cases may be considered liable for negligence. An example of negligence is failing to provide easy reporting systems or ignoring misconduct complaints. In cases of negligence, a victim should know they may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the detention facility. Victims may receive compensation for damages."

Brian Kent represents one of the victims who allege they were abused by staff at the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center. Brian and his firm opened an investigation on behalf of a victim and are asking witnesses to step forward. If you or your child was abused or have any information useful to the investigation, contact Brian and his law firm.

Sources:

The Philadelphia Inquirer

https://abuseguardian.com/delaware-county-juvenile-justice-center-lima-pa-abuse/