Teen Congregate Care Sexual Abuse

Teen Congregate Care Sexual Abuse

For young people already facing challenges in their lives and families who entrusted the care of their loved ones to a Troubled Teen Industry residential facility, sexual abuse that occurs at a therapeutic program for teens is shocking and deeply damaging. Many survivors report feeling a loss of control in their lives, and–as difficult as it is–reporting the abuse can be one important step in the healing process.

Having supported numerous families through this type of experience, we understand the sensitive nature of sexual abuse claims and bring our full support and empathy to our work with families. This page contains detailed information on reporting sexual abuse that occurred in youth residential or congregate care settings.

The Troubled Teen Industry

What is commonly known as the Troubled Teen Industry is actually a wide range of congregate care programs for adolescents, located around the nation, which vary greatly in quality, approach and reputation. Perhaps the only aspects that unite these programs is that they purport to help teens through a difficult time in their lives, and that they operate with very few regulations or restrictions. While some programs for troubled teens do provide the help they advertise, numerous reports and testimonials have exposed widespread abuse, neglect, and exploitation within these facilities.

Programs in the troubled teen industry include operations such as residential treatment centers, wilderness therapy programs, and therapeutic boarding schools. Across the board, these teen congregate care programs are known for keeping their underage residents secluded from the outside world. Without access to phones, internet, or other ways to communicate, teen residents become highly dependent on program staff. This dynamic puts teens at risk of abuse and manipulation.

Sexual Abuse in Teen Therapeutic Programs

Sexual abuse is a pervasive issue at residential programs for teens, with survivors recounting harrowing experiences of assault, manipulation, and coercion. Perpetrators often exploit the vulnerability of their victims, using their positions of authority to silence and control them. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid the perpetrator may retaliate or their families may not believe them.

Forced sexual contact is the most obvious form of sexual abuse that takes place in troubled teen facilities, but there are many others. No type of sexual contact between an adult staff person and a minor participant is legal or appropriate. Troubled teen sexual abuse includes but is not limited to:

• Any sexual contact between staff and student
• Grooming for emotional or sexual relationships
• Recounting of sexual experiences between staff and student
• Sexual assault, or any forced sexual contact
• The cruel and unusual use of strip searches and cavity searches
• Forced pelvic exams / virginity checks
• Forced sexualized behavior, reenactments of sexual assault and sexual shaming
• Viewing, photographing or filming nude teens; or showing pornographic images to youth
• Any methods used for the sole purpose of "conversion therapy" of LGBTQ+ youth

As the prevalence of sexual abuse within residential programs for teens comes to the fore, more and more survivors are stepping forward to share their stories. Many of these individuals and their families are also choosing to take legal action–both to secure deserved compensation for pain and suffering, and to participate in holding institutions accountable for the actions of their staff.

Legal Rights of Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Teen Residential Programs

Survivors of sexual abuse within teen congregate care programs have suffered profound trauma, including assault, coercion, and manipulation. Perpetrators often exploit their positions of authority to prey on vulnerable youth, leaving lasting scars on survivors and their families. Filing a troubled teen sexual abuse claim can help to regain a sense of control after a damaging and disorienting experience.

Some youth or parents are reluctant to file a sexual abuse claim. They may be uncertain whether the mistreatment that occurred really constitutes sexual abuse, or they may worry that filing a claim will be retraumatizing. In addition, many survivors of sexual abuse blame themselves, worry the perpetrator may retaliate, or fear they may not be believed. Youth, in particular, may feel their claims or concerns will not be taken seriously.

These are all normal reactions and completely valid concerns. Sexual abuse is a crime of power and control which can leave the victim feeling intimidated and deeply troubled. The healing process must involve a number of approaches, and some survivors say that taking legal action was a pivotal turning point in their recovery. We offer confidential consultations and compassionate guidance to survivors navigating the legal process.

Reasons to File a Sexual Abuse Claim

Filing a therapeutic teen program sexual abuse claim can be beneficial for a number of reasons:

• Filing a claim gives the survivor an opportunity to hold the institution responsible for the harm resulting from sexual abuse
• The family can recover needed compensation for medical and mental health treatment, harm and suffering
• Many survivors report feeling a new sense of control through bringing the harm into the open
• Each troubled teen sexual abuse lawsuit contributes to a larger movement calling for greater regulation and oversight of this huge national industry

Whether boarding schools or wilderness therapy programs, troubled teen residential programs in the United States operate independently with no clear oversight. This lack of accountability leads to potentially unsafe situations for thousands of teens, and most parents are completely unaware of the lack of regulations when enrolling their child. Filing a claim is the best and only means victims of troubled teen industry sexual abuse and their families have to pursue compensation and seek accountability.

Our legal team specializes in representing survivors against abusive facilities and negligent staff members. We offer confidential consultations and compassionate guidance to survivors navigating the legal process. Your confidentiality and well-being are our top priorities. Together, we can seek justice and create positive change.

Let Our Troubled Teen Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help You

Our attorneys specialize in pursuing justice on behalf of our clients against large institutions, no matter how complex the case. Through settlements and winning verdicts, our attorneys have obtained millions for our clients. Let us help you today.

Troubled Teen Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Filing a lawsuit will allow you to hold the troubled teen program accountable for sexual abuse suffered by you or a loved one, while also providing real compensation for pain, suffering, and related losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.