Illinois Faces Growing Lawsuits Over Alleged Sexual Abuse in Youth Detention Centers

Over 200 former detainees accuse state officials of failing to protect them from systemic abuse spanning decades.

Plaintiffs seek $2 million each in damages for alleged abuse between 1997 and 2017.
Lawsuits detail disturbing accounts of sexual assault by guards, teachers, and counselors.
Allegations include coercion, threats, and retaliation against those who reported abuse.
Attorneys call for immediate reforms and accountability from state officials.
Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states, highlighting a broader issue in juvenile detention centers.