Maryland Faces 200 Lawsuits Over Child Sex Abuse in Juvenile Detention Facilities

The surge in lawsuits follows the elimination of the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, spotlighting systemic issues within the state's juvenile justice system.

• Since the elimination of the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits in Maryland, 200 victims have come forward alleging abuse in juvenile detention facilities.
• The recent wave of litigation includes allegations spanning from 1969 to 2017, with some facilities still in operation.
• Victims report being offered rewards for silence or threatened with violence, while some facilities failed to investigate or discipline staff members.
• Maryland lawmakers are considering rolling back some juvenile justice reforms in response to an increase in youth crimes, amidst criticism that it could lead to more incarcerations.
• The Child Victims Act, which enabled these lawsuits, is facing a constitutional challenge that could delay proceedings.

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