Illinois, a state entrusted with rehabilitating young individuals, has been plagued by a distressing reality: the prevalence of sexual abuse within its juvenile hall and youth facilities.

Shocking cases have emerged, revealing incidents of sexual assault involving prison guards and wardens. These heinous acts betray the trust placed in these institutions and inflict lasting trauma on vulnerable youth. It is time to expose the truth, support survivors, and advocate for justice, assistance, and resources.

Behind Illinois' juvenile hall facilities, a dark reality lurks. Numerous survivors have come forward, sharing their traumatic experiences of sexual abuse perpetrated by prison guards, correctional officers, parole officers & counselors.

These victims, already grappling with their struggles, have endured further harm within a system meant to protect and rehabilitate them. Their stories shed light on a deeply rooted problem that demands immediate attention.

Specific instances of sexual abuse involving prison guards, correctional officers, parole officers, and even counselors have come to public attention, further highlighting the urgency of the situation. These individuals, entrusted with safeguarding young lives, have instead violated their duty, perpetuating a culture of fear and exploitation.

List of Illinois Juvenile Hall Facilities:

• IYC-Chicago
• IYC-Harrisburg
• IYC-Pere Marquette
• IYC St. Charles
• IYC-Warrenville

Victims & Families Can Seek Justice & Possible Compensation

A 2013 U.S. Department of Justice survey ranked Illinois among the worst states for sexual abuse in juvenile detention facilities, with 15% of youth inmates reporting sexual victimization.

The alleged abuse occurred between 1996 and 2017, with the complaint suggesting that such abuse persists. The victims, all minors at the time, included children as young as 12. Several victims reported being coerced into sexual interactions with staff members.

One victim, Jeffery Christian, claimed he was repeatedly sexually abused by a female staffer at IYC-Pere Marquette in 2001 or 2002. Despite reporting the abuse to his mother, who informed the warden, no action was taken. Christian also reported being groped by a female counselor at another IYC in Chicago in 2003 or 2004. His attempts to report the abuse resulted in increased targeting and led him to withdraw and become anti-social.

Another victim alleged sexual abuse by a male chaplain at IYC—St Charles in 2004. The complaint details instances where staff members withheld essentials like mattresses or phone privileges to coerce silence or continued sexual interactions. The report argues that the state and its employees failed these children, either knowing or should have known about the abuse.

The complaint concludes that the state of Illinois has permitted a culture of abuse at IYCs to persist unchecked.

Seeking Justice and Compensation:

The time for change is now. We must collectively address the pervasive issue of sexual abuse within Illinois juvenile hall youth facilities. If you or your loved ones have been affected, we urge you to come forward, seek resources and assistance, and join the fight for justice. Together, we can ensure that no survivor’s voice goes unheard, unassisted, or forgotten.

Our team believes victims of sexual abuse while incarcerated in Illinois juvenile halls deserve assistance and resources for their injuries.