The juvenile justice system has good intentions, aiming to educate and rehabilitate youthful offenders so that they might become productive members of society. Unfortunately, the system often proves to be ineffective at best and destructive at worst. Pennsylvania offers a tragic example in the 66 people filing lawsuits against the state's juvenile detention centers.

Juveniles are at risk of experiencing more violence and exposure to further criminal behavior once sentenced to a juvenile detention facility. If your young family member has been arrested or charged, don't think the juvenile justice system is an easy-to-handle consequence. Get assistance by calling the LLF Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or filling out this contact form.

The Claims in the Lawsuits

The plaintiffs are a group of 66 people born after November 26, 1989, who lived in juvenile detention centers throughout Pennsylvania. They allege that they were physically and sexually abused by the facilities' supervisors, nurses, guards, counselors, and other employees. The plaintiffs say they tried to report the abuse to other staff members, who either did not care or refused to believe the claims.

Descriptions of the sexual abuse range from coercion and “inappropriate strip searches” to violent rape, sometimes after sedation. At least one young woman even became pregnant. As adults, the plaintiffs hope that the lawsuits will help them receive justice for the trauma they suffered.

Keep Your Children Out of the Juvenile Justice System

This lawsuit highlights the inadequacy of the juvenile justice system in the United States. Detention centers contain children and teenagers who are vulnerable to exploitation and dehumanization simply for committing juvenile offenses. While such maltreatment is objectionable by itself, the inevitable trauma may also perpetuate the cycles of destructive or oppositional behavior that factored into the prisoners' crimes in the first place. In fact, juvenile offenders are highly likely to re-offend, partially due to the abusive environment typical of a detention center.

The better option is to prevent minors from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place. If a minor is found guilty of a crime, a stable home is more effective at helping them rehabilitate. Unlike detention center employees and other youthful offenders, family and friends have personal relationships with the convicted individual and often become emotionally invested in their improvement. This makes them less likely to commit abuse or encourage poor behavior; instead, they may be supportive and loving while holding the child accountable. Such constructiveness helps youthful offenders associate change and legal compliance with positivity, strengthening their ability and resolve to live as productive citizens.

Does Your Child Need Legal Assistance?

Your child or teenager needs and deserves a strong defense when under investigation for a crime. With that, you may be able to help them rehabilitate with you at home rather than sending them to a juvenile detention center like those associated with the lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation with the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team by calling 888.535.3686 or filling out a contact form.