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Were you abused in a San Diego youth facility?

SAN DIEGO YOUTH FACILITY SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS

GGH Law represents survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile halls and youth facilities across San Diego County. Our attorneys are ready to listen and help you understand your options. SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

Confidential • No fee unless we win

The Case

Why are San Diego Juvenile Facilities Under Investigation?

San Diego juvenile detention centers and youth treatment facilities, like Kearny Mesa, East Mesa, Camp Barrett, the Girls Rehabilitation Facility, Rancho del Campo and Rancho del Rayo Juvenile Ranch Facilities, and the Polinsky Children’s Center, have been accused of decades of sexual abuse. Survivors describe widespread abuse, a culture of silence, and failures by these institutions to protect children.

Lawsuits reveal abuse dating back to the 1970s and continuing through 2023, involving victims as young as 2 years old. The abuse reportedly happened daily in bathrooms, showers, and cells, with children being threatened with harm or exatended confinement if they resisted or spoke out.

Legal Help For Survivors
WERE YOU
SEXUALLY ABUSED?
SEE IF YOUR CASE QUALIFIES

Timeline and Notable Cases of Abuse in San Diego Youth Facilities

  • In November 2024, a man alleged he was sexually abused in 2012 at age 16 by a female and male probation officer at Camp Barrett. The male officer threatened him to force compliance. 

Another person alleged in 2022 that a female guard raped him in 2005.

  • In July 2015, an orderly, Shane Michael Cochran, was convicted of sexually abusing a 20-year-old patient during her mental health treatment at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital.
  • In May 2023, six men alleged guards sexually assaulted them at Rancho del Campo and Rancho del Rayo Juvenile Ranch Facilities. 
  • The Phoenix House Academy closed in 2015 after reports of staff sexually abusing residents, giving them drugs and pornography, and neglecting their safety. Staff shortages and violence were also reported, including a severe beating in 2015.
  • In October 2024, over 100 people alleged they were sexually abused as children from the 1990s to 2023 at A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center. Victims, aged 2–17, reported groping, molestation, and threats to keep them silent.

You never pay out of pocket.

WE WORK ON CONTINGENCY
NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN

You only pay if we secure compensation.

Contact Us

The legal journey in sexual abuse cases requires more than just expertise—it requires empathy, sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. At GGH, we understand the profound impact that sexual abuse has on survivors and their families. We stand firm in our belief that survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek justice, hold perpetrators accountable, and begin the process of healing.

The GGH team is dedicated to ensuring that survivors' voices are heard and their stories respected. We are here to help you navigate the legal process with care and confidence, advocating for the justice and closure you deserve.

Contact GGH Today for a free consultation at (312) 728-7444 or contact us online.

ACCOUNTABLITY FOR SURVIVORS:
THE GGH ADVANDAGE
Gould Grieco & Hensley (GGH) is a prestigious, boutique national personal injury firm that serves as a relentless advocate for victims of abuse and catastrophic injuries. Recognized as "Innovators of Law," the firm combines world-class legal expertise with state-of-the-art technology—including agile project management and cutting-edge trial techniques—to secure unprecedented results against the world’s largest institutional defendants. With a proven track record that includes global settlements exceeding $2 billion and individual verdicts surpassing $550 million, their award-winning attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis to ensure justice is accessible without upfront costs. From the courtroom to features in The New York Times and Forbes, Gould Grieco and Hensley remains dedicated to turning strategic precision and aggressive litigation into life-changing outcomes for their clients.