When a parent or guardian places a child in a residential treatment center, they do so with hopes for the child’s healing and growth. Parents and guardians trust these facilities to provide care, support, and protection for vulnerable youth. However, disturbing reports have revealed that some Pennsylvania residential treatment centers have betrayed this trust in the most devastating way possible: by failing to protect children from sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse in residential facilities can cause profound trauma that affects survivors throughout their lives. Children in these facilities are particularly vulnerable, as they often struggle with pre-existing emotional or behavioral challenges and may lack strong support systems in the wider world. When staff members or others in positions of authority take advantage of this vulnerability, the resulting harm can be severe and long-lasting.
If you or someone you love experienced child abuse in treatment centers, the compassionate attorneys at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. want to help you get the compensation and justice you need and deserve. Our track record includes a $2.4 billion result in the sexual abuse case involving Boy Scouts of America. We are ready to put our skills and experience to work for you. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our skilled and compassionate team.
History of Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania Residential Treatment Centers
According to news reports, Pennsylvania’s residential treatment centers have come under increasing scrutiny over their failure to protect youth from sexual abuse. Multiple youth residential treatment facilities across the state have been the subject of investigations, legal actions, and reports revealing systemic problems that enabled abuse to occur.
Residential treatment centers where sexual abuse has been reported include:
- Brooke Glen Behavioral Hospital
- Fairmount Behavioral Health System
- The Horsham Clinic
- Carson Valley Children’s Aid
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
- Northwestern Academy
- The Meadows
- Foundations Behavioral Health
- VisionQuest
A June 2024 U.S. Senate Finance Committee report highlighted widespread problems at residential treatment facilities operated by major healthcare companies in Pennsylvania. The report detailed numerous instances of sexual abuse and systemic failures to protect young residents.
These revelations have led to increased oversight and numerous legal actions against facility operators. However, many survivors continue to suffer in silence because they are unaware that they may have legal options for seeking justice and compensation for the harm they endured.
Why Does Sexual Abuse Occur at Residential Treatment Centers?
Several systemic failures create environments where sexual abuse can occur in residential treatment facilities. Many centers suffer from inadequate staffing, poor screening of employees, and insufficient supervision of staff and residents. Staff members often work long hours in stressful conditions, leading to burnout and decreased vigilance. Some facilities prioritize cutting costs over implementing proper safety protocols.
Furthermore, many residential treatment facilities do not have proper reporting systems or accountability measures. When incidents occur, some facilities handle complaints internally rather than contacting law enforcement. The resulting culture of silence tends to protect abusers rather than residents.
Other contributing factors include:
- Insufficient background checks on employees and volunteers
- Lack of proper training on appropriate boundaries and abuse prevention
- Poor facility design that creates isolated areas where abuse can occur
- Inadequate monitoring of one-on-one interactions between staff and residents
- Failure to implement or enforce policies protecting residents
Additionally, abusers may take advantage of children of a young age or who have mental health concerns that make them unable to consent or understand what is happening. If you or your child was a victim of sexual misconduct at such facilities, you may have legal options that extend beyond the criminal atmosphere.
Damages You Can Seek as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
Children who are sexually abused often suffer in various forms. Their development and education may be interrupted, limiting their future opportunities. They may internalize the abuse, leading to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to form close relationships with others or develop the life skills they need to be successful. They may require intensive treatment to regain a sense of self after suffering such indescribable abuse.
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., we understand that no amount of money can undo the trauma of sexual abuse. However, pursuing legal action can provide resources for healing and hold institutions accountable for their failures. Through a civil lawsuit, survivors may seek compensation for:
- Mental health treatment and counseling: Whether you need individual therapy or could benefit from group therapy, we work to ensure you have access to the therapeutic support needed for recovery.
- Physical health care related to the abuse: This includes both immediate and long-term medical needs.
- Lost educational opportunities: Many survivors experience disrupted education that affects their earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: The emotional toll of abuse deserves recognition and compensation.
- Loss of life enjoyment: Abuse can affect relationships, self-image, and quality of life.
- Future care needs: Some survivors require ongoing support and treatment.
We work with qualified medical experts, mental health professionals, and life care planners to understand how the abuse has affected your life and what resources you will need moving forward to address your unique needs. This thorough approach helps us pursue full compensation for both current and future needs.
How Do I Know If I Have a Legal Case?
You may have grounds for legal action if you experienced sexual abuse at a Pennsylvania residential treatment center. Many survivors worry their cases happened too long ago, but current law allows victims to file a lawsuit if:
- The abuse occurred at a residential treatment facility in Pennsylvania.
- A staff member, contractor, or other person affiliated with the facility committed the abuse.
- The facility failed to take reasonable steps to prevent or stop the abuse.
- You were born after November 26, 1989.
Even if you never reported the abuse when it occurred or your abuser was never criminally charged, you may still have a valid civil claim. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and explain your legal options during a confidential consultation.
Sexual Abuse in Treatment Centers: Legal Help Is Available
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., we understand the courage it takes to come forward about residential treatment centers abuse. Our experienced attorneys handle these sensitive cases with compassion, respect, and determination to achieve justice for survivors. We’re here for life’s toughest trials, and we are here for you. We have the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate child sexual abuse claims and hold institutions accountable for failing to protect vulnerable youth in their care.
Our firm dedicates substantial resources to each case we take on, and we only receive payment if we secure compensation for you. When you work with our trauma-informed legal team, you gain advocates who will:
- Listen to your story with empathy and respect
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Handle all aspects of your case while you focus on healing
- Fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation about your case. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C.
1634 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Phone: (215) 585-2814
Email: info@erlegal.com
