Allegations of sexual abuse have arisen at Illinois juvenile detention facilities run by the State of Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) or overseen by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Accusations against staff members and corrections officers, such as those at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center or the Illinois Youth Center - Chicago (IYC), include the sexual abuse of minors who are housed at these state-operated youth detention facilities.

Sexual abuse of youth inmates

Potential plaintiffs in sex abuse cases at Illinois juvenile detention centers include, but are not limited to:

• Sexual misconduct and sexual assault
• Exposure of genitals by staff members or corrections officers
• Unnecessary or abusive strip searches

• Oral sex
• Penetrative sex
• Coercive sexual actions to prevent disciplinary conditions, such as solitary confinement*
• Any other sexual contact with juveniles

Victims of alleged sexual abuse at the hands of an adult or someone in a position of power can be hesitant to speak out due to shame or fear, embarrassment or intimidation. Romanucci & Blandin has significant experience with lawsuits involving minors and other vulnerable individuals and is familiar with the challenges and care needed to work with these clients.

*The US Department of Justice has filed a statement of interest in a lawsuit in federal court over the constitutionality of solitary confinement for youth inmates in Illinois juvenile detention centers.

Illinois youth detention centers locations and facilities

Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) state-operated facilities where abuse may have occurred or currently is happening include:

• Adams County Juvenile Detention Center

• Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center
• Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center
• Illinois Youth Center (IYC) - Chicago
• Illinois Youth Center (IYC) - Murphysboro

• Illinois Youth Center (IYC) - Harrisburg
• Illinois Youth Center (IYC) - Pere Marquette
• Illinois Youth Center (IYC) - Warrenville
• Juvenile Temporary Detention Center
• Kane County Juvenile Justice Center
• Lake County Detention Center
• LaSalle County Juvenile Detention Center
• Madison County Detention
• Mary Davis Detention Home
• McLean County Detention Facility

• Peoria County Detention Center
• Phoenix Emerging Adult Career & Education (PEACE) Center at St. Charles

• River Valley Justice Center - Joliet
• St. Clair County - Juvenile Detention
• Vermilion County Detention Center
• Winnebago County Detention Center

Legal recourse for victims

Victims of Illinois youth detention center sexual abuse can pursue justice in multiple ways, including, but not limited to:

• Contacting law enforcement to seek criminal charges against the perpetrator of the sexual abuse
• Filing a civil lawsuit with a personal injury firm to potentially obtain financial compensation from the offender and/or their employer

Working with Illinois juvenile detention facilities sex abuse lawyers

Sexual abuse or assault is a criminal offense that can be punished by imprisonment, but a victim of such abuse can also file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation. Romanucci & Blandin has significant experience with sexual abuse lawsuits, and we are familiar with the challenges and compassion that these cases require. We understand how to listen to potential plaintiffs who have suffered from sexual assault and sexual abuse, and our sexual abuse attorneys know how to bring a measure of justice to your life.

The victim often hesitates to speak out due to fear or embarrassment. Sometimes, they are told to stay quiet by friends, family, or loved ones, or there may be fear of retribution by the abuser.

Sexual abuse cases become even more sensitive when the victim is a child. These cases often involve an abuser who is in a position of authority or is trusted by the child or family.

The role of attorneys for youth inmates who experience sex abuse 

With headquarters in Chicago, the attorneys at Romanucci & Blandin know how to navigate these sensitive cases and bring justice to victims - even if the abuse took place years ago – and often settle these types of cases without going to trial.

At Romanucci & Blandin, our approach to sexual abuse cases is to obtain monetary compensation for our clients and hold an individual or institution financially accountable and responsible for the economic, physical, and emotional damages that have occurred.

Our sexual abuse legal team includes partners who guide the process and share their deep knowledge of these types of lawsuits, including filing in the Illinois Court of Claims. Each client and situation is different, and your claim is handled with great care and respect as the team investigates what happened and determines the best path to justice for you.

We know exactly what to do to litigate your sexual abuse case. We will obtain all necessary background information on the abuser and, if appropriate, any institution involved in the case. We find the records, interview witnesses, utilize experts and prepare thoroughly and meticulously for your case. We aim to obtain the maximum compensation possible so you can move on with your life.

At Romanucci & Blandin, our sexual abuse attorneys research the most up-to-date sexual misconduct laws and hire trained and experienced sexual assault experts to work as expert witnesses and consultants on your cases. We will evaluate your injury and claim and research the statute of limitations applicable to your case. We work to locate and utilize the best experts experienced in all the relevant state laws nationwide.

Supporting Victims

Counseling and Therapy

Research shows that counseling and therapy are helpful to victims of sexual assault in their recovery from the highly traumatic experience.

• For crisis support, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) operates the 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE (4673)).
• In the Chicago area, organizations such as Greenlight Family Services provide a variety of support options to survivors of sexual abuse.

Legal Assistance

Survivors of sex crimes by jail or Illinois youth detention center staff members and corrections officers can seek legal support to navigate the criminal justice system and pursue civil sexual abuse case claims against perpetrators of sexual misconduct.

• Victim Advocacy Groups: Organizations that offer guidance and support throughout the legal process, such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) and its National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE (4673)).
• The National PREA Resource Center: The 2003 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) led to the creation of the National PREA Resource Center in 2010 by the Department of Justice. 

• Personal injury lawyers: Law firms can help victims of Illinois juvenile detention facilities sexual abuse receive compensation for their pain and suffering. The experienced sexual abuse attorneys at the law firm of Romanucci & Blandin are available to discuss your potential case and help you seek justice through a civil lawsuit.

At Romanucci & Blandin, we are committed to justice for our clients in and out of the courtrooms. In addition to litigating civil cases, we actively assist in creating legislative change to stem or stop the problems in our community that have impacted our clients. This means engaging with lawmakers and advocacy groups and potentially testifying in front of legislators to share our clients' stories and create change.

Free Consultation on your case by Chicago-based personal injury lawyers

The personal injury attorneys at Romanucci & Blandin have proven success in these types of cases. If you or a loved one has suffered injury or wrongful death, please contact our office at 312-458-1000, intakes@rblaw.net or click here for a free case evaluation. There is never a fee until you are compensated for your injuries at the end of the case.

Disclaimer: The content found on this page is not legal assistance and contacting the abuse and civil rights lawyers at Romanucci & Blandin’s law office for a free consultation regarding personal injury cases and claims does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.