Illinois offers a variety of residential or live-in programs for youth in need. This includes programs designed to treat substance abuse disorders and mental health conditions, as well as programs for victims of abuse and neglect. Sadly, these are the very places where child sexual assault and abuse can occur due to youth being put in vulnerable situations.
Why Youth in Residential Programs Are at Risk
Cases of sexual assault and abuse are most common in positions where there is an imbalance of power between the perpetrator and victim. Children living in residential treatment facilities are exposed to assault risks because they are in the care – and control – of staff members. They are also isolated from others.
Youth in residential programs are put even more at risk of mistreatment due to the fact that many of these treatment facilities put their profits before the safety of residents. Many youth residential programs are short-staffed, leading to lapses such as hiring workers without proper background checks, failing to properly supervise youth and missing signs of sexual abuse.
Signs of Youth Residential Program Sexual Assault
Victims of child sexual abuse and assault may not come forward on their own for many reasons. In a youth residential program, mistreated youth may not know where they can turn for help. It is often up to others to notice signs of mistreatment and speak up.
Potential signs of sexual assault in a youth residential program include:
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping
- Changes in eating habits or appetite
- Withdrawal or isolation from others
- Avoidance of program staff or peers
- Unusual knowledge of sexual subjects (young children)
If you suspect child sexual abuse or assault at a residential treatment facility in Illinois, notify the authorities right away. Move the child out of the program and to a safe place. Make sure the victim receives the physical and emotional care he or she needs.Â
Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault in Youth Residential Programs?
Youth residential programs in Illinois are supposed to offer safe and productive spaces for youth in trouble to get the help they need and find stability. Unfortunately, this is not the reality in many in-patient treatment facilities. Seeking justice through a civil liability claim can offer some justice to these victims.Â
If a child or young adult is sexually assaulted while staying at a residential program, legal liability can fall on multiple parties, depending on the circumstances. While holding the individual abuser liable is a possibility, a lawsuit against the residential facility itself could lead to greater insurance coverage available.Â
A youth residential program could face civil liability for a case of sexual assault if it contributed to the incident in some way, such as through negligent employment practices. In many cases, facilities can also be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees.Â
What a Sexual Assault Attorney Can Do to Help
Taking legal action is one of the only ways a sexually assaulted or abused youth can get justice, accountability, closure and financial compensation. An Illinois sexual assault lawyer can provide critical support and guidance during a civil lawsuit against a residential program in Illinois. This includes full case investigation, evidence collection, the hiring of experts, and representation in and out of court.Â
If you or your child is a victim of sexual assault in a youth residential program in Illinois, please contact Mahoney Law Firm for a free and confidential case review. We are passionate about protecting the rights of sexual abuse survivors.
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