This page will look at lawsuits involving sexual abuse or assault of inmates at the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Joliet, Illinois. Juvenile inmates who were sexually assaulted by staff or other inmates at this facility can file civil lawsuits and get financial compensation.
If you have a potential sex abuse lawsuit against River Valley Juvenile Detention Center our Illinois sex abuse lawyers today at 800-553-8082 or get a free online consultation. Our attorneys will fight to get you the overdue compensation that you deserve.
About River Valley Juvenile Detention Center
The River Valley Juvenile Detention Center (RVJDC) is a juvenile detention facility located in Joliet, Illinois. RVJDC is not state-operated juvenile correctional facility, but rather a joint venture between Kankakee County and Will County. RVJDC is part of the large River Valley Justice Center.
The RVJDC facility can accommodate up to 102 juvenile detainees between the ages of 10 and 17. RVJDC is a temporary placement facility that houses juveniles who have been charged with criminal offenses, but have not yet been adjudicated and sentenced to correction or treatment.
Juvenile inmates at RVJDC are held in high security, very similar to a jail. They also participate in an in-house educational program, as well as social services and treatment programs. In 2023, 362 juveniles were admitted to RVJDC. Around 200 came from Will County, 70 were from Kankakee County and around 100 were from other nearby counties. 96 of the juveniles were female and the rest were male.
Sexual Abuse of Juveniles at RVJDC
Recent investigations and lawsuits have uncovered the sad truth that juveniles at Illinois correctional centers such as RVJDC are frequently subjected to sexual abuse and assault. Juvenile inmates at sexually assaulted by both staff members and other inmates.
The local counties that operated RVJDC have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that juveniles at the facility are safe from sexual assault and abuse. These authorities are responsible for screening and hiring staff members, training those staff members and ensuring proper supervision of the staff and the inmate population. These measures are critical to protect vulnerable youth inmates from abuse.
Unfortunately, the these duties have been habitually neglected at Illinois juvenile facilities for many years. Authorities at RVJDC and other facilities negligently fail to screen and monitor staff members. They also ignore or fail to investigate allegations of sexual abuse or assault. This led to a culture in which sexual abuse of inmates was made possible and routine.
What Qualifies as Sexual Abuse?
Legally, sexual abuse is defined as any sexual touching (touching done for the purpose of gratification) done without consent. In sexual abuse cases involving juvenile inmates, the “lack of consent” element of this definition is not an issue. Under Illinois law, minors under the age of 18 lack the mental capacity to consent to sexual contact with an adult. So any sexual contact between an adult and a juvenile inmate would qualify as “sexual abuse” even if the juvenile allegedly “consented.”
Settlement Value of RVJDC Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Determining settlement amounts in juvenile detention center sexual abuse lawsuits in Illinois involves multiple factors, including the severity of the abuse, its impact on the victim, and the level of negligence by the institution. Below are some of the factors that tend drive the settlement compensation payouts in these cases.
- Severity and Duration of Abuse: The extent and nature of the sexual abuse, as well as its duration, play a critical role in determining settlements. This includes assessing the physical and psychological harm inflicted on the victim.
- Impact on the Victim: Settlement amounts often reflect both immediate and long-term effects on the victim’s mental health, daily functioning, and future prospects. Psychological assessments and expert testimony are typically used to demonstrate the trauma and its ongoing consequences.
- Institutional Negligence: The institution’s failure to prevent abuse, ensure proper supervision, or address reports of misconduct significantly affects settlement amounts. Evidence of systemic negligence or misconduct often leads to higher payouts due to the institution’s liability.
- Economic Damages: While many cases may not include substantial economic damages, some do involve claims for medical expenses, psychological counseling, lost wages, or other financial losses incurred by the victim.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages cover intangible harms such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages often make up a substantial portion of settlement amounts, as they address the victim’s personal suffering.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may impose punitive damages. These are designed to penalize the institution and deter similar behavior in the future, often increasing settlement amounts.
Contact Us About River Valley Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits
If you are thinking about bringing a sexual abuse lawsuit against a juvenile detention facility like River Valley Juvenile Detention Center, contact our sex abuse lawyers today for free consultation. Contact us online or call us at 800-553-8082