Lawsuit Information Center
The page will look at sex abuse lawsuits involving juvenile inmates at Camp Glenwood in San Mateo County. Camp Glenwood is a juvenile rehabilitation camp for male offenders. Juveniles who were sexually abused or assault by staff members at Camp Glenwood can bring civil lawsuits against San Mateo County and get financial settlements.
If you have a potential sex abuse lawsuit involving Camp Glenwood juvenile camp in San Mateo County, call our California sex abuse lawyers, today at 800-553-8082 or get a free online consultation.
About Camp Glenwood Juvenile Center
Camp Glenwood is a juvenile detention and treatment camp in La Honda, California. Camp Glenwood houses male juvenile offenders between the ages of 14 and 18. The juveniles at Glenwood are those who have been adjudicated of a criminal offense and sentenced by the judge specifically to Camp Glenwood.
Camp Glenwood is operated by the San Mateo County Probation Department (SMCPD). It is one of 2 juvenile detention centers for males in the county. The other is Juvenile Hall, which is a high security level detention center than Camp Glenwood.
Camp Glenwood began operating in 1964. The facility sits on 60 acres is very rural area that is miles aware from any significant residential populations. The campus has 11 buildings including a school, kitchen, administration building and 2 dormitories. Camp Glenwood is not a high security facility, so the juvenile detainees are not locked up and there is no fence or wall around the property.
The average age of juveniles detained at Glenwood is 15.5. Most residents are from low social-economic backgrounds and the majority speak English as a second language. The facility has a maximum population of 60 juveniles.
Sexual Abuse of Juveniles at Camp Glenwood
California has a troubling history of physical and sexual abuse within its juvenile detention facilities. This issue has been repeatedly exposed through high-profile lawsuits, criminal charges, and extensive investigations by both state and federal authorities. Although Camp Glenwood is a local county facility, it has suffered from all of the same systemic issues and rampant sexual abuse of inmates that have plagued the state juvenile system for years.
Unfortunately, juvenile inmates at facilities like Camp Glenwood at highly vulnerable and often target for sexual abuse by predatory staff members at the facility. Staff on juvenile inmate sexual is an all too frequent occurrence at places like Camp Glenwood, where the remote, isolated setting makes it even easier to prey on inmates. Recent federal and state investigations, along with lawsuits and news reports, have shed light on the true extent of the problem of sexual abuse of juvenile inmates.
What Qualifies As Sexual Abuse?
In California, sexual assault or sexual abuse is defined as any sexual touching or contact made without the other person’s consent and for the purpose of sexual gratification. In civil lawsuits, these acts are commonly referred to as sexual battery. This definition encompasses a broad range of actions, from inappropriate groping to violent rape.
To constitute sexual abuse under California law, two key elements must be present. First, the contact must be intentional and made for sexual gratification. For example, accidentally brushing against someone in a crowded elevator or grabbing someone to prevent a fall does not qualify as sexual abuse, as there is no sexual intent.
Second, the act must occur without consent. Any intentional sexual touching that lacks mutual consent is considered abuse or assault. Additionally, California law states that minors under 18 cannot legally give consent to sexual contact. As a result, any sexual touching between an adult and a minor is automatically classified as sexual battery.
Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse of Juvenile Inmates At Camp Glenwood
Camp Glenwood is a county-level facility under the jurisdiction of the San Mateo County Probation Department (SMCPD), which is responsible for overseeing all aspects of its operations. This includes the screening, hiring, training, and supervision of correctional officers and staff. As the overseeing authority, SMCPD had a legal responsibility to ensure the safety, care, and custody of the juveniles at the facility.
SMCPD could be held liable for sexual abuse at Camp Glenwood if it was aware of the issue but failed to take reasonable actions to protect the inmates. To prove liability, a victim would need to establish a link between their abuse and SMCPD’s negligence. This could include specific instances of neglect, such as disregarding previous complaints about known abusers, or more general failures, such as insufficient policies or inadequate staff supervision.
Camp Glenwood Sex Abuse Deadline to File Lawsuit
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse in a California juvenile detention center, such as Camp Glenwood, it is important to understand the current legal timeframes for seeking justice. California has made significant changes to its laws to better support survivors, but unfortunately, some victims may still face time-barred claims.
For Abuse Occurring On or After January 1, 2024
California law now allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits at any time—there is no statute of limitations. This means that no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred, you have the right to take legal action.
For Abuse Occurring Before January 1, 2024
The previous time limits still apply. Survivors have until their 40th birthday or five years from when they discovered the abuse’s impact, whichever is later, to file a lawsuit. If this timeframe has already passed, the opportunity to file a civil sex abuse lawsuit may no longer be available.
Special Rules for Claims Against State and County Government
Normally, suing a government entity requires specific procedures, such as filing a formal claim within a limited timeframe. However, for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in government-run facilities like juvenile detention centers, these procedural barriers have been removed. Survivors can file a lawsuit directly, without needing to submit prior claims.
Settlement Value of Camp Glenwood Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Victims of sexual abuse at Camp Glenwood may be entitled to significant financial compensation through civil lawsuits. These cases aim to hold SMCPD accountable for its negligence, which allowed widespread abuse to occur. Settlement payouts in sex abuse lawsuits are determined by factors such as the extent of the abuse, the long-term impact on the victim, and the jurisdiction where the case is filed.
California is generally a very favorable jurisdiction for plaintiffs in injury lawsuits, and in sex abuse lawsuits. Also, many local counties and agencies in California have demonstrated a willingness to settle abuse cases.
Key factors that influence settlement payouts include:
- Nature of Abuse: Settlements are typically higher in cases involving prolonged abuse or egregious misconduct by staff or other inmates.
- Victim Impact: The severity of the psychological, emotional, and physical harm suffered by the victim is a major determinant in compensation.
- Negligence: Evidence of systemic failures, such as ignoring reports of abuse, inadequate staff supervision, or a culture of indifference, often results in higher settlement payouts.
Contact Us About Camp Glenwood Sex Abuse Cases
If you were sexually abused as an inmate at Camp Glenwood in San Mateo County, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get compensation. Reach out to us online or call 800-553-8082.