Lawsuit Information Center
This page will look at sex abuse lawsuits involving juvenile inmates at Twin Pines Ranch Juvenile Detention Center, which is now closed. From 1967 to 2014, Twin Pines Ranch housed male juvenile offenders, many of whom were victims of sexual abuse and assault by staff members due to the negligence of the Riverside County Probation Department. These victims can now bring civil lawsuits and get compensation.
If you have a potential sex abuse lawsuit involving Twin Pines Ranch in Riverside County, call our California sex abuse lawyers, today at 800-553-8082 or get a free online consultation.
About Twin Pines Ranch Juvenile Detention Center
Twin Pines Ranch in Riverside County was a juvenile detention and correctional facility for male offenders aged 14 to 18. It provided detainees with educational and vocational programs, along with substance abuse treatment and therapy. Spanning over 140 acres, the facility featured more than a dozen buildings.
The first “rancher” (as juvenile detainees at Twin Pines were called) signed the registry book for Twin Pines back in April 1947. For the next 67 years, Twin Pines received juvenile offenders who were sentenced to correction. The juveniles were taken out of their homes and placed in confinement at Twin Pines for a 6-month or 1-year period. In the early days, Twin Pines was operated as a military style “boot camp” that focused on harsh routines and strict discipline. During its final years of operation, however, the focus at Twin Pines shifted from military-style to academics and vocational development.
Boys sent to Twin Pines lived in a large bunkhouses and were supervised by ranch staff. The staff at Twin Pines were never formally referred to as “correctional officers,” but that was exactly what they were. Unlike many other juvenile detention facilities, inmates at Twin Pines were not “locked in.” The physical remoteness of Twin Pines served as the only security measure.
The Twin Pines facility covered over 1,100 acres and it could accommodate just under 100 juveniles at any given time. In the last decade of its existence, Twin Pines was actually overstaffed (a rarity in juvenile detention). During most of its existence, however, the facility was chronically understaffed. Twin Pines was eventually shut down in 2014 due to lack of funding.
Inmates At Twin Pines Ranch Were Victims Of Sexual Abuse
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. Twin Pines was a “local” juvenile facility operated at the county level, but it suffered all of the same issues of neglect and systemic abuse that plagued the state juvenile system.
The sad reality was that juvenile inmates at facilities like Twin Pines were frequently sexually abused by the staff members that were supposed to protect them. Staff on juvenile inmate sexual abuse occurred with alarming frequency, particularly at remote, rural facilities like Twin Pines where oversight was more difficult. The pervasive nature of juvenile inmate sexual abuse has been revealed over the years by various investigations by federal and state authorities, and by lawsuits and news reports.
What Qualifies As Sexual Abuse?
In California, sexual assault or sexual abuse is defined as sexual touching or contact without the other person’s consent and for the purpose of sexual gratification. In the context of a civil lawsuit, sexual abuse or assault is often referred to as sexual battery. Under this definition, a wide range of acts (from groping a breast to violent rape) meets the definition of sex abuse.
There are two key elements that must be present to meet the definition of sexual abuse in California. First, the contact or touching must intentionally done for the purpose of sexual gratification. Grabbing a woman’s breast in a crowded elevator or to catch her from falling is not sexual abuse because there is no sexual intent behind the contact (and in the case of the crowded elevator the contact may actually be inadvertent entirely).
The second essential element is the lack of consent. For intentional sexual touching to qualify as abuse or assault, it must be done without mutual consent. Under California law, minors under the age of 18 cannot give consent to sexual touching. Any sexual contact with a minor by an adult is automatically considered sexual battery.
Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse of Juvenile Inmates At Twin Pines Ranch
Twin Pines Ranch operated as a county-level facility under the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Probation Department (RCPD), which was responsible for overseeing all aspects of its operations. This included the screening, hiring, training, and supervision of correctional officers and staff. As the supervising authority, RCPD had a legal obligation to ensure the safety, care, and custody of the juveniles housed at the facility.
RCPD may be held liable for sexual abuse at Twin Pines Ranch if it was aware of the problem but failed to take reasonable steps to protect inmates. To establish liability, a victim would need to demonstrate a connection between their abuse and negligence on RCPD’s part. This could involve specific negligence, such as ignoring prior complaints against known abusers, or broader failures, like inadequate policies or poor staff oversight.
Twin Pines Ranch Sex Abuse Deadline to File Lawsuit
If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse in a California juvenile detention center, such as Twin Pines Ranch, you need to understand the current legal timeframes for seeking justice. California has made significant changes to its laws to support survivors. But they are not perfect some victims have claims that are tragically time barred.
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 regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse, you have the right to seek 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 the date they discovered the abuse’s impact on their lives, whichever is later, to file a lawsuit. If this period has already passed, the opportunity to file a civil sex abuse lawsuit may no longer be available.
Special Considerations for Government-Run Facilities Like Twin Pines Ranch:
Typically, suing a government entity involves specific procedures, like filing a formal claim within a short timeframe. However, for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in government-run facilities, such as juvenile detention centers, these procedural hurdles have been removed. You can file a lawsuit directly without the need for prior claims.
Settlement Value of Twin Pines Ranch Sex Abuse Lawsuits
When determining settlement amounts and jury verdicts in California sexual abuse lawsuits, there are hundreds of factors to consider. But several key factors come up over and over that drive final compensation awarded to survivors:
Severity of the Abuse and Resulting Harm
The most critical factor in California sexual assault and child abuse lawsuit cases is the severity and duration of the abuse. Cases involving prolonged abuse, multiple incidents, or physical injuries will lead to higher settlement compensation, all thing being equal. Psychological harm, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, also plays a significant role in determining damages. A jury will be more sympathetic to more compensation if medical and psychological experts can document long-term trauma.
Age of the Victim
Younger victims often receive higher settlement payouts due to their increased vulnerability and the long-lasting effects of trauma. Courts also consider whether the abuser was in a position of authority, such as a coach, teacher, or clergy member, which can increase liability and punitive damages.
Evidence
Most sex abuse cases are based on nothing more than the victim’s testimony. That is usually more than enough to bring a successful sex abuse case. However, if you happen to have additional evidence to prove that the abuse happened, such as witnesses, that will make your case stronger and push the settlement value higher.
Contact Us About Twin Pines Ranch Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Cases
If you were sexually abused as an inmate at Riverside County Twin Pines Ranch, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get compensation. Reach out to us online or call 800-553-8082.