Legal Help For Survivors Nationwide
Legal Help For Survivors Nationwide
When a young person enters a juvenile detention facility, parents and loved ones expect safety and rehabilitation. But in California and across the U.S., repeated investigations show that detention can expose youth to violence, neglect, and abuse instead.
We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.
Since abuse usually happens behind closed doors, families often don’t find out until their kid gets home. Learning the red flags can help you act quickly, provide support, and hold facilities accountable.
Here are seven warning signs of juvenile detention abuse to watch for.
Unexplained bruises, cuts, sprains, or burns could mean abuse. Parents should worry if their kid keeps getting hurt or if they’re not getting medical help when they need it.
Abuse doesn’t only leave physical marks. Trauma can show up in mood swings, withdrawal, aggression, or fear.
Abused kids often replay what happened to them at night. Nightmares, trouble sleeping, or panic attacks out of nowhere are all warning signs.
A kid who won’t talk about what happened inside, or who suddenly becomes scared of teachers, cops, or other adults, might be telling you something’s wrong.
When kids get out, many have trouble in school. If their grades, focus, or memory suddenly get worse, it could mean something serious happened to them.
Sometimes abuse is not about violence—it’s about neglect. Families might see:
California inspectors have found poor medical care and dangerous conditions in detention facilities across the state.
Sexual abuse in juvenile detention is tragically underreported. Warning signs include:
If you believe your child has been abused in detention:
Abuse in juvenile detention is not always visible, but its impact is lasting. By learning these seven warning signs, families can recognize harm sooner, provide critical care, and demand accountability.
Every young person deserves dignity and safety. Recognizing the red flags is the first step toward healing and justice.
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