Illinois Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Cases
At SL Chapman LLC, we stand with survivors of sexual abuse who suffered unimaginable harm while in the custody of Illinois juvenile detention centers. For decades, both state-run and county-operated juvenile facilities across Illinois have failed to protect the vulnerable youth entrusted to their care. Today, survivors are courageously stepping forward—and we are here to help them pursue justice.
Representing Survivors Across Illinois
Our firm is actively investigating claims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and institutional neglect at a wide range of juvenile justice facilities throughout Illinois. These include:
State-Run Youth Centers
- Illinois Youth Center (IYC) – Chicago
- IYC – Harrisburg
- IYC – Joliet
- IYC – Kewanee
- IYC – Murphysboro
- IYC – Pere Marquette
- IYC – Valley View / St. Charles / Phoenix Emerging Adult Career & Education (PEACE) Center
- IYC – Warrenville
These facilities, operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ), have been the subject of growing scrutiny and legal action following reports that systemic abuse—often perpetrated by staff—was allowed to continue unchecked for years.
County Juvenile Detention Centers
- Adams County Juvenile Detention
- Champaign County Detention
- Cook County (Audy Home) Juvenile Detention
- Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center
- Kane County Juvenile Detention Center
- Knox County (Mary Davis) Detention Home
- Lake County (Hulse) Detention Center
- LaSalle County Detention Home
- Madison County Detention
- McLean County Detention
- Peoria County Detention Center
- Clair County Detention
- Sangamon County/Custody Services Division
- Will County (River Valley Justice Center) Juvenile Detention
- Vermilion County Juvenile Detention Center
- Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center
A Legacy of Harm—Now Confronted
Many survivors were as young as 10 or 11 years old when the abuse occurred. Often, these children were isolated, disbelieved, or punished for speaking out. Decades later, they live with the lasting trauma of what happened behind locked doors—at the hands of the very institutions that were supposed to protect them.
Recent litigation in Illinois is finally bringing this abuse to light. Survivors are coming forward in powerful numbers, and courts are beginning to hold these institutions accountable. There have been hundreds of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of survivors.
How SL Chapman LLC Can Help
At SL Chapman LLC, we combine compassionate representation with aggressive legal action. Our attorneys are experienced in handling high-profile sexual abuse cases involving government institutions and are committed to:
- Conducting trauma-informed interviews with survivors
- Gathering internal documents, inspection reports, and personnel records
- Working with medical and psychological experts
- Seeking compensation for pain, suffering, and long-term harm
- Ensuring that your voice is heard in the pursuit of justice
Recently, the firm successfully represented over 200 survivors in similar litigation in California that settled on behalf of over 7,000 claimants for $4 billion. Learn more about the settlement in this LA Times article.
Confidential, Compassionate Legal Representation
If you or someone you love was sexually abused at one of the Illinois juvenile facilities listed above, we encourage you to contact our firm. All consultations are free and strictly confidential, and we never charge legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
