New Jersey Faces 350+ Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Juvenile Facilities

More than 350 former juvenile detainees in New Jersey have filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by staff at state and county juvenile detention facilities dating back to the early 1980s through the 2020s. Survivors describe a systemic culture of violence and silence, with guards and counselors abusing their authority to harm the children in their care while state officials failed to adequately investigate or close problematic facilities like the New Jersey Training School. Victims and their attorneys have publicly demanded justice, accountability, and reforms to protect current youth detainees, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by the continued operation of outdated detention centers. Despite promises from Governors Chris Christie and Phil Murphy to close the largest juvenile detention center, it remains open, drawing criticism from survivors and advocates. Legal representatives urge the Murphy administration to take decisive action similar to its efforts against clergy sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for comprehensive oversight and protections. The state maintains that youth safety is a priority, pointing to executive orders and reforms aimed at improving conditions in juvenile justice facilities.