Los Angeles, CA
Survivors abused as children inside L.A. County juvenile halls, probation camps, and detention centers generally have until their 40th birthday to file a civil claim. Free and confidential case reviews are still available at (866) GO-SEE-SAM.
Dordulian Law Group (DLG), a California sexual abuse civil litigation firm led by former Los Angeles County sex crimes prosecutor Sam Dordulian, announced today that it now represents over 125 survivors of sexual abuse in Los Angeles County juvenile halls and detention camps. The firm confirmed that it is continuing to accept new cases and is urging survivors and their families to learn whether they may qualify for compensation before their respective filing windows close. Case reviews are free, confidential, and available 24/7 by calling (866) GO-SEE-SAM or visiting DLG’s Los Angeles juvenile hall sexual abuse lawyer page.
The Window to File Is Still Open, and It Closes at Age 40
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 340.1, a person who was sexually abused as a minor generally has until their 40th birthday to file a civil claim, or five years from the date they discover that a psychological injury or illness after the age of majority was caused by the abuse, whichever occurs later. For thousands of people abused as children in Los Angeles County facilities during the 1990s and 2000s, that means the courthouse doors have not closed.
“Every week we speak with a survivor who assumed it was too late for them, and in many cases they are wrong,” said Sam Dordulian, founding president of Dordulian Law Group and a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. “If you have not turned 40 yet, or if you only recently connected your depression, PTSD, or addiction to what happened to you inside that facility, you may still have the right to be heard. The worst outcome is a survivor who waits, turns 40, and loses a claim they always had.”
Separately, for childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, California’s AB 452 law removes the filing deadline entirely. That change is not retroactive and does not apply to older claims, which is why survivors of historic juvenile hall sexual abuse should have their specific dates reviewed by a lawyer rather than relying on headlines. DLG offers that review at no cost through its sexual assault and child sexual abuse practice teams.
Los Angeles County Facilities Named in Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Claims
DLG is reviewing and filing claims involving sexual abuse reported at Los Angeles County-run juvenile detention facilities, probation camps, and shelters, including:
- Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall (Sylmar)
- Central Juvenile Hall (Los Angeles)
- Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall (Downey)
- Eastlake Juvenile Hall
- MacLaren Children’s Center (El Monte, closed in 2003)
- Camp Scott, Camp Dorothy Kirby, Camp Paige, and Camp Kenyon Scudder
- Challenger Memorial Youth Center
- County-placed foster homes and group homes
In April 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $4 billion settlement resolving thousands of claims of sexual abuse in county juvenile and foster facilities dating back decades, the largest institutional child sexual abuse settlement in United States history. That settlement resolved the claims of people who had already come forward. It did not close the door on survivors who had not yet filed. New lawsuits have continued to be filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court throughout 2026.
Important note for survivors: Dordulian Law Group is not a claims administrator for the county settlement and does not take part in any claim that is not verified. Survivors who were contacted by strangers, recruiters, or unfamiliar firms about “signing up” for a payout are encouraged to speak directly with a licensed attorney before signing anything.
Who May Qualify to File a Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Claim?
A person may have a claim if, while under the age of 18, they experienced sexual abuse in a Los Angeles County juvenile facility, probation camp, or shelter. Common examples of abuse endured at L.A. County juvenile halls may include:
- Rape, attempted rape, or forced sexual contact by a staff member, probation officer, counselor, medical provider, or another detainee
- Unwanted touching, fondling, or sexualized “pat-downs” and strip searches
- Coerced sexual contact in exchange for phone calls, food, privileges, protection, or early release
- Physical/sexual retaliation or discipline (including isolation) after reporting abuse
- Sexual harassment, exposure, or forced viewing of sexual material
Claims can be brought against the individual perpetrator and against the institutions that hired, supervised, ignored, or covered for them. Survivors do not need a criminal conviction, a police report, or physical evidence to pursue a civil case. Many cases are filed under a pseudonym such as John Doe or Jane Doe to protect the survivor’s identity. Related practice areas include sexual abuse, foster care abuse, school sexual abuse, child abuse, and rape victim representation.
The SAJE Team: A Four-Tiered Support System, Not Just a Law Firm
DLG’s Sexual Abuse Justice Experts (SAJE) Team gives every survivor client access to a dedicated support structure at no additional cost:
- Sam Dordulian, founding president, former Los Angeles County sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney, with more than 100 jury trial victories and a 98% winning record
- Moses Castillo, chief investigator and retired LAPD child sex crimes detective with over 30 years of experience, who investigates every juvenile hall sexual abuse case personally
- Two nationally accredited victim advocates, available to clients around the clock
- A licensed in-house clinical therapist with more than 20 years of experience supporting survivors of trauma
Los Angeles juvenile hall sexual abuse lawyer Sam Dordulian is a member of the National Leadership Council for RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit organization. His firm has recovered more than $150 million for clients and handles all sexual abuse cases on a contingency basis. There is no upfront fee and no out-of-pocket cost. If DLG does not win, the client does not pay. See DLG’s case results and firm overview for more.
“Survivors of juvenile hall abuse were failed by the exact system that was supposed to protect them, and then they were told for years that nobody would believe them,” Dordulian said. “Our job is to make sure the second failure does not happen. We investigate with a retired LAPD detective, we provide access to victim advocates and mental health resources, and we do not ask anyone to relive the worst days of their life alone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a Los Angeles juvenile hall sexual abuse lawsuit in 2026?
Yes, in many cases. California generally allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file until their 40th birthday, or within five years of discovering that a psychological injury was caused by the abuse, whichever is later. Dordulian Law Group is actively accepting new juvenile hall sexual abuse cases. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM for your free case review.
What is the statute of limitations for juvenile hall sexual abuse in California?
For abuse that occurred when the survivor was a minor, the deadline is the survivor’s 40th birthday or five years from the discovery of a related psychological injury, whichever comes later. For childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, California has eliminated the filing deadline. Deadlines are fact-specific, so an attorney should confirm the date that applies to your case.
Do I need to have reported the juvenile hall sexual abuse at the time it happened?
No. A police report, a criminal case, or a contemporaneous complaint is not required to bring a juvenile hall sexual abuse civil claim. Most survivors of institutional abuse did not report at the time, often because they feared retaliation or were not believed. Attorneys, investigators, and records requests can develop the evidence.
Can I file anonymously?
In many sexual abuse cases, California courts allow survivors to proceed under a pseudonym such as John Doe or Jane Doe. DLG requests these protections wherever appropriate and takes additional steps to shield client identities during litigation.
Was the $4 billion LA County settlement the end of these cases?
No. The April 2025 settlement resolved claims that had already been filed. Survivors who had not yet come forward may still bring new claims, and new lawsuits continue to be filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. A settlement of past claims does not extinguish the rights of a survivor who was not part of it.
How much does it cost to hire Dordulian Law Group?
Nothing upfront. DLG handles sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay no fee until the firm recovers compensation. Consultations are free and confidential. Call (866) GO-SEE-SAM or request a free consultation with a Los Angeles juvenile hall sexual abuse lawyer online.
What compensation is available?
Survivors may pursue compensation for therapy and medical costs, past and future lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases punitive damages against institutions that concealed or enabled the abuse. No two cases are identical, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
About Dordulian Law Group
Dordulian Law Group is a California sexual abuse civil litigation firm. Founded by former Los Angeles County sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney Sam Dordulian, the firm represents survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, juvenile hall and institutional abuse, and serious personal injury matters throughout California. DLG’s SAJE Team pairs trial attorneys with a retired LAPD child sex crimes detective, accredited victim advocates, and a licensed in-house clinical therapist. The firm has recovered more than $150 million on behalf of its clients and maintains a 98% winning record.
Survivor resources: If you or someone you love was sexually abused in a Los Angeles County juvenile facility, call (866) GO-SEE-SAM for a free and confidential consultation, available 24/7. Se habla español.
Media Contact
Jason Kitchen
Dordulian Law Group Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyers
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