Rhode Island Juvenile Detention Center Sex Abuse Lawsuit
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Content Last Updated: August 7, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Some juvenile detention centers and youth residential facilities in Rhode Island have a history of neglect and poor living conditions, which could lead to sexual abuse.
- Rhode Island’s statute of limitations for child sex abuse lawsuits allows victims to sue perpetrators decades after an incident, though laws are much more strict for suits against third parties that enabled the abuse.
- Police Brutality Center can assist you with finding legal help for your Rhode Island juvenile detention center sex abuse claims.
Overview of Juvenile Detention Facilities in Rhode Island
When minors in the criminal justice system are in the custody of the government, the state will often place them in juvenile detention centers or other residential care facilities. Unfortunately, these facilities are often ripe for abuse and neglect, including sexual assault.
Youth residential facilities in Rhode Island have a history of poor living conditions and abusive conduct. If you’ve experienced sexual abuse at a juvenile detention center in Rhode Island, contact Police Brutality Center today to take legal action.
Allegations of Abuse in Rhode Island Juvenile Detention Centers
Thomas C. Slater Training School for Youth/Rhode Island Training School
A landmark 1971 lawsuit, Inmates of the Rhode Island Training School for Youth v. Piccola, challenged living conditions at the facility. The plaintiffs claimed they weren’t adequately fed, educated, or treated for mental health problems. The parties agreed to a consent decree in 1973, leading to significant reforms over the ensuing decades.
The American Civil Liberties Union joined the suit in 2001. The case was voluntarily dismissed in 2017, with the ACLU stating the Rhode Island Training School had made the improvements required by the consent decree, which was last amended in 2014.
The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families, or DCYF, reported a handful of sexual abuse claims at the facility over the past decade, though none were considered substantiated.
St. George’s School
In 2016, prestigious Rhode Island boarding school St. George’s School agreed to a settlement compensating as many as 30 former students who experienced sexual abuse over a roughly four-decade period. Representatives for the victims claimed at least 12 former St. George’s employees were credibly accused of involvement in the abuse.
St. Mary’s Home for Children
Located in North Providence, St. Mary’s was the DCYF’s only in-state psychiatric facility for children before allegations of widespread abuse and neglect led the department to pull all of its youth residents last year. St. Mary’s closed its doors permanently in January.
The DCYF now houses roughly 80 children with organizations in other states, though there have been recent reports of abuse at some of these facilities. Though the DCYF hasn’t had to remove any children from other states because of safety concerns and has caseworkers visit each child every month, advocates have raised concerns about the state’s ability to monitor these facilities and ensure the welfare of the residents in their care.
Current Lawsuit Updates Regarding Abuse at Rhode Island Juvenile Detention Centers
Legal Framework for Rhode Island Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Claims
Thanks to a 2019 law, Rhode Island’s statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims now allows victims to sue any time within 35 years of turning 18, their 53rd birthday. The state also has a “discovery rule” allowing victims to file a claim any amount of time later, so long as it is within seven years of when they realized or should have realized that they were abused.
However, the new statute of limitations doesn’t apply to cases against third parties for abuse that occurred before 2019, making it harder to sue organizations or entities that enabled abuse. However, the Rhode Island House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would open up a two-year lookback window for older time-barred child sex abuse cases. The bill is currently pending in the state Senate.
In addition, Rhode Island law requires minors in state custody to be housed separately from adult offenders and prevents the jailing of children for offenses that wouldn’t be crimes if committed by an adult, helping to reduce the possibility of sex abuse in the juvenile justice system.
What to Do After Experiencing Sexual Abuse at a Rhode Island Detention Center
The DCYF handles complaints of child abuse or neglect in Rhode Island. To report sexual abuse at a juvenile detention center, you can call the department’s 24/7 Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-742-4453.
If you’re considering a lawsuit, gather any evidence or documentation regarding your time at the facility that may help substantiate the abuse. It’s important to note that claims regarding abuse before 2019 may be affected by the statute of limitations, especially if you’re suing a party other than the direct perpetrator. A skilled lawyer can help you fully understand how these laws affect your claims and explain your legal options.
How Police Brutality Center Can Help Victims of Rhode Island Detention Center Sexual Abuse
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse at a Rhode Island juvenile detention center, it’s important to seek experienced legal counsel before taking action. Our team can help connect you with trusted attorneys through our partner law firms. Reach out to Police Brutality Center today for free legal assistance.