Maryland juvenile probation officers have been convicted of crimes for inappropriate conduct involving current or former child probationers.

Instances of sexual abuse reported at the following juvenile hall facilities:

• Alfred D. Noyes Children’s Center – Rockville, MD
• Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center – Baltimore, MD
• Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School – Baltimore, MD
• Cheltenham Youth Detention Center – Cheltenham, MD
• Good Shepherd Services – Halethorpe, MD
• J. Deweese Carter Center – Chestertown, MD
• Montrose School for Girls – Reisterstown, MD
• Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center – Maryland City, MD
• Victor Cullen Center – Sabillasville, MD

Other juvenile justice facilities reporting sexual abuse include:

• Backbone Mountain Youth Center
• Garrett Children’s Center
• Green Ridge Youth Center
• Lower Eastern Shore Children’s Center
• Mountain View
• Western Maryland Children’s Center

Maryland Child Victims Act

The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, signed into law by Governor Moore on April 11, 2023, marks a significant step towards justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.

This crucial legislation eliminates the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, allowing survivors to pursue civil lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Governer’s Assistance

Governor Moore expressed a heartfelt message to survivors upon signing the bill, emphasizing that they are heard and not alone.

He acknowledged the countless individuals who courageously shared their stories, often kept secret for years and emphasized that this law represents hope.

The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 is indeed a beacon of hope for survivors of institutional sexual abuse.

It recognizes the reality that survivors of child sexual abuse often take years, even decades, to disclose their experiences.

No More Statute of Limitations

Studies have shown that the average age at which survivors report child sexual abuse is 52 years.

Before the enactment of this bill, the statute of limitations prevented individuals over the age of 38 from filing claims related to childhood sexual abuse.

The new law grants all survivors the right to seek justice, regardless of how long it takes them to come forward.

Defining Sexual Abuse

In Maryland's juvenile detention centers, sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of inappropriate behaviors.

It refers to any non-consensual or inappropriate sexual contact or conduct involving a minor who is unable to provide legal consent.

The U.S. Department of Justice has defined various categories of sexual abuse within juvenile detention centers, including:

• Sexual contact;
• Sexual assault;
• Grooming;
• Exhibitionism;
• Voyeurism;
• Exploitation;
• Inappropriate romantic relationships;
• Indecent exposure; and,
• Sexual harassment.

These definitions emphasize the seriousness of the issue and the need for protective measures and justice for survivors.

Victims and their families are urged to come forward for a free, private case evaluation from a qualified attorney as soon as possible to file a valid claim!