Abraxas Child Abuse Class Action Lawsuit

You may be entitled to compensation for child abuse at Abraxas facilities

Why File a Child Abuse Class Action Lawsuit on Abraxas

Abraxas & GEO Group Hid Plus Failed to Report Decades of Physical & Sexual Abuse

In March 2022 our attorneys filed a class action lawsuit against Abraxas Youth and Family Services and GEO Group. The class action lawsuit alleges at those organizations facilities, physical, mental, and sexual abuse occurred during the last two decades. Abraxas and GEO Group ran facilities in multiple states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. These organizations employed staff members who were responsible and entrusted to care for the minors who resided in their juvenile placement units. Often with the supervisors' and administrators' knowledge and complicity, thousands of residents allege staff members used excessive force and unnecessary force and physically restrained them causing a multitude of injuries, some involving hospitalizations and extensive medical treatment. Other residents alleged horrific sexual abuse by staff members both at the facility and during sponsored excursions. As a caretaker for juveniles placed into its care Abraxas Youth and Family Services plus GEO Group had a legal duty and responsibility to protect all its residents from harm, and report any child abuse whether physical abuse and/or sexual abuse.

The class action lawsuit we filed on our clients' behalf alleges Abraxas and GEO Group failed in discharging their duties to protect the juvenile residents in their care from harm. Abraxas and GEO Group knew or should have known about the rampant, systemic culture of abuse at its nationwide juvenile placement facilities. If you or someone you know attended an Abraxas Youth and Family Services and/or GEO Group juvenile placement facility contact us immediately and anytime 24/7/365 for your free case evaluation.

How the Process Works

1. Confidential Questionnaire

We begin by reviewing your online survey and intake forms. First, we will look at the circumstances of your case and evaluate the actions needed.

2. Free Case Evaluation

1. Confidential Questionnaire

One of our team members will follow up with you, asking more detailed questions about your experience at an Abraxas and/or GEO Group facility. We will explain to you what you can expect throughout the legal claims process.

3. Representation Agreement

1. Confidential Questionnaire

3. Representation Agreement

If eligible, we will send you a contingency fee agreement to get represented in the case by our law firm. Fees are payable only if a lawsuit is successful or results in a favorable settlement in which you get compensation.

4. Getting Started

Available to Answer Your Questions

3. Representation Agreement

After signing the paperwork, we will start working on your claims against Abraxas. You might be requested to provide medical and historical documents. You will not have to spend a single dollar, even if the trial goes on for years.

5. Settlement & Compensation

Available to Answer Your Questions

In the case of a successful settlement, you will get compensation and the contingency fee is deducted. Keep in mind that compensation amounts can vary between different cases and injury types.

Available to Answer Your Questions

We know everyone has questions and we are here with the answers. Our staff is dedicated to helping you understand and navigate the process. We will provide you with knowledge, thereby empowering all your decisions.

We zealously advocate to get every client justice and will fight to get the highest possible compensation, and to maximize all potential claims

Impacts & Injuries From Physical & Sexual Child Abuse

Psychological/Emotional Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Depression, anxiety, feeling numb, difficulty managing or feeling emotions including anger

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Intrusive images, feelings from the abuse, numbing or avoidance behaviors

Physical Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Education & Employment

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD/STI), Broken Bones, Chronic Disease, Chronic Undiagnosed Pain

Education & Employment

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Education & Employment

Not graduating high school, being unable to finish training or education, difficulties with supervisors, difficulty maintaining steady employment, being fired from jobs

Social & Intimate Relationships

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Distrust of others, isolating yourself, not being able to keep healthy relationships, difficulty maintaining emotional attachments, difficulty with sexual behavior, infidelity

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Gambling, Alcoholism, Drug Use

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at cornerstonelegalgroup@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Will this process cost me any money?

There is no cost to complete the pre-qualification and eligibility processes. Further, there are no fees involved with signing with the legal team. The legal team is only compensated when a successful judgment, settlement, and/or reward is handed down in favor of the Plaintiff.

Are those who endured child abuse at an Abraxas and/or GEO Group facility, entitled to compensation?

Those who suffered physical, mental, and/or sexual abuse at one of these facilities may be entitled compensation for pain and suffering. The facts of everyone's experiences are different and there are varying timelines for when actions must be filed. It is vital you consult with an attorney to completely understand all your available options as time is of the essence.

How do we protect your Information?

We take matters of personal privacy very seriously. When you share you personal and private information with our team of professionals, we take many special measures to protect your privacy. We are HIPAA-compliant to ensure any medical records you share with us are secure. Additionally, we follow other best practices in the areas of information security to assure your information is safe from prying eyes.

What Information is Needed for a Free Case Review?

In order to provide a free case review, we need to know: 1. the name of the resident and their date of birth 2. age of resident at time of abuse 3. the Abraxas /GEO Group facility where abuse occurred 4. where on the facility grounds the abuse occurred 5. Type of abuse (physical, mental, and/or sexual)

How Long Do Class Action Lawsuit Like This Usually Take to Resolve?

Class action lawsuits similar to this one can take at least one to five years to resolve, depending on the case, and only under very rare circumstances will they take less time. The resolution of cases depends upon numerous factors including the class size, number of named abusers, and expected witness testimony. Class action lawsuits are extremely complex matters involving reviewing millions of pages of documents and examining physical evidence covering many issues. Once you obtain your free case evaluation, we can explain to how long a we anticipate the matter lasting.

What statute of limitations apply to my case?

The statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases is a very complex and depends upon a number of factors. Generally, a state or the federal government sets a time period by which any person wanting to file a lawsuit has until.to enter a claim. If a person does not file a claim within this period, they will forever lose their chance to bring a claim. Every state and the federal government maintain different limitations periods. There are notable exceptions to the statutes of limitations including discovery of an injury from the abuse and when the child abuse is actively concealed. Moreover, depending upon the circumstances, more parties than just the abuser may be responsible. Also, many states have also completely repealed their prior civil statutes of limitations related to both sexual abuse and physical abuse. Finally, while confined to a facility in one state, a juvenile who endured child sexual abuse during a trip or other outing to another jurisdiction, would potentially be covered by multiple laws. Any individual who suffered child physical abuse and/or sexual abuse while on a facility sanctioned event may potentially be covered by the state where the facility is located and/or the state where the assaults happened. As there are many complex and intricate factors in determining the statute of limitations in a particular case, it is extremely important you pay close attention to this element.

Will the Staff Members at Abraxas and GEO Group who made me suffer child abuse be criminally prosecuted as a result of this lawsuit?

A lawsuit is a civil action only, which means it would be for economic and other relief. Although filing your lawsuit does not directly create a criminal matter this litigation is readily available to law enforcement, who monitor large scale child abuse litigation against juvenile placement facilities such as these. Moreover in Pennsylvania, in the location where the lawsuit is being litigated in court

Can I Become a Part of This Lawsuit if I was Abused at an Abraxas or GEO Group Facility outside Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can be a participant in this lawsuit if you were abused at a GEO Group and/or Abraxas Youth and Family Services facility outside Pennsylvania. Abraxas maintained facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Texas, and numerous other locations. Not every Abraxas and/or GEO Group facility is eligible to join this class action case, so contact us to determine if the facility you or someone you know was housed at qualifies.

Will the Individual Staff Members Who Committed Child Abuse be Named as a Defendant in this Lawsuit?

Liability in juvenile placement child abuse facility cases identical to this one can become complicated under specific circumstances. A Plaintiff can hold the abuser liable for their actions and in some cases, this is the extent of the liability. However, juvenile placement facilities are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising their employees and past events have shown organizations could also have legal liability for the child abuse. Further, In the past, juvenile placement facilities found to have covered up child abuse and failed to report suspected child abuse in an extensive operation to protect themselves from the potential fallout of child abuse charges. As a result, victims can hold these organizations liable as well. Liability separately extends to the organization itself if officials knew about the child abuse and did nothing to stop abusers. Likewise, any attempt to cover up abuse also exposes them to liability. Many organizations receive training on spotting abuse and various methods to prevent and respond to different abuse types.

What is the Definition of Child Sexual Abuse

Any type of unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs including acts of molestation or unwanted sexual advances will thus be considered sexual assault. Although generally an abuser must make contact with the juvenile victim's genitals there are notable expansions for this rule. Acts including: Rape and attempted rape, Forced sexual acts of any kind, Groping and unwanted touching, Child molestation, Sexual exploitation, Showing explicit images or exposing a child to sexually charged language or pornography, Taking inappropriate photos of a child for personal use or distribution, Requesting the minor send or take pictures of themselves in an inappropriate manner, Revealing oneself to a child.

What is Child Physical Abuse?

Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of child maltreatment and while legal definitions vary from state to state, but broadly, it occurs when a guardian or caregiver commits an act that results in injury to a juvenile. Results of physical abuse can include red marks, cuts, welts, bruises, black eyes, muscle sprains, or broken bones.

What Happens if my Case Does Not Settle

If your case is not settled then the matter will proceed to trial. A complex matter such as this class action will often take more than a year to get to a jury trial. The jury trial would be overseen by a Federal, County, and/or District Judge.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes for Any Award or Settlement?

A financial recovery from a lawsuit, judgment, and/or settlement, is exempt from taxes if it is for a personal injury case. The IRS does not tax award settlements for personal injury cases. However, if the award is for lost wages or loss of business or related injuries even if stemming from a personal injury case, then taxes will be due. If taxes were due in that situation it would likely be limited to the portion of the award and/or settlement providing for lost wages/business. Our experienced attorneys frequently help our clients navigate these often complex situations.

What Are Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws?

All states require certain professionals or institutions to report suspected child abuse, whether physical and/or sexual Those required by law to notify law enforcement are considered mandated reporters. The juvenile or his or her parents or other legal guardians may be entitled to compensation for child abuse. Damages for child sexual abuse can include amounts for physical and emotional pain and suffering, the expected costs of future counseling, and in cases where an organization grossly mishandled reports of abuse, there may be substantial awards of punitive damages.

Who Is Covered by Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws?

An employee of a health care facility or provider licensed by the Department of Health, who is engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of individuals, Juvenile Placement Facilities, Reform Schools, Schools, Daycares and preschools Summer camps Churches Youth sports organizations and any other organization with a duty to protect the child entrusted to their care

What is this class action lawsuit about?

Holding Abraxas & GEO Group Responsible for Inflicting & Hiding Years of Child Abuse

In March 2022 our attorneys filed a class action lawsuit against Abraxas Youth and Family Services and GEO Group. The class action lawsuit alleges physical, mental, and sexual abuse which has occurred during the last two decades. The class action complaint also alleges child abuse happened in front of supervisors and other staff members on many occasions yet, was never reported as required by law to the assigned investigative agency and/or the police. Oftentimes, other children witnessed staff physically, mentally, and sexually abusing other students, yet the children never received medical care or therapy. Our attorneys are working with survivors and their families who were impacted by physical, mental, and sexual violence within an Abraxas or GEO Group facility. Abraxas knew for many years its employees, administrators, and staff were engaging in illegal conduct including child abuse, yet did nothing to prevent harm to the young victims.

A federal court determined "group monitors found during unannounced visits that every one of the Abraxas facility's more than 100 child residents disliked living there and that 81% reported being put in restraints that were described as painful." The federal monitors discovered residents were physically restrained more than previously reported. Abraxas Youth and Family Services, a subsidiary of the GEO Group, listed on compliance oversight reports that residents were restrained over 2,100 times per year alone from 2017-2019! At this Abraxas Youth and Family Services facility and others, children were found sleeping outside of bedrooms because of a lack of housing facilities due to overcrowding. Reports of sexual abuse and other outcries were often not reported as mandated by state and federal law, and youths there told monitors even after reporting allegations of abuse “‘nothing changes, nothing is done,’ and ‘there is no point in calling the Hotline for that reason,’” the ruling stated, citing interviews with youths housed at this Abraxas and GEO Group juvenile placement facility. The previously mentioned facility is only one of many across the country where current and former residents allege horrific child sexual abuse and child physical abuse. The GEO Group has for years known its juvenile placement facilities operated by Abraxas Youth and Family Services employed staff members who physically assaulted and sexually abused their residents yet failed to act. Both GEO Group and Abraxas had a duty to act and protect all the residents in its care. The GEO Group and Abraxas ignored thousands of pleads, requests, and cries for help from not only the residents but also their friends and family.

Anyone who was abused or assaulted while a juvenile at an Abraxas placement facility may be able to bring their abusers to justice by filing a civil lawsuit. A juvenile placement facility who failed to respond to and/or report complaints of sexual harassment, abuse, or physical assault may be held responsible. While no amount of compensation can reverse the effects of the abuse endured, filing a lawsuit will help anyone who was abused or assaulted take back control by holding responsible those negligent facilities. If you or someone you know endured physical or sexual child abuse while at an Abraxas and/or GEO Group juvenile placement facility, may be able to participate in a lawsuit to recover for any injuries. Every state has a different statutes of limitations which will greatly affect the value and available time remaining to file a lawsuit. Time is of the essence. Contact one of our experienced attorneys immediately to obtain your free case evaluation, and learn about all available options.

View the Class Action Lawsuit

Qualifications & Criteria for Compensation

The initial step is to contact us so we can speak with you and learn about your unique experience and through our understanding of the law, we will craft a path to success.

1. Attended an Abraxas and/or GEO Group facility as a juvenile

2. Never previously filed a Lawsuit against Abraxas

3. Endured Physical, Mental, or Sexual Abuse

If you or someone you know went to Abraxas and were physically, mentally, or sexually abused, you may be entitled to compensation.

Get Your FREE Case Evaluation Today

Don't wait! Contact us for a free phone consultation. Let us help you determine how valuable your case is and all the rights you hold. Our attorneys have decades of experience holding businesses and facilities responsible for their conduct in failing to oversee, train, and supervise their employees. With these cases, the period to file a claim is short and time is of the essence, so contact us today to discuss your matter

Abraxas & GEO Group Facility Locations

Colorado

Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center

Illinois

Colorado

Naperville Bridge School, Southwood Interventions, Woodbridge Interventions

Ohio

Colorado

Pennsylvania

Abraxas Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Pennsylvania

Abraxas 1, Abraxas 2, Abraxas Academy, Abraxas Leadership Development Program, Abraxas Lehigh Valley, Abraxas Secure Treatment, South Mountain

South Carolina

Camp Aspen

Texas

South Carolina

Hector Garza Residential Treatment Center

About Us

Team Members

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

Choose us when 2nd Best Is Not an Option. Our experienced team passionately advocate on all our clients’ behalf to ensure they get justice and fair compensation. We have been operating since 2011, representing child sexual abuse and child physical abuse survivors, in both criminal and civil court.

Our team has spent significant time advoc

Our team has spent significant time advocating for issues relating to juvenile placement and reform school child abuse, especially physical and sexual abuse. We have devoted a large part of our practice to advocating for the socially and economically disadvantaged to promote larger social causes especially eliminating child abuse.

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Nationwide Advocacy & Service

While Cornerstone Legal Group’s flagship office is located in Philadelphia, our attorneys, and partners work in everywhere in the country. We have been operating and representing residents of all 50 states and have a very strong presence in many areas including: Michigan, Chicago, DC, Pittsburgh, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, Baltimore, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Texas, and Pennsylvania. We also work with many firms throughout the nation, ensuring we bring the best and most skilled team possible to help child abuse survivors advocate for justice.

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Legal Disclaimer

This is legal information and not legal advice. This material is for informational purposes only. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services or claims processing to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services or claims processing performed by other lawyers or claims processing group. The information contained herein is not legal advice. Any information you submit to this site and Cornerstone Legal Group does not create an attorney-client relationship. This page is owned and managed by Cornerstone Legal Group. Your information will be forwarded to an attorney and/or claims processing firm for the purpose of confidential review. claims You should not submit to this website time sensitive due to the attorneys All photos contained on this website are of paid non-attorney spokesperson and do not depict actual current clients.

Abraxas Child Abuse Class Action Lawsuit

You may be entitled to compensation for child abuse at Abraxas facilities

Why File a Child Abuse Class Action Lawsuit on Abraxas

Abraxas & GEO Group Hid Plus Failed to Report Decades of Physical & Sexual Abuse

How the Process Works

1. Confidential Questionnaire

1. Confidential Questionnaire

1. Confidential Questionnaire

2. Free Case Evaluation

1. Confidential Questionnaire

1. Confidential Questionnaire

3. Representation Agreement

1. Confidential Questionnaire

3. Representation Agreement

4. Getting Started

Available to Answer Your Questions

3. Representation Agreement

5. Settlement & Compensation

Available to Answer Your Questions

Available to Answer Your Questions

Available to Answer Your Questions

Available to Answer Your Questions

Available to Answer Your Questions

Impacts & Injuries From Physical & Sexual Child Abuse

Psychological/Emotional Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Physical Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions

Education & Employment

Education & Employment

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Education & Employment

Social & Intimate Relationships

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, & Addiction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this class action lawsuit about?

Holding Abraxas & GEO Group Responsible for Inflicting & Hiding Years of Child Abuse

Qualifications & Criteria for Compensation

Get Your FREE Case Evaluation Today

Abraxas & GEO Group Facility Locations

Colorado

Colorado

Colorado

Illinois

Colorado

Colorado

Ohio

Colorado

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

South Carolina

South Carolina

Texas

South Carolina

South Carolina

About Us

Team Members

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

Nationwide Advocacy & Service

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

Call Us Toll-Free: 888-313-1385

Cornerstone Legal Group

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