Polinsky Children’s Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

At Phillips Law Group, we stand with survivors of sexual abuse in institutional settings, and are investigating cases of this type of abuse at the Polinsky Children’s Center, a facility intended to provide care and shelter for vulnerable youth in California. Tragically, some children entrusted to this center have suffered unimaginable harm due to sexual abuse by staff members. If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse at Polinsky Children’s Center, our compassionate and experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and accountability.

Polinsky Children’s Center Sexual Abuse Cases

The Polinsky Children’s Center is operated by San Diego County.

“The A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center is a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety, or when parents can not provide care,” the County’s government website reports. “Each month more than 100 children ages birth to 17 years old are admitted to the Polinsky Children’s Center.”

Sadly, reports of sexual abuse within the facility have revealed systemic failures in protecting these vulnerable children. Survivors of such abuse often endure profound and lasting trauma, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and difficulties with trust and relationships. Holding the responsible parties accountable is essential not only for the survivors’ healing but also to prevent future abuse and ensure the safety of all children in these facilities.

Specifically, in October 2024, NBC San Diego reported on a number of civil complaints that “allege that more than 100 children were sexually assaulted over the years by staff members at a San Diego County-owned emergency shelter for children.”

The plaintiffs involved allege that between 1994 and 2020, they were sexually abused by staff members “and threatened in order to keep them from reporting the abuse,” the outlet revealed. There were 50 unnamed defendants in the complaint at that time.

“The complaints allege the county, which owns and operates the center through its Health and Human Services Agency, failed to have adequate employee background checks and screening processes and failed in its duty to protect children placed in its care,” the NBC San Diego report added.

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Sexual Abuse at Polinsky Children’s Center: Seeking Justice

Our firm can represent survivors of institutional abuse and help them seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, and other damages. We also work to hold negligent institutions like Polinsky Children’s Center accountable for failing to protect the children in their care.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may have time to come forward and file claims, even if the abuse occurred years or decades ago. The team at Phillips Law Group can help.

There is a grave need for accountability and systemic reform in many child welfare services institutional facilities. Legal action in addressing institutional failures and ensuring justice for survivors is crucial to making those things happen.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse at the Polinsky Children’s Center, you are not alone. Our dedicated legal team is here to provide a safe, confidential space to share your story and explore your legal options.

Please contact us today for a free, no-obligation, confidential consultation. Our team stands ready to help you or your loved one seek justice. Call 602-222-2222 now.