PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH ORGANIZATION SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYERS
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Many youth organizations play a pivotal role in Pennsylvania communities. Groups like the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, the YMCA, Little League, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and church-led organizations aim to teach children essential skills, teamwork, leadership, and independence as they grow into adulthood. Unfortunately, some people in these organizations take advantage of vulnerable youth, and sexual abuse is more common than you might think.
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, we understand how devastating it can be to learn that your child has been abused by the very people you trusted with your child’s care. Our Pennsylvania youth organization sexual abuse lawyers will support you every step of the way as we fight for justice. We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to explain your legal options and how we can work together to hold the abuser accountable.
Navigate This Page
- Get Help From a Youth Organization Sex Abuse Lawyer at Cordisco & Saile LLC
- What are Examples of Youth Organizations With Sex Abuse Cases?
- Sex Abuse in Youth Sports
- Laws Concerning Youth Organization Sex Abuse
- What are the Steps to Prevent Child Sex Abuse in Youth Organizations?
- Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Cordisco & Saile LLC Today
Get Help From a Youth Organization Sex Abuse Lawyer at Cordisco & Saile LLC
Unfortunately, child predators and sexual abusers often find their way into youth organizations, giving them direct access to children who trust them. This creates a dangerous environment for unsuspecting children who are put in harm’s way. In some cases, young victims may not even understand or recognize they are being abused.
Youth organizations are legally obligated to perform background checks on new hires, supervise staff, and institute safeguards to protect children’s safety. Too often, abusers get access to children because youth groups and institutions fail to properly implement and adhere to these safety precautions. They also may ignore reports or ignore the signs of abuse.
If you learn that somebody at a Pennsylvania youth organization sexually abused your child, you are not alone. It’s crucial to hold these institutions accountable for the suffering they caused to your family. Our team of experienced youth organization sex abuse lawyers is ready to help by:
- Providing support and resources for victims and families
- Conducting a full investigation of what happened
- Gathering and documenting evidence to support your claim
- Proving a lack of supervision or negligent hiring practices led to the abuse
- Uncovering possible sexual abuse cover-ups by the organization
- Negotiating for maximum compensation for victims and their families
Embarking on a legal fight against a well-known youth organization can be intimidating. That’s why we’re here to fight on your behalf. We have a record of successful cases and know what steps to take to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our sex abuse lawyers based in Pennsylvania to schedule a free consultation today.
What are Examples of Youth Organizations With Sex Abuse Cases?
1. Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America, established in 1910 to teach boys important values and leadership skills, has faced tens of thousands of sexual misconduct lawsuits filed by former scouts over several decades. In 2021, the organization reached an $850 million settlement with 60,000 men who claimed they were molested, raped, or sexually harassed by people within the organization.
With thousands more accusations of sexual abuse pending against the Boy Scouts, the organization filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2020.
2. Boys & Girls Club of America
One of the oldest youth groups in the United States, the Boys & Girls Club of America focuses on preparing youths for adulthood with after-school and character development programs. Unfortunately, it is another youth organization fraught with sexual abuse allegations. There have been dozens of child sexual abuse claims in recent years alone.
3. Big Brothers Big Sisters
Pairing children with volunteer adult mentors, the Big Brother Big Sisters organization aims to provide one-on-one support and guidance to underserved youths. However, the program has a history of sexual abuse lawsuits connected to insufficient mentor screening. In some cases, children were paired with sexual predators and suffered years of abuse.
4. Summer Camps and Day Camps
According to news reports, there are hundreds of reported cases of inappropriate conduct and sexual abuse at summer and day camps nationwide. Lawmakers are pushing for better camp accreditation and licensing standards to keep kids safe.
5. Child Sexual Abuse in Religious Institutions
Youth groups run by religious institutions or churches also have a long history of child sexual abuse. Researchers have found that children in religious settings are particularly susceptible to abuse because of the trust they and their families put in church leaders and their faith.
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Sex Abuse in Youth Sports
Youth sporting groups, including Little League Baseball, provide athletic programs for kids to get more exercise, develop teamwork skills, foster leadership, and enhance collaboration. However, some Little League coaches have been accused of sexual assault and years of abuse.
Another example of a youth sports organization that recently came under fire for child sex abuse is USA Gymnastics. A trusted doctor within the organization assaulted hundreds of young gymnasts, including those on the United States women’s gymnastics Olympic team. Victims sued the Federal Bureau of Investigation for more than $1 billion for failing to stop the doctor despite several allegations.
If you know or suspect a coach or other leader in a youth sports organization is being inappropriate with children, it’s important to speak up to prevent further abuse. You can also contact our youth organization sexual abuse attorneys to learn more about your rights and what you can do to claim compensation.
Laws Concerning Youth Organization Sex Abuse
Title IX specifically prohibits sexual harassment or sexual violence in public and private schools that receive federal funds. The law covers the following behavior:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Sexual battery
- Sexual coercion
Schools are legally required to report any sexual abuse immediately, even if the student or the family does not want to file a complaint. The school must also resolve the situation by stopping the behavior, addressing the effects of the abuse, and taking measures to prevent it from happening again.
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What are the Steps to Prevent Child Sex Abuse in Youth Organizations?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Health and Human Services provide policies, procedures, and guidelines on child sexual abuse within youth organizations. The purpose of these guidelines is to create the safest environments for children and prevent sexual abuse with these recommendations:
- Create a stringent screening and selection process for employees and volunteers
- Share and enforce guidelines for interactions
- Have a process in place to monitor behaviors
- Immediately respond to inappropriate behavior, breaches in policies, or allegations of child sex abuse
- Train all employees, volunteers, and caregivers on child sexual abuse and how to spot it
- Educate youth participants on sexual abuse and what to do if it happens
Taking these steps can help keep children safe and maintain an environment responsive to inappropriate behavior. When choosing a youth organization for your child, don’t be afraid to ask about their policies and procedures for preventing abuse and how they build a safe space for children.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Cordisco & Saile LLC Today
Sexual abuse in youth organizations is serious and can leave victims with lasting mental and emotional scars.
Cordisco & Saile LLC is dedicated to making your voice heard and ensuring justice is served. We have helped countless clients secure compensation for their suffering and can help you, too. Contact us now to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.
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