At Slater Slater Schulman LLP, we are at the forefront of advocating for the rights of those who have been wrongfully harmed, particularly when it involves vulnerable populations such as children in state-run facilities. Our founding partner, Adam Slater, is leading a groundbreaking case that addresses a deeply disturbing issue within Maryland's residential treatment system.
On March 12, 2024, our firm filed a lawsuit on behalf of twenty-six women against three Maryland agencies: the Department of Juvenile Services, Department of Human Services, and Department of Health. These agencies placed them in Good Shepherd Services' residential treatment facility in Halethorpe, a facility designated for children with behavioral health issues. Tragically, instead of receiving the necessary care and support, these women allege that they were subjected to sexual abuse by staff members, including priests and nuns, within the facility's walls. We were able to keep the names of each woman confidential and only needed to include their initials in the lawsuit.
The allegations span across decades, with some instances of abuse occurring as recently as 2017 and some dating back four decades. The victims report being abused in their bedrooms, offices, and even away from the facility. Shockingly, some staff members allegedly used gifts to groom their victims before abusing them, while others drugged their victims. Adding to the horror, the survivors were often told that no one would believe them if they reported the abuse, exploiting their vulnerable and disenfranchised status.
Our filings in court describes a hostile environment where staff withheld food and hygiene access to incite attacks between children, treating them like animals in a fight for their amusement.
The lawsuit highlights the systemic failures of the state agencies in preventing the sexual abuse of children under their care. Despite previous incidents and warnings, there was a repeated failure to train, supervise, or discipline employees to prevent such abuse. This neglect has led to a pattern of allowing sexual abuse to occur, violating the plaintiffs' rights under the Maryland State Constitution.
This case is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform in residential treatment programs for children. It is a call to action for all of us to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society are protected and that their rights are upheld.
At Slater Slater Schulman LLP, we stand with the survivors and are determined to seek justice on their behalf. This lawsuit is just the "tip of the iceberg," according to our firm’s founding partner Adam Slater. It is a significant step towards exposing the extent of abuse in these facilities and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
In addition to representing the victims of Good Shepherd Services, our firm is also actively representing victims of many Juvenile Detention Centers and Youth Justice Facilities. We are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable and ensuring that survivors receive the justice they deserve.
If you or someone you know has experienced similar abuse, we urge you to contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Your voice matters, and together, we can fight for the justice and change that is long overdue.
For more information or to seek legal assistance, please call us at (888)-717-2688 or fill out our simple eligibility form for a free and confidential consultation.