Illinois Youth Center - Chicago
Illinois Youth Center Chicago is a state-operated juvenile detention facility that was included in federal investigations that found Illinois among the worst states in the nation for sexual abuse in juvenile detention. If you were abused at this facility, you may be entitled to compensation.
Important: Time limits apply to filing claims. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
About IYC Chicago
Illinois Youth Center Chicago is one of five secure juvenile detention facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). The facility houses male youth offenders and provides educational, vocational, and mental health services.
However, federal investigations have revealed that IYC Chicago and other Illinois Youth Centers have been sites of widespread sexual abuse by staff members against the children in their care.
A federal survey conducted by the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Statistics — the 2012 National Survey of Youth in Custody, published in June 2013 — examined conditions at seven Illinois Youth Center facilities. BJS identified Illinois as one of four states with high rates of reported sexual victimization in juvenile facilities.
The survey found that 15.4% of youth in Illinois state custody reported experiencing sexual victimization — about 60% above the 9.5% national average — with staff sexual misconduct reported by 13.7% of Illinois youth versus 7.7% nationally. Following the report, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice commissioned an independent assessment of its facilities by Kinsale Management Consulting.
U.S. Department of Justice - Bureau of Justice Statistics (2013)
The DOJ's National Survey of Youth in Custody (2012 survey, published June 2013) examined conditions at seven Illinois Youth Center facilities, including IYC Chicago. BJS identified Illinois as one of four states with high rates of reported sexual victimization in juvenile facilities: 15.4% of youth in Illinois state custody reported sexual victimization, versus a 9.5% national average — about 60% above the national rate.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics
WBEZ Chicago (July 2025)
More than 900 people now say they were abused at Illinois youth prisons. Plaintiffs claim they were raped, groped and threatened—all while in the custody of an Illinois Youth Center or the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.
Source: WBEZ Chicago
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (official statement, 2013)
Following the BJS report, IDJJ Director Arthur Bishop announced that the department had commissioned an independent assessment of its facilities by Kinsale Management Consulting.
Types of Abuse Reported
Sexual Abuse by Staff
Sexual assault, exploitation, and misconduct by detention officers, counselors, medical staff, and supervisors.
Physical Abuse
Excessive force, beatings, and punitive treatment beyond lawful discipline.
Failure to Protect
Staff failing to prevent violence or abuse between detainees.
Failure to Investigate
Systemic failure to investigate complaints or discipline abusive staff.
Retaliation
Punishment or isolation for youth who reported abuse.
Medical Neglect
Denial of necessary medical or mental health treatment.
Your Legal Options
If you were abused at IYC Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2, survivors of childhood sexual abuse born on or after July 24, 1983 may generally file at any time.
For survivors born earlier, eligibility depends on narrower, fact-specific exceptions.
Because IYC Chicago was State-operated, separate and often shorter deadlines can apply — these claims are especially time-sensitive.
There is no cost to file a claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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We are currently reviewing claims involving sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by staff in Illinois juvenile facilities.