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 comprehensive federal investigation conducted by the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Statistics examined conditions at seven Illinois Youth Center facilities. The findings, released in June 2013, placed Illinois among the four worst states nationwide for rates of abuse in juvenile detention.
The investigation found that approximately 15% of youth in Illinois state custody had been subjected to sexual abuse, predominantly at the hands of staff members. This rate was 35% higher than the national average and prompted emergency hearings in the Illinois Legislature.
U.S. Department of Justice - Bureau of Justice Statistics (2013)
The DOJ's National Survey of Youth in Custody examined conditions at seven Illinois Youth Center facilities, including IYC Chicago. The survey found that Illinois ranked among the four worst states in the nation for sexual abuse in juvenile detention facilities, with approximately 15% of youth in Illinois state custody reporting experiencing sexual victimization—roughly 35% higher than the national average.
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
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 for your suffering. Illinois law allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue claims even if the abuse occurred decades ago.
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202.2), victims of childhood sexual abuse who were born on or after July 24, 1983 may file claims at any time.
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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