Slater Slater Schulman LLP
Investigation Open

Illinois Youth Center - Chicago

Chicago, IL (Cook County)

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We are currently reviewing claims involving sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by staff in Illinois juvenile facilities.

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The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

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.

See If You QualifyCall 516-914-5118
Free Confidential Same-day

Were you abused at IYC Chicago?

You may be eligible for compensation. Speaking with us is free and confidential.

See If You Qualify Call Now

Available 24/7 · 516-914-5118

Confidential

All consultations are completely confidential

Proven Results

$4B+ recovered for abuse survivors

Experienced Team

3,500+ survivors represented

40+ Years

Decades of experience fighting for justice

Who May Have a Claim

  • You were detained or held in custody at IYC Chicago
  • You experienced sexual abuse by a guard, counselor, medical staff, or other facility employee
  • The abuser was acting in their role at the facility when the abuse occurred
  • You can identify the abuser by name, nickname, or detailed description
  • You know the approximate time period when the abuse occurred

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.

Not sure if you qualify? Start a free, confidential review

What happens when you reach out

Three quiet steps, on your terms

  • 1
    You tell us as much or as little as you want.A confidential conversation with our team — by phone or online. You stay in control of the pace.
  • 2
    We review whether you have a claim.At no cost, against the facts and the law — and we tell you honestly either way.
  • 3
    You decide what happens next.There's no cost to speak with us, and you're never obligated to move forward.
See If You Qualify Call Now

Time Limits

Time limits can apply to these claims, and they depend on your specific situation. The sooner you reach out, the more we may be able to do — and speaking with us is free and confidential.

About the facility

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.

Source: Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this confidential?+

Yes. Your consultation is free and completely confidential. Many survivors choose to proceed using a pseudonym, and contacting us does not make anything public. You decide what to share and when.

Do I need a police report?+

No. You do not need a police report — or any documentation — to speak with us. Many survivors never reported what happened, and that does not affect your ability to come forward now.

What if I don't remember exact dates?+

That's completely okay. Memories of trauma are rarely tidy. You do not need precise dates — our team can help reconstruct a timeline from records and other information.

Does contacting you start a lawsuit?+

No. Reaching out simply starts a confidential conversation with our intake team. There is no obligation, and you remain in control of every decision about whether and how to move forward.

You Are Not Alone. We're Here to Help.

Survivors from across Illinois are coming forward. Your story matters, and speaking with us is free and confidential.

See If You Qualify Call Now

Other Facilities Under Investigation

Cook County JTDC

Chicago, IL

Learn more

IYC St. Charles

St. Charles, IL

Learn more

IYC Harrisburg

Harrisburg, IL

Learn more

IYC Warrenville

Warrenville, IL

Learn more

IYC Pere Marquette

Grafton, IL

Learn more

Do You Qualify?

Tell us what happened. Your review is free and confidential, and we'll tell you honestly whether you may have a claim.

Free Case Evaluation

We are currently reviewing claims involving sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by staff in Illinois juvenile facilities.

🔒 Confidential💰 No cost⚡ Same-day response

The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.