Illinois Youth Center - Pere Marquette
Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette is a treatment facility for juvenile males located in Grafton, Illinois. The facility was included in the Department of Justice's National Survey of Youth in Custody that found Illinois among the worst states for juvenile detention abuse. If you were abused at this facility, you may be entitled to compensation.
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About IYC Pere Marquette
Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette is a treatment facility for juvenile males operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). Located in Grafton, Illinois—a remote area in Jersey County along the Mississippi River—the facility provides specialized treatment programs for male youth offenders.
The facility was formerly operated as a boot camp-style program with punitive treatment approaches. Its isolated location, similar to IYC Harrisburg, created barriers to oversight and family visitation that allowed abuse to persist.
IYC Pere Marquette was one of seven Illinois Youth Center facilities examined by the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Statistics in its National Survey of Youth in Custody. The investigation found that Illinois ranked among the four worst states in the nation for sexual abuse in juvenile detention facilities.
Approximately 15% of youth in Illinois state custody reported experiencing sexual victimization—35% higher than the national average. The federal investigation raised concerns about retaliation against youth who reported abuse, further discouraging victims from coming forward.
Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice - Official
IYC Pere Marquette is a treatment facility for juvenile males. The facility was selected as the 2023 winner of the PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen Award for work in family engagement.
Source: IDJJ Official Website
DOJ Bureau of Justice Statistics (2013)
A comprehensive federal investigation conducted by the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Statistics examined conditions at seven Illinois Youth Center facilities, including Pere Marquette. The findings placed Illinois among the four worst states nationwide for rates of abuse in juvenile detention. The survey revealed that approximately 15% of youth in Illinois state custody had been subjected to sexual abuse, predominantly at the hands of staff members.
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics
Types of Abuse Reported
Sexual Abuse by Staff
Sexual assault and misconduct by staff members in positions of authority.
Physical Abuse
Excessive force and punitive treatment, particularly during the boot camp era.
Isolation from Support
Remote location created barriers to family visits and external oversight.
Failure to Investigate
Complaints ignored and systemic failure to hold abusers accountable.
Your Legal Options
If you were abused at IYC Pere Marquette, you may be entitled to compensation. Illinois has extended statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing survivors to pursue justice even if the abuse occurred decades ago.
There is no cost to file a claim. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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