Illinois Youth Center - St. Charles
Illinois Youth Center St. Charles is the primary intake facility for youth committed from the Chicago area. The facility has documented incidents of staff-on-youth violence, sexual misconduct, and inadequate medical care. In 2021, a staff member pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor resident.
Important: Time limits apply to filing claims. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
About IYC St. Charles
Illinois Youth Center St. Charles is a multi-security level juvenile detention facility operated by the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Located approximately 40 miles west of Chicago in Kane County, it serves as the primary reception center for youth committed from the Chicago metropolitan area.
The facility has an estimated capacity of 318 beds and houses male juvenile offenders at various security levels. Despite its proximity to Chicago and presumably greater oversight, the facility has been the site of documented abuse and staff misconduct.
The facility has been known for decades of internal investigations involving violence, neglect, and allegations of sexual assault against juvenile residents. One former resident detailed how a staff member manipulated and groomed him for several months before initiating a series of assaults.
The DOJ's National Survey of Youth in Custody included IYC St. Charles in its examination of Illinois facilities, finding that Illinois ranked among the four worst states for sexual abuse in juvenile detention.
Criminal Conviction Record (2021)
In 2021, Antoinette Perkins pleaded guilty to the charge of felony official misconduct after engaging in sexual misconduct with a minor detainee while she was working as a Juvenile Justice Specialist at the St. Charles Illinois Youth Detention Center.
WTTW Chicago (June 2024)
The alleged abuse occurred from 1997 to 2019 and involved victims ranging in age from 10-17 years old. The lawsuits claim abuse took place at eight youth centers across Illinois, including St. Charles. "The State of Illinois is aware (and has for decades been aware) that the conditions connected to sexual abuse were endemic to all IYC facilities."
Source: WTTW Chicago
Types of Abuse Reported
Sexual Abuse by Staff
Sexual assault and exploitation by juvenile justice specialists, counselors, and supervisors.
Grooming and Manipulation
Staff members building trust with vulnerable youth before initiating abuse.
Physical Violence
Excessive force and physical abuse beyond lawful discipline.
Medical Neglect
Inadequate medical care and denial of necessary treatment.
Your Legal Options
If you were abused at IYC St. Charles, you may be entitled to compensation. Illinois has extended statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing survivors to pursue justice even decades later.
There is no cost to file a claim. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
You Are Not Alone. We're Here to Help.
Hundreds of survivors have come forward. Your story matters.
Free Confidential ConsultationOr call us directly:
888-717-2688
You Are Not Alone. We're Here to Help.
We're here to listen and help you take action. Every conversation is confidential.