Texas Juvenile Facility Sexual Abuse Attorneys
SEXUAL ABUSE
Our Texas Juvenile facility sexual abuse attorneys understand that youth inmates deserve safety, rehabilitation, and protection. Instead, thousands of young people in the Texas juvenile justice system have been subjected to sexual assault, abuse, and exploitation by the very institutions tasked with protecting children. Federal authorities have uncovered widespread abuse, sexual assault, and staff misconduct across all five state-operated juvenile halls. Our Texas juvenile detention center abuse attorneys represent children who are sexually abused in juvenile detention centers across Texas. We fight to hold the staff members, administrators, and government agencies responsible for the widespread sexual abuse committed. Reich & Binstock has a longstanding reputation for seeking justice and settling numerous cases arising from child sexual abuse lawsuits.
If you or your child were sexually abused while detained in a Texas juvenile facility, our Texas juvenile hall sexual abuse lawyers can help you file a juvenile sexual assault lawsuit to recover the compensation you deserve.
Call 713-622-7271 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential, free consultation.
Texas Juvenile Justice System Sexual Abuse Uncovered by Federal Investigation
Federal authorities uncovered shocking findings of widespread abuse within the Texas juvenile justice system. The federal investigation documented alarmingly high rates of sexual victimization among children in custody. Many cases involved forced sexual activity among detainees and sexual assault committed by staff members. The shocking findings led to civil lawsuits filed on behalf of child victims who endured psychological harm while in custody across many states. The DOJ investigation exposed a culture of cover-ups where county officials and juvenile detention hall administrations failed to protect children despite numerous witness statements alleging sexual abuse.
The DOJ report conducted investigations into the following in Texas state-run juvenile detention centers:
- Evins Regional Juvenile Center
- Gainesville State School
- Giddings State School
- McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility
- Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex
Like many states, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) violated the U.S. Constitution, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
TJJD routinely violated children’s rights by:
- Exposing young men and women to excessive force and prolonged isolation
- Exposing young people to childhood sexual abuse
- Failing to provide adequate mental health treatment
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani stated that “children in these facilities face sexual abuse by staff and other children.” He noted that for decades, “other investigations by Texas state agencies and the Texas Rangers substantiated allegations of the children at TJJD facilities, yet this horrifying problem persists.”
Our Texas sexual abuse lawyers represent childhood sexual abuse survivors who have pursued legal action through civil legal filings. We seek justice and financial compensation for the trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD our clients suffered. Authorities have called for independent monitoring, enhanced training for staff members, improved procedures, and systemic reforms to prevent sexual abuse in youth detention facilities.
How to File a Juvenile Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Texas
Many survivors of sexual victimization in Texas juvenile detention facilities can pursue civil lawsuits against both perpetrators and the institutions.
The Texas House Bill 3809 extended the civil statute of limitations for child victims. Survivors can now file civil lawsuits until the age of 48. Our Texas juvenile detention sexual abuse attorneys can file claims against the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), county juvenile detention centers, supervisors, counselors, and other staff members.
The process for suing TJDD involves numerous complexities.
In Texas, damage caps depend on whether the defendant is state or county-operated. Damage caps are as follows:
- state-run juvenile halls: $250,000 per victim, $500,000 total per occurrence
- county-operated juvenile halls: $100,000 per victim, $300,000 total per occurrence
Before filing lawsuits, victims must provide written “notice of claim” to the entity within six months of the incident. Individual cities may impose even shorter notice deadlines.
If you were sexually assaulted in a Texas juvenile detention center, consult an attorney from our law firm to discuss the process of seeking justice and compensation.
Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers Operated by TJJD
Giddings State School (Lee County)
There have been numerous lawsuits filed against Giddings State School over the past couple of decades. The lawsuits allege a range of inappropriate acts, with many incidents involving assaults.
From January 2000 to February 2007, investigators reported over 750 complaints of abuse in juvenile halls across 13 Texas Youth Commission facilities, including this one.
TYC guards deliberated placed a young man in a cell with a much older, stronger inmate who stated outright what his plan was. The 2003 victim’s testimony says he “allowed the inmate to sodomize him because he couldn’t fight him anymore”. Another Giddings State School guard sexually assaulted the inmate. Also, the detainee was severely beaten at the Marlin Unit while being processed. At Crockett State School, the inmate’s jaw was broken and had to be wired shut. They claimed immunity.
In 2012, an ombudsman reported sexual victimization, saying Giddings’ youth in detention were “bought and owned” by fellow students who “control the culture.” Students feared leaving security detention, and Giddings staff commonly used food to extort them.
In 2022, a Giddings officer was indicted for improper sexual activity and indecency with a child. State officials declined to pursue both sex abuse cases.
In 2024, the DOJ findings confirmed these allegations and prior charges. If you were sexually abused at Giddings State School, consult a Texas juvenile detention sexual abuse attorney through a free consultation.
Evins Regional Juvenile Center (Hidalgo County)
There have been two major riots at Evins Regional Juvenile Center.
In another incident, Garza, a caseworker, reported Evins Juvenile Center abuse to the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, CPS, and Edinburg Police Department, with no response. She spoke to local media, describing the alleged abuse. Later, the lawsuit filed by Garza outlines retaliation.
“Roach”, a staff member at Evins juvenile center, was charged with excessive force.
In 2022, two Evins staff members were charged after slamming a youth’s head into a brick pillar. One allegedly spat on the unconscious boy before causing additional injuries. One pleaded guilty.
In 2024, an Evins juvenile facility officer was charged with indecency by exposure and indecent contact with a child. A separate youth development coach was indicted for sexual abuse at Evins Juvenile Center.
If you or your child were sexually abused at Evins Regional Juvenile Center, call a Texas Juvenile detention sexual assault attorney from our firm for a free consultation.
McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility
In 2018, a DOJ report showed 1 in 6 detainees at McLennan County alleged sexual abuse. This sexual victimization rate is one of the highest rates in the country.
In 1019, a youth development coach confessed to sexually assaulting a McLennan juvenile inmate.
In 2021, a McLennan Juvenile Correctional coach was arrested for indecency with a child. She was also accused of helping three run away from a TJJD halfway house.
In 2022, a McLennan juvenile officer failed to intervene in an assault. DOJ investigators found another employee using violent, sexually graphic language with a McLennan juvenile inmate.
If you or your child was sexually abused at the McLennan Juvenile facility, a Texas juvenile detention center abuse lawyer from our firm can help you seek justice and recovery for the psychological harm your family endured.
Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex (Brown County)
In 2007, a Ron Jackson employee was indicted on 15-19 counts of sexually abusing a 16-year-old. He was convicted of 4 counts total and sentenced to four 18-year prison terms. Another Ron Jackson employee was charged with sexually assaulting an adult prisoner while a guard at the Middleton prison unit. He landed a job with TYC while still under investigation. A third Ron Jackson guard was arrested for sexually assaulting a female prisoner.
From 2013 to 2018, 34 Ron Jackson employees were fired. Some officials allowed sexual behavior while they watched. Others caused physical harm.
In 2018, three Ron Jackson officers were arrested for excessive use of force.
In 2019, a Ron Jackson coach was arrested for improper sexual activity with a person in custody.
In 2020, another Ron Jackson coach was arrested for the same offense.
In 2021, another coach was arrested for engaging in sexual contact with an inmate.
In 2022, an officer was accused and later indicted for excessive use of force at Ron Jackson.
In 2023, an employee was charged and later indicted for assaulting a Ron Jackson inmate.
If you or your child were sexually abused at Ron Jackson juvenile facility, a Texas juvenile detention center sexual abuse attorney from our firm can help.
Gainesville State School (Cooke County)
In 2017, a Gainesville State School officer was convicted of improper sexual activity with three teenagers and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The officer had a history before the TJDD employer hired him. Additionally, several Gainesville officers were arrested for sexual misconduct with juvenile offenders. One officer was pregnant with a Gainesville juvenile’s child.
In 2018, one in six youth detained at Gainesville State School alleged sexual abuse. The sexual victimization rate is among the highest rates in the country. The ombudsman reported sexual activity, bullying, extortion, and assaults. Additionally, the kids alleged that a Gainesville guard watched them masturbate.
In 2024, a Gainesville State School employee engaged in oral sex with a child. Another Gainesville State School employee had “overtly sexual conversations” with children, and another Gainesville employee sent nude photos to a juvenile.
If you or your child were sexually abused at Gainesville State School, a Texas juvenile detention facility sexual assault lawyer from our firm can help you seek justice and recovery to help your family move forward.
County Juvenile Detention Facility Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in Texas
Harris County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse
The Harris County Juvenile Detention Center contracts services to:
Burnett-Bayland Rehabilitation Center (closed 12/21),
Leadership Academy (formerly Harris County Boot Camp), and
Youth Village.
2014-2022 Harris County PREA reports show youth-perpetrated incidents being the most common. If you were sexually abused at Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, consult a Texas juvenile hall sexual abuse lawyer to discuss taking legal action.
Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse
Fort Bend County’s 2014-2023 PREA reports show zero allegations across all categories. A decade-long pattern contrasts sexual abuse lawsuits filed by victims.
In 2018, a Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center volunteer was charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact. In the federal lawsuit filed, the volunteer sexually abused a minor hundreds of times. The federal lawsuit alleged the attacks were captured on surveillance by guards. The sex abuse lawsuit sought damages from the volunteer, three law enforcement agents, the sheriff, facility supervisors, interviewers, and the PREA coordinator, who the sex abuse lawsuit alleges failed to help the victim. The lawsuit claimed “they stood idly by and let the abuse happen.”
Systemic abuse happening under video surveillance didn’t generate even a single PREA accusation. This raises serious concerns about the Fort Bend juvenile detention center’s decade-long PREA certification.
If you were sexually assaulted at Fort Bend Juvenile Detention Center, a Texas juvenile detention facility sexual abuse attorney can help you file a sexual abuse lawsuit and ensure your abuse allegations are treated with the response you deserve.
Montgomery County Olen Underwood Juvenile Justice Center
In 2023, one Olen Underwood Juvenile Justice Center inmate reported abuse related to voyeurism. The department investigated and said the abuse allegation was unfounded. OIG labeled the alleged abuse “other” and told the department to “deal with it internally.” This means the staff member’s own institution handled the outcome.
The Montgomery County Juvenile Justice Center contracts services out to:
Bell, Rockdale, Grayson, Victoria, Neuces (Robert N. Barnes), and Travis County
Forrest Ridge Youth Services
Clarinda Academy
Sequel Youth Services
Gulf Coast Trades Center (GCTC)
Rite of Passage
Texas Monarch Academy for Girls (ROP)
Pegasus
The Oaks
Woodward Academy
TrueCore
Azleway
Boys Town
Lake Granbury Youth Services (ROP)
In 2024, multiple victims reported sexual victimization within contracted centers. The 2024 Olen Underwood PREA report shows the following substantiated events:
One Woodward Academy staff member sexually abused a child, and one in custody sexually abused another.
Three Pegasus youth inmate sex abuse cases, with two other substantiated sex abuse cases.
Two sex abuse cases involving youth in post-adjudication.
One sex abuse claim by a youth in Robert N. Barnes.
If you were sexually abused in a Montgomery County juvenile detention center, a Texas juvenile sexual abuse attorney can help you hold the institution accountable.
Brazoria County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse
The Juvenile Detention Center in Brazoria County contracts services to other juvenile facilities and schools, including:
Everyday Life
Grayson, Neuces, and Victoria County
Pegasus Schools
In contract locations, there were 5 substantiated claims at Pegasus and 4 between Victoria and Nueces County. In 2021, there was 1 staff sexual harassment case and three juvenile inmate sex abuse cases in Brazoria County Juvenile Detention Center.
If you were a victim of abuse occurring at a Brazoria County juvenile detention center, our lawyers can help you identify your legal options.
Galveston County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse
Galveston County Juvenile Justice Department operates the Jerry J. Esmond Juvenile Justice Center/ TLC Residential Program. The department’s 2023 PREA report shows one substantiated sex abuse case by staff and one sexual harassment case.
Substantiated sex abuse cases in TLC reports show:
2017: 1 youth sex abuse
2022: 1 staff-on youth sex abuse
If you were raped or if abuse happened in Jerry J. Esmond or TLC, our lawyers can help you pursue a sex abuse lawsuit against the institution and others responsible.
Jefferson County Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center Abuse
Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center contractors were repeatedly identified with substantiated allegations during recent reviews:
2023: 5 sex abuse cases and one sexual harassment case by juveniles, and one staff harassment case.
2022: sexual abuse by youth, employee sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment.
If you or your child were sexually abused in Jefferson County juvenile detention centers, call a Texas juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyer for a free consultation.
Victoria Regional Juvenile Justice Center Abuse
Victoria Regional Juvenile Justice Center’s PREA reports show the following.
2024 PREA: 1 sexual harassment, 1 sex abuse by inmate
2023 PREA: 1 sex abuse, 7 sexual harassment by inmate
If you experienced abuse occurring at a Victoria juvenile detention center, we can help you file a child sexual abuse lawsuit.
Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center Abuse
Williamson County juvenile detention center contracts placement to:
JUSTICE Boot Camp,
Shoreline Residential Center,
Victoria, Bell, and Duval County (Judge Ricardo H. Garcia) Juvenile Centers
Therapeutic Family Life,
New Life Children’s Center,
Gulf Coast Trade Center,
Central Texas Treatment Center, and
STARRY Emergency Shelter.
In 2023, Central Texas Treatment Center had one employee sexual harassment and one case involving a resident in 2024.
There was 1 substantiated staff sexual harassment claim in 2023 and 1 from a resident in 2024 at Central Texas Treatment Center. Bell County Juvenile Center had numerous criminal cases in prior reviews.
Gardner Betts Juvenile Center Abuse in Travis County
TCJPD contracted facilities include:
The Oaks
Lake Granbury Youth: 1 sex abuse by staff
Gulf Coast Trades Center
Texas Monarch Academy for Girls
Pegasus: 5 cases of sexual harassment and 2 cases of abuse by inmates
Cyndi Tayler Krier Correction Treatment Center
Atascosa Substance Abuse Program
2017-2024 Travis County PREA reports show:
Gardner Betts Juvenile Center employee sexually abused a juvenile, and two sexual harassment by residents
Meurer ISC employees: one sexual victimization and sex abuse, four cases of sexual harassment and sex abuse by inmates
If you suffered abuse in juvenile detention while incarcerated in Travis County, we are filing claims on behalf of clients to hold the Texas Juvenile Justice System accountable for negligence.
Bell County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse
Bell County Juvenile Detention Center seems to have a growing number of abuses in juvenile halls. Numerous sex abuse cases by staff and residents have been substantiated in several reviews, including:
2021 juvenile sexual abuse in Bell County (staff only)
Our lawyers can file sex abuse lawsuits against the Bell County Juvenile Detention Center if you suffered while incarcerated or detained.
Dr. Jerome McNeil Jr. Detention Center Sexual Abuse in Dallas County
The 2016 Dr. Jerome McNeil Jr. Detention Center PREA report is the most recent. The juvenile detention center has faced serious allegations regarding failure to protect children in custody. According to a recent investigation, the Dallas County Detention Center kept kids in solitary confinement and falsified documents. State investigators highlighted systemic abuse beyond PREA-specific violations. In 2024, the deputy director resigned amid a state investigation into supervisory neglect and inhumane conditions. The prior director resigned following such allegations.
John R. Roach Detention Center Abuse in Collin County
John R. Roach Detention Center’s 2024 PREA reports show five inmate sexual harassment claims.
Collin County Juvenile Justice contracts placement services with the following. The latest PREA reports show:
Lake Grandbury Youth Services’ staff sexually abused one juvenile
Texas Monarch Academy for Girls: none
The Oaks – Brownwood: none
Contact a Texas juvenile detention sexual abuse attorney to discuss filing a sex abuse lawsuit.
Lynn W. Ross Juvenile Detention Center Abuse in Tarrant County
Tarrant County official PREA reports indicate no sexual victimization dating back to 2018 for the Lynn W. Ross juvenile detention center. However, the following were substantiated allegations of abuse occurring between 2021 and 2023:
9 non-consensual sexual acts, 13 sexual victimization, and 10 abusive sexual contact cases by youth
3 cases of sexual harassment and 7 incidents of misconduct by employees
Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse
The Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center 2016-2022PREA reports show the following substantiated abuse claims from Bexar County juvenile facilities contracted out:
26 nonconsensual sexual acts, 20 instances of abusive sexual contact, and 48 sexual victimization by inmates
13 cases of misconduct and 4 sexual victimization by staff
Darrell B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center Sexual Abuse in Cameron County
Darrel B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center’s 2023-2024 PREA report shows 2 nonconsensual sex acts and 1 sexual harassment by youth. The Amador R. Rodriguez Academic & Vocational Center 2023-2024 PREA report shows no substantiated claims.
Judge Mario E. Ramirez Jr. Juvenile Justice Center Sexual Abuse in Hidalgo County
The 2023 and 2024 PREA report for Judge Mario E. Ramirez Jr. Juvenile Justice Center and Juvenile Boot Camp has no substantiated allegations.
Barbara Culver Juvenile Justice Center Abuse in Midland County
Barbara Culver Juvenile Justice Center hasn’t uploaded a PREA report since 2021. However, from 2016 to 2021, there were no allegations or substantiated claims.
Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center & Youth Center of the High Plains
Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center’s 2019-2024 PREA report shows no substantiated claims since 2021. There was 1 staff sexual harassment in 2019, 1 abusive sexual contact, and 1 sexual harassment from inmates in 2021.
El Paso County Juvenile Detention Center Abuse
Both the El Paso County Juvenile Detention facility and Samuel F. Santana Challenge Academy haven’t uploaded PREA reports since 2015, but those show no founded allegations.
Child Sexual Abuse at Texas Juvenile Camps and Court-Ordered Behavioral Health Centers
Abuse occurring at Texas juvenile camps and court-ordered behavioral health centers remains a concern. Texas children’s camp sexual abuse claims have emerged across state-run facilities, with investigations documenting events where staff members exploited their positions of authority to prey on minors. Similarly, Texas psychiatric hospital sexual abuse claims have surfaced at behavioral health centers, where youth sent by courts for mental health treatment have alleged sexual abuse by professionals.
A Texas juvenile third-party healthcare investigation and the Senate’s report, Warehouses of Neglect, exposed systemic issues with protecting youth in state-linked care. A federal judge subsequently ordered Texas to remove youth from all juvenile detention facilities run by these organizations. There were at least 48 Texas kids in the facilities under investigation.
Vivant Behavioral Healthcare
Vivant operated several former Sequel operations after Sequel closed following scandals. State regulators reported serious problems at Sequel locations before Vivant’s formation. Vivant juvenile facilities continued operations from Sequel.
If you suffered sexual victimization at a Vivant Behavioral Healthcare-operated youth detention, our attorneys can help.
Universal Health Services (UHS)
A lawsuit filed against Mayhill Hospital in Denton alleged a girl was held illegally and threatened with solitary confinement. In 2018, a lawsuit filed against Kingwood Pines Hospital alleged a girl was raped. The sex abuse lawsuit alleged the girl and her roommate were raped by two male patients.
Universal Health has faced lawsuits alleging sex abuse in many states, including Texas, Virginia, and Illinois.
If you were the victim of abuse occurring at Universal Health Services, our lawyers can step forward on your behalf to secure recovery and responsibility from the institution.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
The Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health juvenile facilities in League City and Victoria have faced lawsuits alleging sex abuse, improper restraint practices, and staff threatening sexual violence.
At least 41 kids have been assaulted by staff members across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Connecticut, New York, and Arizona, with at least 20 Devereux staff members charged.
In 2023, a judge allowed a class action lawsuit against Devereux. The Devereux class action lawsuit alleged that the organization failed to protect children from sexual and physical abuse by staff.
Acadia Healthcare: Cedar Crest Hospital, Cross Creek Hospital, and Red River Hospital
In May 2025, a contracted physical education coach at Cedar Crest Hospital was arrested for felony charges of sexually assaulting a student. Another civil lawsuit against Lakeland Behavioral Health for a Texas minor who was molested by Lakeland staff on the premises.
If you or your child were sexually abused at a Texas Acadia Healthcare facility or other contracted juvenile detention or treatment center, call our firm immediately for a free consultation.
How Our Texas Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help Seek Justice and Financial Compensation For Children Sexually Assaulted
We represent survivors from state-operated TJJD facilities and county-operated juvenile detention centers. We have extensive experience with TJJD litigation and are staying current on DOJ investigation findings and ongoing systemic problems. Our Texas juvenile detention sexual abuse attorney team understands Prison Rape Elimination Act requirements and how to use evidence to strengthen claims under Texas Family Code Chapter 261.
We work with juvenile justice system and PREA compliance experts, psychologists, trauma specialists, and forensic investigators to build compelling cases. We offer confidential consultations for survivors and their families at no cost. This means clients don’t pay any legal fees unless we win the case.
Potential Class Action Lawsuit for Texas Juvenile Sexual Abuse Claims
There aren’t any class action lawsuits for survivors of sex abuse in Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities. However, given the systemic nature of allegations, there could be a potential settlement if enough victims step forward.
Mass tort cases have been filed in other states, including $4 billion Los Angeles County settlement covering 6,800 victims, a 95-plaintiff lawsuit in Illinois, and a multi-plaintiff class action in Ohio.
Texas sexual abuse claims present unique challenges when suing state agencies that may make individual abuse claims more practical for higher potential settlements. We are filing individual civil lawsuits for survivors of TJDD and have the experience to be plaintiffs’ attorneys in the expected litigation.
Federal and State Laws Protecting Juveniles in Texas Detention Facilities
Texas Family Code §261.001 establishes that abuse and neglect for juvenile detention facilities includes physical or mental injury, sexual conduct harmful to well-being, and failure to prevent such events.
Texas Family Code §261.101 outlines reporting requirements for juvenile detention facilities. Juvenile detention officers, teachers, nurses, doctors, and counselors must report within 24 hours. They cannot delegate this to another person.
Texas Family Code §261.103 specifies that reporting abuse in juvenile detention centers must be directed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, local law enforcement, and the state agency that operates or licenses the facility.
Texas Penal Code §22.011 establishes that sexual assault is a crime with no statute of limitations for child victims. This addresses cases involving persons in positions of authority. This makes it a felony when a detention facility staff member engages in sexual conduct with a child.
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) establishes a zero-tolerance standard for sexual activity in all jails, prisons, and confinement facilities.
28 C.F.R. §115.313(c) mandates a 1:8 staff-to-youth ratio during waking hours. The 2024 DOJ investigation found TJJD facilities consistently failed to meet this ratio.
Texas House Bill 3809 extended the civil statute of limitations to 30 years after the victim’s 18th birthday. This gives survivors until age 48 to file civil lawsuits.
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Violations in Texas Youth Detention Facilities
Texas juvenile facilities have consistently failed PREA audits. TJJD has failed to meet required staffing ratios for years. Lack of supervision enables sexual victimization. DOJ reported staff frequently turning off body cameras before rapes or physical assaults, youth were left with single staff members, and dorms lacked supervision.
Staff sexual misconduct undermines the safety of juvenile detention facilities. It creates a culture where youth rightfully can’t trust authority figures.
The TJJD reporting hotline is 211. However, the DOJ repeatedly identified that TJJD consistently dismissed reports despite numerous complaints. This shows active complicity in the ongoing reported sexual victimization of children in state custody.
Trey's Law
Trey’s Law took effect on September 1, 2025. This Texas state law bans the use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) within the civil legal system. This covers all civil legal filings involving sexual assault and human trafficking. The state law was named after Trey Carlock, who committed suicide after he had long struggled with being silenced by an NDA following childhood sexual abuse at Kanakuk Kamps. This law applies to lawsuits filed in the past to void existing NDAS. This allows survivors to speak freely without fear of being charged with a crime or repercussions from the civil legal system.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Unprecedented opportunities under new laws allow survivors to pursue child sex abuse lawsuits, such as New York’s Child Victims Act. Many survivors with previously time-barred claims are now able to seek justice in several states. Unlike several states, Texas has not enacted modern state laws with lookback windows. However, Texas has extended the statute of limitations for filing claims that involve child sexual abuse survivors.
Under the new law in Texas, child sexual abuse survivors have until they reach age 48 to file claims. However, the statute of limitations doesn’t have a lookback window like laws in several states do. If childhood sexual abuse survivors were already barred from filing lawsuits before the law changed, the new law doesn’t allow survivors to sue now.
The current law also expands civil responsibility beyond individual perpetrators. It includes institutions like schools, churches, or community organizations that failed to protect children and take appropriate action for alleged abuse. This closed a prior loophole that only applied the Texas statute of limitations extension to individual perpetrators.
For adult victims, the civil statute of limitations is 5 years after the last act of sexual victimization, with limited application of the discovery rule.
There isn’t a statute of limitations for being criminally charged, as established in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This means that perpetrators in numerous criminal cases in Texas can be charged with the crime, no matter how much time has passed.
New Exception for School Sexual Abuse in Texas
The current laws create significant exceptions by waiving governmental immunity for public school districts in cases involving employee sexual misconduct or failure to report child abuse. For such cases, school districts found grossly negligent in hiring, supervising, or employing staff who sexually abused students are responsible for damages up to $500,000 per victim, plus attorney’s fees and court costs. This Texas law also abolishes official immunity protections for education employees in such cases. This creates joint and several liability between staff and school districts in many cases.
If you were sexually abused in a school setting, our firm provides representation for Texas school sexual abuse claims.
Contact Our Texas Juvenile Detention Sexual Abuse Attorneys For a Free Consultation
Our Texas juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyers understand how much courage it takes to step forward, especially when perpetrators haven’t been criminally charged. We file lawsuits on behalf of child sexual abuse survivors nationwide. If abuse occurred in an American juvenile detention center, you deserve accountability and financial compensation for the trauma and psychological impact you’ve suffered. Our Texas personal injury law firm has the experience and resources to ensure parties who forced sexual activity or failed to take appropriate action on your behalf are held responsible.
Call 713-622-7271 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation
There is never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
Additionally, clients are not obligated to pay expenses if a recovery is not made.
