A new lawsuit filed in Cumberland County Superior Court alleges that multiple men were sexually abused decades ago as teens while in the county’s juvenile detention center. According to the complaint, the abuse—presumably by facility staff—occurred long before the victims came forward, and they are now seeking accountability and redress from the county.

Why This Case Matters

  • Delayed Disclosure Is Common in Abuse Cases
    It often takes years or even decades for survivors of institutional abuse to come forward. Pennsylvania law provides pathways to justice for child abuse survivors even when the events occurred decades ago.

  • Systemic Oversight Failures May Be Exposed
    This suit could uncover longstanding neglect, inadequate policies, and lack of supervision that allowed abuse to occur and remain hidden.

  • Institutional Accountability Is Critical
    Holding juvenile detention facilities and the county responsible sends a strong message that vulnerable youth deserve protection and that abusive behavior won’t be tolerated.

How Pisanchyn Law Firm Can Help

At Pisanchyn Law Firm, our Abuse Attorneys specialize in representing victims of institutional abuse—including cases at group homes, juvenile facilities, and residential treatment centers. We know the unique legal issues involved in these claims and fight to hold institutions accountable.

Check out similar cases we’ve handled:

Why Abuse Claims Against Institutions Matter

  1. Breached Trust & Vulnerability
    Group homes and juvenile detention centers are supposed to protect—not harm—vulnerable youth. When abuse occurs, it violates both trust and the law.

  2. Long-Delayed Justice
    Survivors often come forward years later, making their cases complex but no less valid under the law’s “statute of repose” or extensions for childhood abuse.

  3. Institutional Accountability
    Lawsuits like the one in Cumberland County aim to uncover systemic failures, expose negligence, and secure justice for survivors.

What Abuse Victims Should Know

  • You have rights—and time: Pennsylvania law recognizes delayed reporting for child abuse and allows civil claims even decades later.

  • Evidence building is vital: Obtaining records, witness accounts, and corroborative documents is key to strengthening your claim.

  • Institutional liability requires expertise: These are not simple cases. You need a firm experienced in confronting large institutions and uncovering internal failures.

How Pisanchyn Law Firm Supports Survivors

  • Conducting in-depth investigations into allegations

  • Collecting medical, institutional, and psychological evidence

  • Tracking similar cases and outcomes for stronger leverage

  • Advocating aggressively for fair compensation and accountability

If you—or someone you know—were harmed in a juvenile center, group home, or residential treatment facility in Pennsylvania, don’t wait. Reach out today for a free, confidential consultation.