CHILDREN’S VILLAGE SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS

Fighting for Survivors Sexually Abused at Children’s Village in New York

Children’s Village purports to safely serve youth in foster care, the juvenile justice system, undocumented children, and homeless teens – minors who undoubtedly require heightened care and supervision. Tragically, recent allegations point to a deeply rooted pattern of negligence, sexual abuse, and institutional betrayal that cannot be ignored. Survivors coming forward are not only seeking justice but are shining a light on the urgent need for accountability and reform in organizations like Children’s Village who operate residential treatment facilities serving at-risk youth.

If you or someone you love was a resident of Children’s Village and experienced sexual abuse, Levy Konigsberg can help you in your fight for justice. We can help you find out what your compensation options are, and get you everything you deserve.

History of Abuse at Children’s Village in New York

Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:

• In October 2024, former employee Rebecca Jean-Baptiste was convicted and sentenced for the rape of a 16-year-old resident of the Children’s Village in 2021.

• In February 2021, several ex-residents of Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry filed lawsuits claiming they were subjected to rape and sexual abuse.  

One complaint details the experiences of a 12-year-old resident at Children’s Village from 1996 to 2001, who informed the facility’s doctor and several staff members about the abuse. The doctor dismissed it as a “verbal slip,” according to the complaint. 

Another lawsuit recounts how a 12-year-old resident, who lived at Children’s Village from 2002 to 2006, was sexually assaulted by older residents in his cottage, in the shower, and in a van where children were left unsupervised. This resident reported that some of the abuse occurred while watchmen were asleep on duty, and he was also victimized by two female staff members. Numerous complaints reveal similar accounts of sexual abuse.

• In November 2003, one incident involved a 14-year-old resident allegedly being sodomized with a broomstick by another resident while being restrained by a counselor. According to authorities, the victim, a resident of Wolfe Cottage, one of 22 residences on campus, was chased and cornered in a shower room by 16-year-old Elliot Perryman, who sodomized him with a broomstick while Jason Brown, 29, assistant cottage supervisor, held him down.

Do I Have a Case?

You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:

• You were sexually abused by a guard, counselor, nurse, or other RTC staff member.
• The abuse occurred at any New York RTC.

Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold residential treatment facilities,  juvenile detention centers, private healthcare companies, and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect residents.

As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:

• Your abuser is no longer alive.
• Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.

Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims

In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:

• Past medical and mental health expenses
• Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish and psychological harm
• Lost income
• Other economic and non-economic damages

New York Residential Treatment Center Attorneys

A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.

In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Under current law: (1) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at privately operated residential treatment centers who were born after February 14, 1998, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits; and (2) survivors of childhood sexual abuse at residential treatment centers operated by governmental entities, who were born after November 15, 1999, have until age 55 to file civil lawsuits.

We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile detention centers and youth residential treatment facilities. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.