NORTH HOMES CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS 

Fighting for Survivors Sexually Abused at North Homes Children and Family Services Facilities in Minnesota

North Homes Children and Family Services owns and operates residential treatment centers and juvenile detention centers housing vulnerable children. In recent years, reports of sexual abuse and misconduct within facilities run by North Homes Children and Family Services have raised alarms.  

If you or someone you love was sexually abused in a North Homes Children and Family Services facility, it’s time to take a stand. Contact Levy Konigsberg today.

History of Sexual Abuse at North Homes Children and Family Services Facilities in Minnesota

• In December 2018, two federal lawsuits were filed alleging sexual abuse perpetrated against minor residents of North Homes Children and Family Services facilities by staff members.

• One lawsuit alleges sexual abuse perpetrated by Devin Michael Wood, a former correctional officer at the North Homes Juvenile Correctional Facility in Grand Rapids, who was arrested in 2014 for his alleged sexual abuse, including rape, of a resident. The lawsuit alleges the plaintiff was sexually assaulted in 2014 by Wood when she was 15 years old and a resident of the facility on multiple occasions.

• The second lawsuit alleges sexual abuse stemming from the plaintiff’s treatment at a North Homes facility for mental health and emotional disorders. While in the North Homes facility in 2016 when she was 14 years old, the plaintiff alleges she was sexually abused by Marie Booth, a former social worker, who pleaded guilty the following year to first-degree criminal sexual conduct. In the lawsuit, Booth is accused of “engaging in romantic and/or sexual activities…on a regular basis” with the teen. Also according to the lawsuit, supervisors were “aware of the inappropriate relationship” but “failed to take any action on the concerns.” According to the lawsuit, five months into her treatment, the girl ran away from North Homes. Two and a half months passed before police found her hiding at Booth’s Grand Rapids home. She allegedly told police that she stayed at Booth’s the entire time after leaving the facility and that they engaged in a sexual relationship, according to a criminal complaint.

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 youth residential treatment or juvenile detention center staff member.
• The abuse occurred at any youth residential treatment or juvenile detention facility.

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

Minnesota Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Sexual abuse lawsuits, like other claims brought by plaintiffs who seek damages for injuries, are subject to a legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. When the statute of limitations expires, victims will not be able to file a claim or recover compensation.

Determining the statute of limitations in your claim can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Under Minnesota law, if you were born after May 25, 1989, you may be able to bring a civil claim for childhood sexual abuse at any time.

Levy Konigsberg’s experienced attorneys can help evaluate claims under these laws, including those for abuse that occurred years or even decades ago, and explain your rights and options

Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Minnesota youth residential treatment facilities.

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.