Residential treatment facilities have grown increasingly popular in recent years, providing inpatient mental and behavioral health services to individuals, including juveniles often placed in these programs through state funding.
However, investigations and reports have revealed that sexual abuse of residents is a significant and pervasive issue within these facilities. Survivors of sexual abuse in RTFs have the legal right to file civil lawsuits against the facilities, seeking compensation for the harm and injuries they have endured.
These lawsuits not only provide a path for victims to obtain financial recovery but also hold facilities accountable for failing to protect vulnerable individuals under their care.
Residential Treatment Centers
Residential treatment facilities (RTFs) are specialized live-in healthcare centers that provide intensive, structured care for individuals dealing with significant emotional, behavioral, mental health, or substance use challenges. These facilities serve both adults and adolescents, offering a safe and supportive environment where patients receive therapy, medical supervision, and comprehensive care.
Residents live on-site with 24/7 support from a dedicated team of therapists, counselors, and medical professionals. Treatment typically includes a combination of individual, group, and family therapy, along with evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and holistic therapies such as art or music therapy.
RTFs address conditions such as:
– Severe depression or anxiety
– Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
– Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)
– Substance use disorders and addiction recovery
– Behavioral issues in teens, such as oppositional defiance or self-harm
Unlike outpatient programs, residential treatment involves extended stays, ranging from a few weeks to several months, tailored to the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their condition.
Juveniles in Residential Treatment Centers
A significant number of patients in residential treatment facilities are juveniles. Some are placed in these facilities by their parents or guardians to address serious behavioral or mental health challenges, such as substance abuse. Others, however, are wards of the state and may be placed in residential treatment through arrangements with state child welfare departments.
For adolescents, many facilities incorporate academic support to help them maintain educational progress during their stay. Life skills training is also a common component, preparing patients for a smoother transition back to daily life after discharge. These programs often include certified teachers and specialized education plans tailored to meet individual learning needs.
Sexual Abuse at Residential Treatment Centers
Sexual abuse in residential treatment facilities has become an alarming issue, particularly in programs intended to support vulnerable groups such as troubled teens, individuals with mental health conditions, and those recovering from addiction. Reports of abuse have emerged nationwide, uncovering systemic failures that place residents at risk instead of providing the safety and care these facilities promise. This is especially concerning because families often turn to these centers as a last resort to help their loved ones.
Investigations have revealed that sexual abuse in residential treatment centers is both widespread and deeply troubling. Victims are often children, teens, or vulnerable adults who are already coping with significant emotional or psychological challenges, making them more susceptible to exploitation.
The systemic sexual abuse at residential treatment centers is the result of a variety of factors and circumstances. Some of the most significant factors contributing to abuse at RTFs are:
- Lack of Oversight: Inadequate supervision and limited accountability create environments where abuse can occur unchecked.
- Undertrained or Unscrutinized Staff: Employing poorly trained or improperly vetted staff increases the risk of misconduct.
- Isolation of Residents: The secluded nature of many facilities may prevent victims from reporting abuse or accessing outside support.
- Power Dynamics: Vulnerable residents, especially minors, are often hesitant to speak out due to fear of retaliation or disbelief.
- Underreporting: Victims may not come forward due to stigma, trauma, or a lack of trust in the system.
Maryland Residential Treatment Facilities
Maryland is home to a large concentration of residential treatment facilities. This is primarily because the Baltimore-Washinton metro area is home to millions of people and a large percentage of them have high quality health insurance that covers RTF treatment.
Residential treatment facilities in Maryland are regulated by the Maryland Department of Health. Although the level of regulatory oversight by the MDH is fairly minimal other than periodically ensuring that the facilities meeting minimum requirements.
Some of the biggest residential treatment facilities in Maryland are listed below:
| Avery Road Treatment Center | Rockville, MD |
| Mountain Manor Dundalk | Baltimore, MD |
| Mountain Manor Westminster | Westminster, MD |
| Journeys | Rockville, MD |
| Lawrence Court Halfway House | Rockville, MD |
| Mountain Manor | Sykesville, MD |
| Shoemaker Center | Sykesville, MD |
| Mountain Manor Baltimore | Baltimore, MD |
| Sandstone Care | Multiple Locations |
| Shepard Pratt | Multiple Locations |
| Hope House | Crownsville, MD |
| Avenues Recovery Center | Cambridge, MD |
| ClearView Communities | Frederick, MD |
| Pyramid Healthcare | Multiple Locations |
| Avenues Recovery Center | Prince Frederick, MD |
| Center for Discovery | Bethesda, MD |
| Evolve Residential Teen Center | Fort Washington, MD |
Sex Abuse at Good Shepard Services
Good Shepard Services was a residential treatment center designed for juveniles ages 13 years and older. It was located just outside Baltimore and it was operated by the Sisters of the Good Shepard, a Catholic charity organization. In its, heyday, Good Shepard was the largest residential treatment facility in the state, with a campus that covered 70 acres. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (and its predecessor agencies) placed juveniles who were wards of the state at Good Shepard for many years.
In 2024, a group of former resident patients (almost all female) brought a civil lawsuit against Good Shepard and the state of Maryland alleging that they were sexually abused at the facility. The lawsuit claimed that the women were regularly given strong drugs and sedatives and the sexually abused by staff members. The facility shut down in 2017.
Lawsuits for Sex Abuse at Maryland Residential Treatment Facilities
Victims of sexual abuse or assault at residential treatment facilities (RTFs) have the right to pursue civil lawsuits against the companies operating these programs and seek financial compensation. Whether the facility is for-profit or non-profit, operators have a legal obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in their care. This responsibility includes protecting residents from sexual abuse and assault.
In recent years, more survivors of abuse in RTFs have come forward to file lawsuits. These claims often argue that the facility operators were negligent in critical ways, such as:
– Failing to properly screen and vet staff members.
– Ignoring or inadequately investigating complaints of misconduct.
– Failing to implement effective policies and procedures to prevent abuse.
Some of the negligence theories asserted against residential treatment facilities in sex abuse cases are as follows:
Negligent Hiring and Supervision: Failing to thoroughly vet employees or adequately monitor staff can create an environment where abuse occurs.
Failure to Protect: Facilities have a heightened duty to safeguard minors and vulnerable adults under their care. Breaches of this duty can lead to liability.
Failure to Investigate: In many cases, victims of sexual abuse at RTFs complained to staff or administrators at the facility, but these complaints were either ignored or not thoroughly investigated.
These lawsuits not only aim to secure compensation for victims but also to hold RTFs accountable and push for systemic changes to prevent future abuse. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse at an RTF, consulting with an experienced attorney can help determine the best course of action.
Settlement Value of Residential Treatment Center Abuse Cases
The settlement value of sexual abuse lawsuits involving residential treatment centers varies widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the abuse, the impact on the victim, and the level of negligence or misconduct by the facility. While every case is unique, these lawsuits often result in significant financial compensation to account for the emotional, psychological, and financial damages suffered by survivors.
Severity of the Abuse: Cases involving repeated abuse or egregious acts may result in higher settlements.
Age and Vulnerability of the Victim: Abuse of minors or vulnerable adults often leads to larger settlements due to the heightened duty of care owed to these individuals.
Extent of Damages: Emotional trauma, medical expenses (e.g., therapy, counseling), loss of education or career opportunities, and long-term psychological effects are considered.
Facility’s Negligence: Clear evidence of negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to investigate prior complaints increases the likelihood of a higher settlement.
Punitive Damages: If the facility’s actions were particularly egregious, courts may award punitive damages to punish the organization and deter similar behavior.
Insurance Coverage and Assets: The financial resources of the facility or its parent company can impact the settlement amount.
Contact Us About Residential Treatment Center Sex Abuse Lawsuits
If you were sexually abused at a residential treatment facility, contact our Maryland sex abuse lawyers today to see if you have a case. Call us at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.