Were You Sexually Abused At Maryland Training School for Boys AKA as the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School?
If so, a new law may allow you to seek justice and compensation for your suffering regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Herman Law exclusively represents victims of sexual abuse and is here to help you start your healing journey today.
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Juvenile Facilities in Maryland
If you were a victim of sexual abuse at a youth facility in Maryland please reach out to our compassionate legal team. Examples of these alleged facilities include but are not limited to:
Maryland Training School for Boys (later known as the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School)
Cheltenham Youth Detention Center
Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center
Thomas JS Waxter Children's
Others
About the Maryland Child Victims Act
Maryland has enacted a landmark change in its laws by eliminating the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases. This allows survivors to hold the institutions accountable where the abuse took place and seek compensation for the harm they suffered. Countless victims who have suffered sexual abuse while under the care of these youth facilities can now pursue a measure of justice and have their voices heard.
If you believe you have a case, contact us now to discuss your options with a free, confidential case review.
What Happened At Charles H. Hickey Jr. School?
The Charles H. Hickey Jr. School scandal involved widespread allegations of abuse and mistreatment of minors at the juvenile detention facility in Baltimore County, Maryland. Over several decades, the school was at the center of multiple scandals, primarily concerning physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of the youth housed there. Below is an overview of what took place:
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Staff Misconduct: Numerous reports surfaced of sexual abuse perpetrated by staff members, including counselors, guards, and other figures of authority. Many of these abuses were alleged to have occurred between the 1980s and 1990s.
Vulnerability of Victims: The juveniles sent here were often at risk of abuse due to their age and the lack of external oversight. Numerous allegations have come to light from survivors who were placed at Charles H. Hickey Jr. School.
Lack of Oversight and Accountability
One of the key aspects of their misconduct was the failure of oversight by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. Numerous allegations and complaints were either ignored or mishandled, allowing abuse to continue for years.
The facility had a history of internal cover-ups, where staff and management downplayed or hid the extent of the problems within the facility. Investigations later revealed that some officials were aware of the misconduct but failed to intervene.
Public Outcry and Legal Action
In response to the growing number of abuse allegations, several lawsuits were filed against the state of Maryland by former residents of the Hickey School. These lawsuits accused the state of failing to protect children in its custody and demanded accountability for the trauma and harm inflicted on them.
Public attention intensified as more victims came forward to share their experiences, sparking outrage over the conditions and treatment at the facility.
Closure of the School
In April 2004, the Department of Juvenile Services regained direct control of the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, which consisted of two parts: a secure juvenile detention center for youth awaiting court hearings or placement, and a secure treatment program for youth who had been adjudicated delinquent and required treatment services. In November 2005, the treatment program was shut down, but the secure detention facility remained open and continues to function today.
While the closure of the treatment program marked a partial win, it has also brought attention to the larger issues within Maryland’s juvenile detention system, prompting action for increased oversight, reform, and accountability.
Legacy and Impact
The Hickey School scandal remains a dark chapter in the history of Maryland's juvenile justice system. Many survivors of abuse continue to struggle with the lasting effects of trauma from what they endured while in state custody.
The Charles H. Hickey Jr. School underscored the dangers of institutional failures in protecting vulnerable youth within juvenile justice systems. Its partial closure was a step toward addressing these systemic problems, but the impact on the victims remains profound, and there’s still much work to be done.
This failure has expanded issues of systemic abuse within juvenile detention facilities across the country, where vulnerable youth are often mistreated or neglected under inadequate supervision and oversight.
How Can Herman Law Help With Your Sexual Abuse Claim?
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training when it comes to working with survivors of sexual abuse. These cases are complex; however, our team is experienced in these types of cases and will diligently fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We are driven to help you heal by giving you a voice.
Hear From Our Clients
Herman Law has definitely made it much easier on me and everybody here has been very understanding and has just been wonderful and amazing. … I feel really empowered like there’s a light at the end of my tunnel now, so to speak.
Herman Law has definitely made it much easier on me and everybody here has been very understanding and has just been wonderful and amazing. … I feel really empowered like there's a light at the end of my tunnel now, so to speak.
If I were speaking to another family of abuse I would tell that if you are looking for someone to take you seriously, treat you with respect and integrity I would call the Herman Law firm.
It takes a little guts to come up and say all this stuff now. You know, try not to be judged. But the people who do this kind of stuff, they should be judged.
I hired Herman Law because, “they were just as passionate about defending my daughter’s rights as I am.
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Were You Sexually Abused At Maryland Training School for Boys AKA as the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School? Start your healing process today!
Herman law saved my life. Plain and simple. I am forever grateful for my family at Herman law. They brought me and my family justice and then delivered accountability to a corrupt and broken system. They uncovered the agencies cover up and then confronted my perpetrator, holding him accountable. I am forever grateful and can now live a life enveloped in healing and hope. Thank you Herman law family. Love you guys!!
I had a great experience working with Herman Law. They consistently updated me on my case and helped me get an amazing settlement. Thank you to Attorney Dan Ellis and thank you to everyone at the law firm. I truly appreciate it.
If I were speaking to another family of abuse I would tell that if you are looking for someone to take you seriously, treat you with respect and integrity I would call the Herman Law firm.
The Herman Law Firm never over promised. They kept everything in perspective. But they sure hit a grand slam for me in the end. The firm always kept in contact with me to let me know things were getting done. I was blessed with this firm. Thank You Jeff and Jason for all your empathy and professionalism. You guys really helped me to get closure in my life.
Hear From Our Clients
Act Now—File Your Claim Today! Maryland’s Child Victims Act empowered survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice. With potential changes on the horizon that could lower damage caps and redefine abuse “occurrences,” thousands have already come forward. If you or a loved one was sexually abused, don’t wait—your window to file a claim is still open. Take the next step, call us today for a free, confidential consultation!