Were You Abused at PA Child Care?

What Happened at PA Child Care

PA Child Care in Pittston, Pennsylvania became the epicenter of one of the most shocking juvenile justice scandals in U.S. history, known as the "Kids for Cash" scheme. The facility, operated by private contractors, was at the heart of a corruption scandal that came to light in 2009 when it was revealed that judges were receiving kickbacks for sentencing juveniles to detention facilities, including PA Child Care. The scandal led to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacating thousands of juvenile adjudications that same year, acknowledging the systemic corruption that had violated the due process rights of countless young people. The legal consequences for those responsible were severe and far-reaching. In 2011, Judge Mark Ciavarella, a key figure in the corruption scheme, was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for his role in the scandal. The full scope of the injustice was further recognized in 2022 when a federal court ordered judges involved in the scheme to pay $200 million to victims—one of the largest settlements in juvenile justice history. With four documented incidents leading to four separate lawsuits and a total settlement amount of $200 million, the case represents a pattern of systemic abuse that destroyed trust in the juvenile justice system and caused immeasurable harm to the young people and families affected. If you or a family member were detained at PA Child Care or affected by decisions made by judges involved in the Kids for Cash scandal, you may be entitled to compensation. Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in civil rights or juvenile justice cases to understand your legal options and rights.

Location

Pittston, Pennsylvania

Facility Type

private detention

Status

closed

Documented Incidents & Lawsuits

The following have been documented through news reports, court filings, and official investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Location

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