Were You Abused at Youth Centers Backbone Mountain?
You may have legal options.
Swanton, Maryland
3
Documented Incidents
2
Lawsuits Filed
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What Happened at Youth Centers Backbone Mountain
Youth Centers Backbone Mountain, a detention facility located in Swanton, Maryland, has faced serious allegations of abuse and safety violations spanning over a decade. The facility gained national attention in 2010 when a Department of Justice report identified it as having the highest sexual abuse rate in the nation among juvenile detention centers. This alarming finding highlighted systemic failures in protecting vulnerable youth in state custody and raised significant concerns about supervision and safety protocols at the facility. The legal consequences of these documented abuses have continued into recent years. In 2023, Backbone Mountain Youth Center was named in Maryland Child Victims Act mass litigation, allowing survivors to seek justice for past abuse. This was followed in 2024 by additional lawsuits filed by survivors, directly stemming from the earlier DOJ findings that documented the facility's dangerous conditions. While multiple lawsuits have been filed against the facility, no settlements have been publicly reported to date, leaving questions about accountability and compensation for affected youth. The documented incidents at Backbone Mountain Youth Center represent a troubling pattern of institutional failures to protect minors in state care. If you or someone you know was affected by abuse at this facility, consider consulting with attorneys who specialize in institutional abuse cases to understand your legal options and rights.
- Location
- Swanton, Maryland
- Facility Type
- state detention
- Status
- active
Documented Incidents & Lawsuits
The following have been documented through news reports, court filings, and official investigations.
Survivors File Lawsuits Following DOJ Findings
Following the DOJ report identifying Backbone Mountain as the nations worst facility for sexual abuse, survivors are filing lawsuits under the Maryland Child Victims Act.
Backbone Mountain Youth Center Named in Maryland Child Victims Act Mass Litigation
Backbone Mountain Youth Center is among the Maryland DJS facilities named in mass litigation following the 2023 Child Victims Act.
Source: The Daily Record →DOJ Report: Highest Sexual Abuse Rate in the Nation
U.S. Department of Justice study identified Backbone Mountain Youth Center as having the highest rate of sexual abuse among any juvenile detention facility surveyed nationwide - 36.4% of youth reported sexual victimization.
Source: CBS News / U.S. Department of Justice →Your Legal Rights in Maryland
Statute of Limitations
No limit under Child Victims Act (2023)
No Upfront Costs
Attorneys work on contingency - you pay nothing unless you win.
You May Be Entitled To
Compensation for pain & suffering, medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Location
Swanton, Maryland Open in Google Maps →
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Nearby Facilities
- Garrett Childrens CenterOakland, MD•9.9 mi
- Youth Centers Savage MountainLonaconing, MD•15.3 mi•1 incidents
- Burlington United Methodist Family ServicesBurlington, WV•18.6 mi•2 incidents
- Kenneth Honey Rubenstein Juvenile CenterDavis, WV•26 mi
- Timber Ridge SchoolCross Junction, VA•51 mi•2 incidents
Thousands of survivors have taken action.
You are not alone.
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If you or a loved one experienced abuse at Youth Centers Backbone Mountain, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation.
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