Eighteen Survivors File Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Devereux Foundation

Eighteen survivors of child sexual abuse have filed suit against Devereux Foundation, alleging they were sexually abused while in the organization's care at facilities across the country.

The Lawsuit

Eighteen survivors have joined together to sue Devereux Foundation, one of the largest behavioral health nonprofits in the United States. The lawsuit alleges:

• Sexual abuse by Devereux staff members
• Institutional failure to protect children
• Pattern of abuse across multiple facilities
• Cover-ups and ignored warning signs

About Devereux Foundation

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is a major nonprofit organization that operates:

• Residential treatment facilities
• Group homes
• Foster care programs
• Educational programs
• Behavioral health services

Devereux operates in 13 states and has served thousands of vulnerable children over its nearly 100-year history.

Allegations

Sexual Abuse:

• Staff members sexually abused children in their care
• Abuse occurred at multiple Devereux facilities
• Victims were often children with disabilities or behavioral challenges
• Predators exploited the vulnerability of children in their care

Institutional Failures:

• Inadequate employee screening and background checks
• Poor supervision of staff-child interactions
• Complaints not properly investigated
• Known abusers allowed to continue working

Pattern Across Facilities:

• Similar abuse allegations at multiple Devereux locations
• Organizational failures, not just individual bad actors
• Culture that enabled predatory behavior

The $60 Million Verdict

In a separate case, a jury awarded $60 million to a 15-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted at a Devereux facility in Georgia. This verdict demonstrates:

• Courts taking Devereux abuse seriously
• Potential for significant damages
• Precedent for other survivors

Why Devereux Is High-Risk

Devereux serves particularly vulnerable children:

• Many have developmental disabilities
• Others have mental health challenges
• Some have communication difficulties
• They are especially dependent on caregivers

These vulnerabilities make Devereux children prime targets for predators - and make institutional protections even more critical.

Survivors Coming Forward

The eighteen survivors in this lawsuit represent a fraction of potential victims. Devereux's size and history suggest:

• Thousands of children have passed through their facilities
• Abuse may have occurred over decades
• Many survivors may not yet have come forward
• Additional lawsuits are likely

Impact on Survivors

Children abused at residential treatment facilities suffer lasting trauma:

• PTSD and anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Difficulty trusting caregivers
• Challenges with relationships
• Educational and employment impacts
• Ongoing mental health needs

Legal Options

Survivors of abuse at Devereux facilities may be able to:

• Join existing litigation
• File individual lawsuits
• Pursue claims in multiple states
• Recover significant damages

Recent changes to statutes of limitations in various states have opened doors for survivors who were previously time-barred.

Taking Action

If you or a loved one was abused at a Devereux facility:

• Legal consultations are typically free
• Time limits vary by state
• Your story can help hold Devereux accountable
• Compensation can fund healing and therapy

The lawsuit filed by these eighteen survivors seeks to hold Devereux accountable for failing to protect children in its care.