Boys and Girls Club sexual abuse attorney

We Help Survivors of Boys & Girls Club Abuse Recover Compensation

Boys & Girls Club Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Our attorneys are dedicated to helping survivors of sexual abuse at organizations like the Boys & Girls Club seek justice, pursue rightful compensation, and hold those responsible accountable. If the abuse occurred under the care of a trusted youth organization, know that you’re not alone. Your story matters — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Our Boys & Girls Club Abuse Attorneys Can Help You Fight

Countless parents trust organizations like the Boys & Girls Club to provide a safe, supportive environment for their children. These youth programs carry the serious responsibility of protecting the kids in their care — not just guiding them in activities, but ensuring their emotional and physical safety at all times. Unfortunately, abuse and misconduct within trusted youth organizations are more common than many realize.

If your child has experienced sexual abuse or assault while under the supervision of the Boys & Girls Club or a similar organization, your primary focus should be on their healing and well-being. When you’re ready to understand your legal options, our experienced sexual abuse attorneys are here to help. Call us at (800) 509-9747 or fill out our online contact form to get started. We respond within 24 hours, and your first consultation is always free.

Kayla Onder, lead sexual abuse attorney at Kayla's Survivors

Boys & Girls Club Lawsuit Timeline

2024: High-Profile Cases and Settlements

  • February: Teegan Paul files a lawsuit against the Boys & Girls Club of Central New Hampshire, alleging grooming and sexual abuse by an employee between ages 13 and 16. The employee pleads guilty to felony sexual assault charges. ​
  • August: Ciriaco Johnson, a former teen counselor at the Scotts Valley Boys & Girls Club, is criminally charged with human trafficking of a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense.
  • September: Teegan Paul’s lawsuit reaches a confidential settlement.

2023: Bankruptcy Settlement

  • The United States Bankruptcy Court approves a settlement plan for Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, Inc., addressing sexual abuse claims filed against the organization. ​

  • April: In April, a court awards $500,000 to a plaintiff alleging abuse by Gerald Berg, a former program director at the Boys & Girls Club of Western Broome County.​
  • October: Another plaintiff received a $600,000 award in a separate case involving Berg. ​

2021: Lawsuit Filed in New York

Four men file a lawsuit against the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, alleging sexual abuse by a former employee, James C., during the 1980s and 1990s. The lawsuit claims the organization failed to act despite warning signs. ​


2019: Investigative Report Uncovers Widespread Abuse

  • A six-month investigation by Hearst Connecticut Media reveals over 350 instances of sexual abuse across 35 states involving BGCA employees, volunteers, and other affiliates. ​

Pre-2010s: Early Allegations and Reports

Initial reports of sexual abuse within BGCA affiliates begin to surface, but many cases remain unreported or unaddressed due to stigma and lack of awareness.​

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How to File a Boys & Girls Club Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

A sexual abuse lawsuit involving the Boys & Girls Club is typically filed by the survivor or, in cases involving minors, by the child’s parents or legal guardians. These individuals have the authority to act on the child’s behalf in civil court. If custody has changed—due to foster care, adoption, or a court order—a court-appointed guardian may also be able to file the lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for the survivor’s harm.

Steps to take:

  1. Document the Abuse: Collect any available evidence, including medical records, text messages, photographs, incident reports, or written accounts from the survivor. If others witnessed concerning behavior, gather their statements as well.
  2. Report to Authorities: Report the abuse to local law enforcement or child protective services. A formal report can trigger criminal investigations and support your civil case.
  3. Seek Medical & Psychological Care: Prioritize the survivor’s physical and emotional well-being. This may involve medical exams, therapy, or trauma-informed counseling to address the impact of the abuse.
  4. Consult a Sexual Abuse Attorney: Speak with a lawyer experienced in handling youth organization or institutional abuse cases. An attorney can assess the situation, preserve evidence, and explain your rights.
  5. Investigation & Case Review: Your attorney will gather additional evidence, review organizational policies and prior misconduct, and determine who may be legally responsible—including staff members, volunteers, or the organization itself.
  6. File the Lawsuit: The attorney files a civil complaint against the Boys & Girls Club affiliate or individuals involved, outlining the allegations and seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, emotional distress, and therapy costs.
  7. Discovery Phase: Both parties exchange evidence, take depositions, and build their case. This phase helps uncover systemic failures or previous incidents of misconduct.
  8. Settlement or Trial: Many cases are resolved through confidential settlements. If an agreement isn’t reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.

The Boys & Girls Club sexual abuse attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. We’re committed to holding negligent organizations accountable and helping survivors pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Reach out for a free, confidential consultation with our legal team.

Compensation Available to Survivors of Boys & Girls Club Sex Abuse

Survivors of sexual abuse at the Boys & Girls Club may be entitled to financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include coverage for:

  • Medical treatment, therapy, and long-term psychological care
  • Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
  • Punitive damages may also be awarded to hold the organization accountable for gross negligence or systemic failures. The exact amount depends on the details of the case, the severity of the abuse, and the long-term impact on the survivor’s life.

It’s important to understand that each case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may receive depends on the many case variables including facts and supporting evidence, severity of harm, and governing state laws.

Get Help From The Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors

If you or your child has experienced sexual abuse at a Boys & Girls Club location, you may be eligible to take legal action and hold the organization and responsible individuals accountable. Take the first step by calling (888) 562-0676 or share your story with our legal team online. The sexual abuse attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors are here to listen and guide you through your legal options.

The attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors law firm have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse and have fought to hold youth organizations, institutions, and abusers accountable nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if I have a valid case against the Boys & Girls Club?

If you or your child experienced inappropriate behavior, grooming, or sexual abuse while participating in Boys & Girls Club programs, you may have a valid case. An experienced attorney can review the details, investigate further, and determine whether you can pursue legal action.

What should I do if I suspect abuse but don’t have solid proof?

You should report your concerns to local law enforcement or child protective services as soon as possible. Even without direct proof, an attorney can help uncover evidence through interviews, records, and other legal tools.

How long do I have to file a Boys & Girls Club sexual abuse lawsuit?

Time limits vary by state, but many states extend or pause the statute of limitations for child sex abuse survivors—sometimes allowing claims to be filed years later. An attorney can explain how the law applies in your case and ensure you act within the legal timeframe.

Will my child’s identity be protected if we file a Boys & Girls claim?

Yes, courts often allow child victims to remain anonymous, and attorneys can take steps to protect your family’s privacy. In many cases, lawsuits are resolved confidentially without going to trial.

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