A group of former detainees filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), alleging staff sexually abused minors held in state detention centers. The plaintiffs argue the agency failed to properly screen employees, ignored warning signs, and allowed abuse to continue for years.
The complaint cites multiple accounts of staff exploiting their authority to coerce or assault youth in custody. Survivors say attempts to report misconduct were disregarded, and in some cases, retaliation was threatened against those who spoke out.
The lawsuit seeks damages and structural reforms, including improved oversight and independent reporting channels. Advocates argue that the case highlights the dangers young people face in closed systems, where power imbalances and a lack of transparency can enable abuse.
