How to Report Detention Abuse

If abuse is happening now:

1. **Call 911** if there's immediate danger 2. **Contact your state's child protective services hotline** 3. **Document injuries** with photos and written notes 4. **Preserve evidence** - don't wash clothes or destroy any evidence 5. **Get medical attention** - a doctor can document injuries

Your report creates an official record that can be crucial for any legal action.

Multiple agencies can investigate abuse:

**State Agencies:** - Department of Juvenile Justice - Child Protective Services - State Attorney General's Office - Facility licensing boards

**Federal Agencies:** - U.S. Department of Justice (Civil Rights Division) - FBI (for civil rights violations) - Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

**Other Resources:** - ACLU - Local legal aid organizations - Juvenile justice advocacy groups

Filing reports with multiple agencies increases the chance of action.

Strong documentation supports your case:

**Medical Records:** - Emergency room visits - Doctor examinations - Mental health evaluations

**Written Records:** - Incident reports from the facility - Grievances you filed - Correspondence with staff

**Personal Documentation:** - Detailed journal of events (dates, times, witnesses) - Photos of injuries - Recorded statements (where legal)

**Witness Information:** - Names and contact info of other detainees who witnessed abuse - Staff members who may be willing to speak

If the abuse happened in the past:

1. **Check statute of limitations** - Time limits vary by state 2. **Gather available records** - Medical records, facility records 3. **Write down everything you remember** - Details, dates, names 4. **Contact an attorney** - They can advise on your legal options 5. **Consider contacting media** - Investigative journalists often expose systemic abuse

Many states have extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for child abuse. An attorney can tell you if you still have time to file.