LA County Juvenile Detention Settlement: $30M

Individuals born on or after Feb. 15, 2002, who were detained in a Los Angeles County juvenile hall or camp at any point.

Claimants must provide their full name, facility name, dates of detention, and current address.

Los Angeles County has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accuses the county of violating the rights of youth held in its juvenile detention facilities. The lawsuit alleges widespread mistreatment, including the use of solitary confinement, excessive force, and restraints that caused both physical and psychological harm.

The complaint cites troubling practices at Central Juvenile Hall, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, and other youth camps. According to the lawsuit, county staff regularly used chemical sprays and physical restraints and subjected minors to unsanitary or degrading conditions, in violation of their civil rights.

Though Los Angeles County denies any wrongdoing, the Board of Supervisors agreed to the $30 million payout to resolve the claims and avoid ongoing litigation.

What Settlement Class Members Can Receive

Eligible individuals can receive a cash payment based on how long they were detained in any LA County juvenile hall or camp. The more time a claimant spent in detention, the larger their share of the settlement.

Final payment amounts will be determined once all claims have been reviewed. Any leftover funds after payments are made will be donated to a nonprofit chosen by plaintiffs’ counsel and the county.

Claimants must file by the deadline and provide sufficient information about their detention history to qualify. No formal documentation is required, but claims may be subject to verification.