Teens reported years of sex abuse by their probation officers. Now they want justice

Everywhere I look, everything that I see, I just see his face

Reanell Hartley, looking through the barbed wire fencing of Camp Scott for the first time in more than two decades.

Introduction

As a teenager in the early 2000s, Reanell Hartley was locked up inside the fences of Camp Scott, a juvenile facility run by the Los Angeles Probation Department in Santa Clarita, California. Hartley had a rough childhood, being a victim of sexual abuse and forced into prostitution at the age of 11. She hoped that Camp Scott would help her get her life back on track.

The Disappointment

However, Hartley found that Camp Scott was a total opposite of what she expected. She alleges in a lawsuit that she was repeatedly sexually abused by Probation Officer Thomas Jackson. Attorneys for the victims claim that such abuse was common among juvenile detainees in Los Angeles County facilities for over three decades. Now, thousands of victims are taking legal action against LA County.

The Model Facility

Camp Scott, which is now closed, was initially presented as a model “boot camp” style facility for girls. It aimed to instill discipline and rehabilitation within the juvenile probation system. However, detainees were subjected to strict rules and punishments, including solitary confinement.

Systemic Abuse and Unsafe Conditions

LA County’s juvenile halls and camps came under scrutiny due to reports of abuse and unsafe conditions. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Justice forced LA County Probation into federal oversight for six years after uncovering systemic abuse and unsafe conditions. A 2010 investigation by the LA Times revealed that several probation officers had been convicted or disciplined for inappropriate conduct with the youth in their care.

Victims Speak Out

Reanell Hartley and Akeila Jefferson, both former detainees at Camp Scott, are among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against LA County. They allege that they were sexually abused by Probation Officer Thomas Jackson. Dominique Anderson, another victim, claims she was abused by Probation Officer Ernest Walker. These victims are seeking justice and accountability for the long history of systemic abuse within LA County Probation.

Call for Reform

In response to the ongoing allegations and lawsuits, the Probation Oversight Commission was created in 2020 to reform and monitor the department. However, there is still a lack of accountability and a reluctance to take action against accused probation staffers. The closure of the remaining juvenile halls in LA was considered but postponed, pending necessary changes.

Seeking Justice

The victims and their attorneys are determined to seek justice through the legal process. Probation Officer Thomas Jackson and Ernest Walker, the accused officers, have announced their retirements. LA County denies all allegations and states that they take allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and have policies in place to prevent abuse.

Impact on Survivors

The survivors of the abuse continue to face the consequences of their traumatic experiences. They are hopeful that by sharing their stories, they can prevent others from suffering similar abuse. However, the fact that their alleged abusers were able to retire with pensions highlights the brokenness of the system.

Conclusion

Despite the pain associated with their past, the survivors are determined to move forward with their lives. They are advocating for reforms and working to support other young individuals who may be at risk. Their goal is to ensure that no one else experiences the same abuse they endured.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 5.2: Number of reported cases of violence and exploitation against women and girls.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of population reporting feeling safe walking alone around the area they live.
• Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of cases of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children reported and addressed.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The indicators provided are examples and may not directly correspond to the specific situations mentioned in the article.

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Source: abcnews.go.com

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