#United States #Honolulu #Child Safety #Boys & Girls Club #Galiher DeRobertis

Legal Action Against Boys & Girls Club of Hawai'i

Overview

The firm Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman has initiated a lawsuit against the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai'i (BGCH), focusing on the alleged failure of the organization to protect children under its supervision. The lawsuit claims that BGCH neglected to safeguard a 10-year-old boy from sexual abuse and bullying perpetrated by another child at a local clubhouse. The case has ignited a broader conversation about the safety protocols in place at centers designed to support youth.

Allegations Uncovered

According to the court filings, the abusive incidents reportedly took place between November 2023 and March 2024 at the Spalding Honolulu Clubhouse. The victim’s family alleged that multiple complaints were made to BGCH staff regarding the bullying and harassment, but the organization did not take appropriate action. Disturbingly, the alleged aggressor—a fellow student at Lunalilo Elementary School—remained in the program, allegedly continuing his actions without intervention.

Family members, including the boy’s younger sister and their mother, had reportedly voiced their concerns to BGCH staff, yet the responses seemed insufficient to address the gravity of the situation. The lawsuit highlights a troubling absence of response amidst escalating complaints from the family, which exacerbated the boy’s trauma and led him to seek professional counseling. Additionally, the abuse included a range of egregious behaviors, from physical assault to racial harassment, leaving lasting emotional scars.

Systemic Issues at BGCH

The lawsuit further alleges that BGCH failed in its duty to supervise children effectively and neglected to follow mandatory reporting laws intended to safeguard minors from abuse. Alarmingly, records show that the nonprofit organization has faced multiple incidents of sexual misconduct among staff at various locations across Hawai'i, casting a shadow on the organization’s commitment to child safety. Notably, at least two prior cases saw BGCH personnel convicted for inappropriately engaging with minors.

Attorney Victoria Chang, representing Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman, remarked, “This case reflects a tragic breakdown in the responsibility of a trusted youth organization to keep children safe.” Based on their findings, Chang emphasized the potential existence of additional victims who may have endured similar mistreatment within BGCH programs.

Seeking Accountability and Reform

The lawsuit seeks damages for the emotional and psychological toll on the young victim and calls for significant reform in BGCH's handling of supervision, reporting, and safety measures. The plaintiff aims to illuminate systemic failures within an organization that is supposed to be dedicated to the welfare of youth.

The ongoing investigation and lawsuit encourage other potential victims or witnesses of abuse associated with BGCH to come forward, emphasizing the importance of collective acknowledgment in addressing these grave concerns.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case identified as Doe Parent et al. v Boys & Girls Club of Hawai'i et al. (No. 1CCV-25-0001752) will continue under careful scrutiny by not only legal observers but also the broader public who are concerned about child protection practices in youth organizations.

Conclusion

The Boys & Girls Club's mission to foster a safe and supportive environment for children is now under intense scrutiny. As the legal battle progresses, stakeholders await further revelations that could not only impact the organization but also influence broader safety standards across similar institutions. The crucial conversations ignited by this lawsuit may pave the way toward enhanced accountability and reform in child protection protocols nationwide.