San Diego's Disturbing Allegations: Systemic Abuse in Children's Services Sparks Outcry

Growing Crisis: Allegations of Abuse at Polinsky Children's Center

In a deeply troubling turn of events, San Diego County is facing a wave of lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse and negligence at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children's Center. The center, designed to provide safety for at-risk youth, has come under fire as over 75 lawsuits have been filed, revealing a disturbing pattern of systemic failure by the county to protect children in its care.

Herman Law, a nationally acclaimed law firm that specializes in sexual abuse claims, is spearheading efforts to bring justice for the victims. The firm is urging survivors of abuse at the Polinsky center to come forward and share their experiences. This call to action aims not only to unify the victims who have already spoken out but also to ensure that those who have suffered remain heard and supported.

Voices of the Survivors

During a recent press conference held by Herman Law, emotional testimonies from survivors painted a harrowing picture of life at the Polinsky Children's Center. One survivor recounted their struggles: "Many years ago, I tried to sound the alarm about the exploitations done to me and others by [Polinsky's] staff. Unfortunately for me, I was only met by deaf ears." Such accounts shed light on the alleged abuse perpetrated by staff members within the facility, highlighting a profound betrayal of trust in a place meant to provide care.

Attorney Blake Woodhall, representing the victims, emphasized the urgent need for accountability. “This case represents the systemic failure of this County-run institution to fulfill its absolute duty to protect children,” he stated, underscoring the importance of these lawsuits in amplifying the voices of victims and seeking justice.

The Polinsky Children's Center, managed by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, serves as a temporary refuge for children aged from birth to 17 years, often removed from homes marked by abuse or neglect. However, allegations suggest that instead of safety, these children endured horrific emotional and physical traumas under the county's supervision.

Another survivor shared, "We were young and didn’t have a choice in what was done to us, but we do today." This statement echoes the sentiment among many survivors who now find the courage to recount their stories, hoping to prevent future abuse for others in similar situations.

A Systemic Failure

The lawsuits allege multiple failures on the part of the County of San Diego from 1996 to 2023, including:

- Neglecting to protect children from sexual abuse.
- Failing to investigate abuse claims properly.
- Intimidating victims to silence them and disregard their reports of abuse.

As stated by attorney Woodhall, “These children were already among the most vulnerable. Instead of receiving protection, they were subjected to horrific sexual abuse under the County's watch.” The implications of these failures are severe, creating long-lasting impacts on survivors and their ability to form healthy relationships.

In the aftermath, many victims have reported difficulties stemming from the trauma suffered at the center, with one saying it created an environment of fear and mistrust that hindered their personal development and relationships.

Taking Action for Justice

Herman Law remains steadfast in its mission to secure justice for the survivors of the Polinsky Children's Center. They encourage any victims of abuse to come forward, offering a confidential hotline for consultations. As the legal fight unfolds, there lies an urgent hope for healing and accountability.

Survivors are reminded that they are not alone in this battle and have the right to speak out. They have the potential to influence change and ensure that such tragedies do not repeat in the future. Herman Law stands ready to guide and support these courageous individuals on their journeys to justice.

For those who wish to share their experiences or seek help, Herman Law can be reached at (866) 850-3766 or through their dedicated website for more information. Victims are encouraged to take that important step towards empowerment and healing, as the collective voices of survivors gain power in the pursuit of justice.