San Diego County Faces Host of Lawsuits Alleging Child Sexual Abuse & Negligence at Polinsky Children's Center

Herman Law urges survivors to come forward as lawsuits reveal shocking failures by the County of San Diego to protect vulnerable children.

SAN DIEGO, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Herman Law, a nationally recognized law firm specializing in sexual abuse cases, is urgently calling on survivors of sexual abuse at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children's Center in San Diego to come forward and share their stories in a show of unity by joining the survivors who already have. Over 75 lawsuits alleging systemic abuse and cover-ups at the county-operated emergency shelter have already been filed against the County of San Diego. Attorneys are actively seeking to speak with additional survivors as part of their investigation to ensure justice is served for all victims.

"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," one of the victims emotionally shared at a press conference, held by Herman Law.

The lawsuits, brought forward by Herman Law attorney Blake Woodhall, allege that children placed at Polinsky Children's Center, a shelter for at-risk youth, were sexually abused by staff members. These lawsuits further claim that the County of San Diego failed to protect these vulnerable children, dismissed their reports and, in many cases, intimidated victims into silence.

"This case represents the systemic failure of this County-run institution to fulfill its absolute duty to protect children," said Woodhall. "These lawsuits are meant to give these victims a voice and a measure of justice. We are committed to uncovering and exposing the full extent of this horrific situation."

Polinsky Children's Center, operated by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, was designed to offer temporary shelter and trauma-informed care for children — ages ranging from birth to 17 years — who had been removed from their families due to abuse or neglect. However, the center's mission to ensure safety and well-being was not upheld, as children were sexually abused under the County's watch.

"We were young, and we didn't have a choice in what was done to us, but we do today," shared another victim at the press conference. "Today, I am old enough to come forward and not only stand up for myself but also for other children in Polinsky Children's Center's care that they may not endure what I did."

One victim also talks about the lasting impact of the abuse they endured at Polinsky Children's Center. "The abuse [at Polinsky Children's Center] created an environment of fear and mistrust, making it incredibly difficult for me to create any healthy relationships, including with my father," the victim states.

The lawsuits allege, upon information and belief, that from 1996 to 2023, the County failed to protect children from sexual abuse; failed to adequately, properly and completely investigate whether children were safe and free from abuse and maltreatment; failed to adequately, properly and completely investigate the acts and conduct of the perpetrators once reported; failed to establish policies and procedures that were adequate to protect the health, safety and welfare of children and protect them from sexual abuse; failed to adequately monitor and supervise its employees and staff; concealed their knowledge that perpetrators were unsafe and posed a risk of child sexual abuse; and failed to report suspected sexual abuse of children to law enforcement.

"These children were already among the most vulnerable, removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Instead of receiving protection, they were subjected to horrific sexual abuse under the County's watch," added Woodhall.

Herman Law is leading the legal fight to secure justice for these survivors. The law firm encourages anyone who may have been a victim of abuse at Polinsky Children's Center to come forward, confidentially and without fear, to share their story and ensure that this tragedy does not happen again.

"Healing is a journey, and while I continue to work through these difficulties, it's important to highlight how abuse can profoundly affect one's life and relationships. I hope that by sharing my story, others may find the strength to seek help and advocate for change," another victim shares.

Survivors are urged to contact Herman Law's confidential hotline for a free and private consultation. If you or someone you know was abused at Polinsky Children's Center, you are not alone. You have the right to speak out, and justice is possible. Victims or those with information can contact Herman Law at (866) 850-3766 or visit the dedicated website for more information.

For more information on Herman Law, visit HermanLaw.com.

About Herman Law
Herman Law is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing victims of sexual abuse. Our experienced and compassionate team is committed to pursuing justice, holding institutions accountable and helping survivors heal by guiding them through civil litigation with compassion and integrity.

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SOURCE Herman Law