VisionQuest (“VQ”) is yet again in the headlines over allegations of turning a blind eye to the physical and sexual abuse of children committed by staff members. VisionQuest runs multiple facilities to care for children who were adjudicated delinquent or found to be dependent, under the theory that VQ would help them successfully reintegrate into society. However, recently, former residents of the company’s facilities have started to bring VisionQuest child abuse lawsuits after disclosing the horrific abuses they experienced while in the care of VisionQuest.
If you or your child was placed in a VisionQuest facility and suffered physical or sexual abuse at the hands of staff members, you may have a legal claim against VisionQuest. VisionQuest was trusted by parents, children and state governments, and based on many corroborated accounts, appears to have violated that trust by allegedly ignoring claims of rampant child abuse. Those interested in learning more about bringing a VisionQuest lawsuit should reach out to a child abuse injury lawyer for assistance.
What Is VisionQuest?
VisionQuest is a company that provides live-in care and guidance to juveniles involved in delinquency and dependency proceedings. Delinquency is the term used to describe a minor who engages in conduct that, if committed by an adult, would be considered a crime. Dependency proceedings are used to provide care to juveniles who do not have legal guardians or whose guardians were deemed unfit to care for them.
VisionQuest operates several different programs, including functional family therapy, community-based services, services for unaccompanied children, and foster care. However, the majority of complaints against the company stem from abuse committed against children who were adjudicated delinquent and placed in the custody of VisionQuest.
What Are the Allegations Against VisionQuest About?
Thousands of former VQ residents have recently started to openly discuss a range of abuses that they endured while living in VisionQuest facilities. These allegations include
- Using excessive force;
- Physically restraining child residents; and
- Engaging in sexual abuse of minor residents.
As a company that is supposed to be caring for children and teaching them to live successful, independent lives, VisionQuest has a duty to ensure the safety of residents. Clearly, any substantiated claim of physical or sexual abuse is a violation of this duty, which may mean that VisionQuest is financially liable to victims for the harm they experienced.
What Are the Symptoms of Abuse at VisionQuest Facilities?
Often, children will initially deny that they were abused out of fear or shame, and it is only years later that they open up about what happened to them. And the symptoms of sexual and physical abuse can manifest in many different ways. However, some of the most common indications that a child may have experienced sexual or physical abuse at VisionQuest include the following:
- Depression,
- Anxiety,
- Anger-management issues,
- Post-traumatic stress disorder,
- Sexually transmitted diseases,
- Broken bones,
- Poor performance in school,
- Difficulty maintaining a job,
- Not trusting others,
- Sexual promiscuity, and
- Substance abuse disorder.
Are Victims of Child Abuse Entitled to Compensation from VisionQuest?
Those who experienced physical or sexual abuse at a VisionQuest facility may be able to recover financial compensation from the company through a child abuse injury lawsuit. Of course, every case is different, and there are many factors that go into the strength of a victim’s case. Consulting with an experienced VisionQuest abuse lawyer is a good first step for those looking to learn more about their rights.
What Does a Victim of VisionQuest Abuse Need to Prove to Be Eligible for Compensation?
Youth who were subject to sexual or physical abuse by VisionQuest staff must be able to prove each of the following:
- The youth was housed at a VisionQuest facility;
- The youth suffered physical or emotional damages as a result of a staff member’s sexual or physical abuse.
Is There Still Time to File a VisionQuest Abuse Claim?
Most lawsuits must be filed within a certain period of time, which is referred to as the “statute of limitations.” Each state is responsible for creating its own statute of limitations, so the amount of time someone has to file a claim will vary by state. As a general rule, however, statutes of limitation typically require a claim to be filed within two to five years. However, understanding the reality of the situation, states also make certain exceptions for claims that arose when the victim was a child or involves allegations of sexual abuse. Thus, while there is no definitive timeline in which you must bring a VisionQuest lawsuit, a child abuse lawyer can help victims determine if they have a claim and how to go about pursuing a claim for compensation against VisionQuest.
Where Are VisionQuest Facilities Located?
VisionQuest currently operates or previously operated live-in facilities for youths who were adjudicated delinquent in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Maryland, Delaware, and Texas. Residents of facilities in each of these states have come forward to disclose persistent patterns of abuse that were committed by staff in VQ facilities.
