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Naselle Youth Camp

Youth Detention Center Abuse
Survivors Are Coming Forward

… did it happen to you?

Did you, or your child, reside at Naselle Youth Camp

Washington Law Center Is Privileged To Fight For These Victims

We can get you the justice and compensation they deserve

Holding State-Run Juvenile Facilities Accountable
for Sexual Abuse of Youth Residents

The Naselle Youth Camp, a medium-security detention facility and school for male juvenile offenders in Washington, housed 225 youth residents across 34 structures before it closed in 2022. Over the years, this facility has faced multiple allegations related to sexual abuse, shedding light on disturbing misconduct and systemic failures to protect its vulnerable youth.

Washington State had a legal duty to protect residents of Naselle Youth Camp from harm. In cases such as these, it’s important to know: 

  • Minors under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to sexual contact in Washington.
  • Any sexual contact between staff and residents violates both state law and the residents’ civil rights, regardless of alleged consent.

Survivors of abuse at this facility may have grounds to file a lawsuit and hold the State accountable for failing to ensure their safety. Each survivor’s case is unique, and compensation depends on the facts and extent of the damages.

If you were a resident of Naselle Youth Camp and have any questions about your experience, we strongly encourage you to contact our legal team. Washington Law Center has, and will continue, to fight against any individual, entity or agency. Not all firms have the resources to pursue these claims. We do.

History of Abuse Allegations at Naselle Youth Camp Sexual Abuse Case Details

A series of lawsuits and criminal investigations reveal a troubling history of abuse at Naselle Youth Camp. Examples include:

    • July 2021: Washington State settled a civil lawsuit for $805,000 brought by four former detainees. They accused ex-counselor Michael Nolan of sexual abuse, including enticing juveniles to swim naked with him and engaging in inappropriate sexual touching.
    • January 2021: Former Naselle Youth Camp worker Steven D. Wirkkala was arrested and charged with commercial sex abuse. While his alleged misconduct with a 12-year-old girl occurred outside of the facility, authorities expressed concern due to his role at the camp.

Additional Naselle Youth Camp Abuse Case Details

The abuse allegations at Naselle Youth Camp are not isolated incidents. State-run juvenile detention centers and youth camps in Washington have faced decades-long patterns of sexual abuse. These facilities have often failed to implement sufficient safeguards to protect residents, resulting in significant harm to countless individuals. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of sexual abuse and administrative failures at State-run juvenile facilities, where vulnerable youth were not adequately safeguarded.

 

Read or Watch more about this here:

Tri-City Herald – ‘Perfect victims.’ Tri-Cities man joins 100s alleging WA allowed abuse of teen offenders

KING 5 – Washington sued amid allegations of sex abuse of minors by staffers in juvenile centers

Seattle Times – 176 more people allege sex abuse at WA youth detention centers in suit

Free Case Review with a Sexual Abuse Attorney

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Washington Law Center Actively Represents Sexual Abuse Victims

We’ve Recovered Tens of Millions For Survivors

FAQ

Childhood Sexual Abuse Attorney FAQs

FAQ - Personal Injury Attorneys near me - Washington Law Center

I was abused as a child, can I still file a claim?

Why seek relief now?

Types of sexual abuse claims we've pursued

I want to file a sexual abuse claim, now what?

How long do sexual abuse claims take?

 

Was I sexually abused?

It’s never too late to come forward and seek guidance from a trusted legal professional. You are not alone. Our attorneys have represented individuals just like you who were also wondering if they had a case because the sexual abuse happened so long ago. Don’t wait another day, contact the experienced sexual abuse lawyers at Washington Law Center.


VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Was I Sexually Abused?

ATTORNEY SARA SHEIKH: Nearly any form of inappropriate of sexual conduct perpetuated against a minor can provide for a cause of action in Washington. The legislature allows minors to sue for many forms of childhood sexual abuse including molestation, sexual misconduct which could include sexual touching or rubbing, indecent liberties, voyeurism, and, of course, any form of rape. We believe victims deserve justice for all forms of childhood sexual abuse.

There is no one-size-fits-all type of abuse. Many victims are just groomed and then convinced to participate in sexual misconduct. These victims tend to believe they’re not victims at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our attorneys want to hear your story and will provide you safe space to talk. We want to know what has happened, no matter how long ago. We want to pursue justice for you.

Attorney-Client privilege for sexual abuse claims

 

What is the difference between criminal and civil cases?

The only redress for sexual abuse victims is typically monetary compensation to make them whole. The burden of proof for victims far lower in civil cases. We must only prove our case as ‘more probable than not’ instead of ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.


Video Transcript: 

ATTORNEY SARA SHEIKH:

Who is the best attorney for your sex abuse lawsuit?

Who can be held liable in a sexual abuse case?

Who can be held liable in a childhood sexual abuse case? Anyone who abused you or failed to report childhood sexual abuse should be held accountable. At Washington Law Center, we have also filed many successful claims for victims where entities and institutions have failed children. This includes lawsuits against the following: Churches, The State of Washington, DSHS, CPS, DCYF, Schools, Daycares, Sports Clubs, and more.


Video Transcript:

ATTORNEY ASHTON DENNIS: 

Anyone who abused you or failed to prevent childhood sexual abuse should be held accountable. At Washington Law Center, that is at the core of our beliefs and part of our mission. In Washington, abusers themselves most certainly can be held liable for the harm and the damage they caused.

Beyond suing abusers, we have also filed many successful claims for victims where entities and institutions have failed children. This includes churches, the state, DSHS, CPS, DCYF, schools and administrators, the Scouts and other clubs, daycares, and sports clubs. Truly, any entity that has care of children and fails to vet its employees and volunteers can and should be held liable when their children are abused. Washington Law Center has and will continue to fight for victims against any individual, entity, or agency. Not all firms have the resources to pursue these claims. We do.

We will listen. We will investigate and learn about your claim. We will fight for you.

What does an initial meeting with a sexual abuse attorney look like?

 

Are you trying to get a better idea of what an initial meeting with a sexual abuse attorney might look like? Sexual Abuse Attorney Ashton Dennis is here to talk you through what you can expect when you meet with Washington Law Center.


Video Transcript: What To Expect During Your Initial Meeting with a Sexual Abuse Attorney?

ATTORNEY ASHTON DENNIS: At Washington Law Center, a consultation is going to be done in a way that makes you most comfortable.

Very often, clients have been holding onto these stories, their story for a very long time and need time to write it out. And we give you the space to do that.

Or if it’s in person and you want to meet with me and the team and talk through it, or if it’s via Zoom or other virtual program.

Or in the comfort of your home if that’s where you feel safe and that’s where you want to share your story, we’ll come to you and we’ll meet with you and we’ll talk through that with you.

And if that means that you need to have someone with you when sharing that story, we’d be happy to do that as well.

We will go out of our way to make sure it’s done in a way that makes you the most comfortable.

How much do I have to share in my initial meeting with a sexual abuse attorney?

What is the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims in Washington?

In the state of Washington, the statute of limitations to report a claim of sexual abuse has been revised to allow for the victim of these actions time to recognize what happened to them and how it affected their lives.

It’s never too late to come forward and seek guidance from a trusted legal professional. You are not alone. Our attorneys have represented individuals just like you who were also wondering if they had a case because the sexual abuse happened so long ago. Don’t wait another day, contact the experienced sexual abuse lawyers at Washington Law Center.


Video Transcript: Why Seek Relief Now?

ATTORNEY SARA SHEIKH: As a victim, you have rights. You deserve to be heard. The law’s permissive when it comes to the amount of time you have to file your claim, but time is still important. We encourage victims to pursue their claims so abusers are held accountable. It will allow you to take the power back from your abuser. It will allow you to hold those accountable who failed to protect you.

Calling now will allow us to start collecting the relevant information. Calling now will help prevent your abusers from hiding assets. Calling now will help ensure that insurance policies are not exhausted and available to you. We are here for you. We will listen, and we will fight for you.

Washington Law Center is a resource for sexual abuse survivors

Child Sexual Abuse Cases

We stand against victim blaming: your story matters

No Fee Until You Win

At Washington Law Center, we have a “No-Fee Promise” with all of our sexual abuse cases. Our attorney fees are contingent, so you pay no fees until we win.

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