Justice Department files lawsuit against Southwest Key for sexual abuse of children in shelters

The Justice Department filed lawsuit on Thursday against Southwest Key for sexual abuse of children in shelters.

“Sexual harassment of children in residential shelters, where a child should be safe and secure, is abusive, dehumanizing and unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“Sexual abuse of children is a crisis that we can’t ignore or turn a blind eye to. This lawsuit seeks relief for children who have been abused and harmed, and meaningful reforms to ensure no child in these shelters is ever subjected to sexual abuse again,” the official added.

Some employees have been indicted on criminal charges related to the allegations in the lawsuit since 2020.