In a deeply troubling development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against Southwest Key Programs Inc., a Texas-based non-profit organization. The lawsuit accuses the organization of engaging in a sustained pattern of severe sexual abuse and rape of children within its shelters.
Details of the Allegations: Southwest Key operates at least 29 shelters across Texas, Arizona, and California, providing care for unaccompanied migrant children. However, a recently filed DOJ complaint reveals a harrowing scenario, alleging that from 2015 to 2023, multiple employees of Southwest Key subjected children in their care to repeated and unwelcome sexual abuse. The abuse ranged from solicitation of sex acts and nude photos to severe sexual abuse and rape, creating a hostile environment that endangered children as young as 5 years old.
Specific Incidents Highlighted: The DOJ complaint outlines several specific instances of abuse:
- In 2022, a youth care worker at Casa Franklin in El Paso reportedly sexually abused three girls aged 5, 8, and 11.
- Another incident in 2022 at Casa Oasis in McAllen involved a worker who sexually touched boys during transport and attempted similar acts at Casa El Presidente in Brownsville.
- Further complaints include long-term inappropriate relationships, such as one between a care worker and a teenager at Casa Padre in Brownsville, with other employees failing to report the relationship even as it facilitated the teenager’s eventual escape from the facility.
Systemic Failures and Lack of Oversight: The complaint also criticizes Southwest Key’s failure to take adequate preventive measures against sexual harassment, its non-compliance with federal reporting requirements, and its discouragement of children from reporting incidents. Such systemic failures highlight a grievous lack of oversight and responsibility at multiple organizational levels.
The gravity of these allegations cannot be overstated. If you or someone you know was housed in a Southwest Key facility and experienced or witnessed abuse, it is crucial to seek legal help immediately. Gomez Law, PLLC is committed to fighting for the rights and safety of vulnerable children affected by these disturbing acts. We offer comprehensive legal support to help victims and their families navigate the complexities of such serious allegations.
Gomez Law, PLLC provides free consultations to anyone who might have been affected by the actions described in the DOJ’s lawsuit against Southwest Key. Contact us to learn more about how you can seek justice and protect other children from similar harm. Our dedicated team is here to ensure that your voice is heard and that entities like Southwest Key are held accountable for their actions.
At Gomez Law, PLLC, we believe in justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. As the legal proceedings against Southwest Key unfold, we stand ready to assist and support victims of these unconscionable acts. Reach out today to take a stand against abuse and fight for a safer environment for all children. Call us at 713-980-9012 or visit our site to schedule your free consultation.
