Justice Department files suit against Southwest Key for sexual abuse of children in care homes

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

“Sexually molesting children in residential settings, 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.

“Child sexual abuse is a crisis that we cannot ignore or ignore. This lawsuit calls for help for children who have been abused and harmed, as well as meaningful reforms to ensure that no child in these homes is ever sexually abused again,” the official added.

Some employees have faced criminal charges since 2020 in connection with the allegations in the lawsuit.