Los Angeles County has agreed to a $30 million class action settlement to resolve claims that juvenile hall and camp conditions violated the federal civil rights of minors held in detention.
Individuals born on or after February 15, 2002 who were detained in a Los Angeles County juvenile hall or camp may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.
Who Is Eligible for a Payment?
You may qualify for a payment if:
- You were born on or after February 15, 2002
- You were detained at any time in a Los Angeles County juvenile hall or camp
Both hall and camp stays will be considered when calculating settlement payouts.
How Much Will Each Claimant Receive?
Payouts will vary depending on:
- The total number of days spent in juvenile hall or camp
- Whether time was served in a hall (which is valued more) or a camp
- The total number of valid claims submitted
Individuals who were held in both types of facilities will have both time periods included in their award calculation.
How to File a Claim
Eligible class members can submit a claim in one of two ways:
- Online: Using the unique Claim ID and PIN from their settlement notice
- By Mail: Download, print, and return the claim form to:
LA County Juvenile Detention Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 26170
Santa Ana, CA 92799
Lost your notice? Contact the settlement administrator to request your Claim ID and PIN.
Claim Deadline:
November 28, 2025
Payment Options
Approved claimants can choose how they want to receive their payment:
- PayPal (online claims only)
- Venmo (online claims only)
- Zelle (online claims only)
- Prepaid card (online claims only)
- Physical check mailed to the provided address
Settlement Fund Breakdown
The $30 million fund will be distributed as follows:
- Settlement administration costs: Estimated $9M–$10M
- Attorneys’ fees: Up to $9M
- Class representative award: $25,000
- Payments to class members: Remaining balance after deductions
If money is left over after all payments are made, a second distribution may occur. Any remaining funds will be donated to a nonprofit organization agreed upon by the parties.
Key Dates to Remember
- Opt-Out Deadline: November 28, 2025
- Claim Deadline: November 28, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: January 28, 2026
When Will Payments Be Issued?
Payments will be sent out approximately 120 days after final court approval and once any appeals are resolved.
Why Was There a Lawsuit?
The class action lawsuit alleged that conditions in L.A. County juvenile detention facilities violated federal civil rights laws. Detainees reportedly endured unsafe or unlawful treatment while in custody.
While the County of Los Angeles denies any wrongdoing, it agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation and the risks of trial.
Sources:
Expected Award: Varies based on days detained
Claim Deadline: November 28, 2025
Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.
