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MD Schools Hired Teacher with History of Sexual Misconduct

Posted on November 26, 2024December 17, 2024 by Loni Liss

Mark Planamente, a former teacher, has been linked to allegations of inappropriate communications with students at multiple schools in Maryland for over a decade. His sexual misconduct within the Maryland school system went unchecked and allowed for ten years.

He was hired by several Maryland schools, including Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), the Catholic High School of Baltimore, and Sisters Academy of Baltimore, even after numerous reports of misconduct.

Public and private schools have a fundamental responsibility to protect the safety of all students. Parents trust that when their children go to school, they will be in a safe environment, free from harm by staff members with histories of misconduct.

If you or someone you know was sexually abused as a minor by a teacher or school staff member in Maryland, you are not alone. The sexual abuse attorneys at The Yost Legal Group are here to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse seek justice.

We are committed to holding negligent institutions accountable and helping survivors secure the compensation they deserve. If you were sexually abused in a public school or sexually abused by a teacher, seek legal representation.

Contact The Yost Legal Group today for a free, confidential consultation. Call or text us at 410-659-6800. Our experienced legal team is here to support you.

Maryland Schools Criticized for Weak Safeguards Against Grooming

An alarming report from the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education highlights failures within Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and several private schools in the Baltimore area.

The July 2024 report revealed systemic issues, including a clear definition of “grooming,” insufficient guidelines, and inadequate standardized training for conducting background checks.

These gaps created a dangerous environment that enabled individuals like teacher Mark Planamente to pose a risk to students.

While the Inspector General did not fault specific schools, the system still allowed this individual to “slip through the cracks,” as noted by the Baltimore Sun.

Grooming, as outlined in Maryland law (Md. Code, Educ. 6-113.1), is identified as “Sexual misconduct means an act by an adult, including an oral, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication, or a physical activity directed toward or with a minor that is designed to promote a romantic or sexual relationship with the minor.”

A Timeline of Grooming Allegations Against Mark Planamente

August 2006 to January 2015

According to the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education’s (OIGE) findings (read the entire document here) and as reported by The Baltimore Sun and CBS News, Mark Planamente got his first job with BCPS in August of 2006.

The first reported incident the OIGE investigation found was from October 2014, when a student’s mother asked the school to terminate Mr. Planamente. The mother found a message from Planamente on her daughter’s Twitter account. He asked his student if she “had a crush on him.”

Despite the mother’s protestations and the clear evidence of inappropriate direct message communications with a minor, the school did not fire Planamente. Instead, it allowed him to resign in January 2015.

July 2016 to early November 2021

Citing the OIGE investigation, WYPR reported that Planamente secured a new job in 2016 as a substitute teacher and coach at The Catholic High School of Baltimore, a private, all-girls high school in northeast Baltimore City. The school promoted him to a full-time position in 2017.

In 2019, Maryland Code, Education Article §6-113.2 became law. As the OIGE report states, “This section required … mandatory screen processes of prospective employees who would have direct contact with minors.” The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides further information on the amendment.

Since the Catholic High School of Baltimore hired Planamente before the 2019 amendment, his previous incident of inappropriate communication with a minor, while employed by BCPS, was not disclosed.

Planamente worked for The Catholic High School until November 11, 2021. Earlier that month, Catholic placed him on administrative leave after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor student surfaced.

While the school supposedly investigated the serious allegations against him, Planamente resigned.

However, according to reporting from The Baltimore Sun’s Dillon Mullan, who reached out to Catholic High for a response to OIGE’s findings, there was no investigation into Planamente’s supposed inappropriate relationship with a student.

Catholic High’s spokesperson Megan Morales said, “the school did not know of any allegations when Planamente resigned.”

Sexual abuse in schools can cause years of post-traumatic stress disorder. The Child Victims Act of Maryland removes the statute of limitations for many child molestation cases.

An experienced child sexual abuse lawyer can help you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit as a victim of sexual abuse.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse that happened in a Maryland school, The Yost Legal Group is here to help. We want to get you the justice you deserve. Call or text us today for a free consultation with an experienced sexual assault lawyer at 410-659-6800.

Late November 2021 to early February 2022

Spokesperson Morales said that Catholic High was unaware of any allegations against Planamente. They had not been investigating claims of sexual misconduct against him.

In the report, Morales continued:

“It is our hope that this report will result in the state defining behaviors that don’t meet the legal standard for child sexual abuse, often referred to as grooming, which schools are trained to view as red flags for possible future abusive conduct.”

The OIGE report revealed that Planamente was hired by Sisters Academy of Baltimore only three weeks after he left The Catholic High School of Baltimore. Sisters Academy is a private, all-girls middle school located in southwest Baltimore.

This time, Planamente was subject to the 2019 law requiring background checks for individuals who would have direct contact with minors.

Planamente reportedly lied on his background forms by marking “No” for questions about whether he, as the applicant, had previously been fired or asked to resign from a position for misconduct.

The OIGE report shows a systematic failure

“On November 30, 2021, Sisters Academy received the Form from Catholic High indicating a ‘yes’ response to the question regarding whether an individual had been disciplined, discharged, nonrenewed, or asked to resign from employment while allegations of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct were pending or under investigation…”

The unnamed hiring employee at Sisters Academy told the OIGE investigator that they found the response “alarming” and contacted someone at Catholic High directly.

The Catholic High School employee relayed to the Sisters Academy employee that Planamente had been exchanging e-mails with a student that were deemed “unprofessional and inappropriate” but that there was no ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse.

Despite agreeing that the e-mails were “unprofessional and inappropriate,” the Sisters Academy employee still hired Planamente because they “faced an urgent need for teachers.”

An employee with multiple recent “red flags” should never have been placed in a position to interact directly with children. The risks are too great, and ensuring child safety must always come first.

And despite asking a student in a private message on social media if she liked him, the BCPS employee who completed the screening form for Planamente’s application to Sisters Academy checked “No” on all questions about abuse and misconduct with minors.

February 11, 2022 to present

On Friday, February 11, 2022, Mark Planamente was arrested and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor. On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Planamente pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. The judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison with five years suspended.

Protecting Vulnerable Children: The Urgent Need for School Accountability

For nearly a decade, schools and their reporting systems failed to protect vulnerable children from harm.

The first report of grooming involving Planamente was almost 10 years ago. However, a faulty system allowed a predator to operate without restrictions. This happened in both public and private schools, despite many reports of inappropriate communication with minors.

Schools have a critical responsibility to protect their students. The recent OIGE report reveals a deeply troubling reality. One that a child predator was allowed to operate within school systems for years, continuing to interact with minors.

While the report stops short of directly assigning blame, the facts demand action. Institutions must strengthen safeguards immediately to ensure no child is at such risk again.

Speak Out Against Abuse—Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard

Protecting children requires immediate action and accountability. We must ensure that every reporting system functions effectively and that schools are held to the highest safety standards.

Parents, educators, and community members deserve answers—and steps must be taken now to ensure history does not repeat itself.

If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a minor by a Maryland school teacher or staff member, you may have a case. No matter how long ago the sexual assault or rape happened, we may be able to help you seek justice.

You have a voice, and you deserve to be heard. Contact our law firm to learn about your legal rights and how we can fight to hold your abuser accountable.

Are you ready to tell your story? Contact the compassionate childhood sexual abuse lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today.

All conversations are free and confidential. Call or text us today: 410-659-6800.

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Helping Survivors of Montrose School Child Sexual Abuse

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Loni Liss

Our client, at the young age of 13 years old, entered the corridors of Montrose School in 1987. He experienced the worst kind of betrayal and child sexual abuse within a system designed to protect vulnerable youth.

Enduring unspeakable horrors at the hands of those entrusted with his care and rehabilitation, our client’s story is not an isolated incident. It reflects pervasive neglect and misconduct within facilities governed by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).

Today, The Yost Legal Group stands firm in its commitment to represent survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We bring justice against those who turned their backs on innocent children and allowed such abuses to occur.

If you are a victim of child sexual abuse, contact an institutional sexual abuse lawyer at The Yost Legal Group. Our legal group is here to support and guide you through filing a claim against the state of Maryland. Our experienced attorneys work closely with survivors of sexual abuse and sex crimes.

Seeking Justice for Survivors of Montrose School Abuse

The Montrose School was established to nurture troubled youth through rehabilitation and education. It was supposed to be a haven where the young could be redirected towards brighter futures.

However, for many individuals like our client, it became a place where nightmares were lived out daily.

Mr. Bowman, an authority figure meant to provide guidance and protection, instead preyed on our client, a vulnerable youth at Montrose. He committed sexual acts so abhorrent that they left lasting scars on many vulnerable youths.

When our client confided in Ms. Hawkins, a staff member at Montrose, about these sexual assaults, what should have been a turning point toward safety instead spiraled into another chapter of exploitation.

Ms. Hawkins abused this trust by starting her own harmful sexual relationship with our client. This worsened his trauma.

These actions show serious problems in institutions meant to protect minors. The Yost Legal Group aims to address these issues by holding these institutions accountable.

Protecting children from sexual predators must always be at the forefront of juvenile detention centers and all children’s organizations.

Maryland Abuse Survivors, Take the First Step

We are helping survivors of Maryland who suffered abuse in an institutional environment fight back.

– Rape in juvenile detention centers

– Sexual abuse in schools

– Catholic church molestation

– Sexual abuse by teachers

– Sexual abuse in public schools

– Sexual abuse in hospitals

– Rape in foster care

Your Voice Matters: Fight Against Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers

The DJS bears responsibility in this narrative. As a child-serving agency, it has strong authority over juvenile welfare centers like Montrose School. It looks after these children’s lives, including their education, rehabilitation, safety, and well-being.

Yet beneath this umbrella of state-sanctioned control lay opportunities for child sexual abuse that went unchecked until brave survivors stepped forward.

Empowering survivors is crucial for individual healing and systemic change. Each voice raised exposes cracks in institutional armor that must be addressed to reform juvenile justice systems across Maryland—and beyond.

Empowering Maryland Survivors to Claim Justice

By representing child sexual abuse claims against state entities involved in these abuses alongside other government agencies complicit through negligence or active participation—The Yost Legal Group aims to seek justice.

Even though promises were made, children sent to Montrose discovered a deteriorating, overcrowded, and understaffed facility.

They were molested and exposed to a long history of abuse by both staff and other residents, leaving them deeply traumatized. Many suffer to this day from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Montrose’s institutional failures were notorious well before the Maryland State Legislature closed it in 1988.

Known as an overcrowded holding facility for juveniles, its excessive use of solitary confinement was particularly notorious.

Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Abuse Lawyers

Numerous victims allege they reported the abuse, yet facility administrators took no action. Beyond correctional officers, accusations also involve nurses, teachers, and counselors.

Some juvenile offenders in Montrose reported their abusers coerced them into sexual acts by promising extra food, phone calls, outdoor time, and other incentives. Others described facing threats of violence, solitary confinement, extended sentences, and transfers to more severe facilities.

Montrose School closed in 1988 due to severe issues, including incidents of suicide, self-harm, and both physical and sexual abuse involving staff and students.

Hundreds of Maryland youth at the Montrose School under state care suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Individuals in positions of trust and authority misused their roles to commit appalling acts of abuse against youth.

Because of the new Child Victims Act, the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Maryland is removed for many. Regardless of how long ago your abuse occurred, we may be able to seek justice and compensation for you.

A Broken Jail System Leads to Years of Trauma

Maryland’s juvenile detention centers have been a breeding ground for abuse rather than rehabilitation. The very institutions meant to protect and reform troubled youth became harbors for predators exploiting vulnerable children.

These facilities were meant to be places of correction and hope. Instead, they continued cycles of victimization. This left deep psychological scars on many young people.

The impact of child molestation extends far beyond the immediate physical violations endured by victims. For many survivors, the psychological ramifications are profound and debilitating.

Trust issues become deeply ingrained, relationships suffer, and self-worth diminishes. Understandably, this has led some victims into lives defined by criminal behavior or even suicide.

Counseling services are available and accessible for those to begin processing their trauma in a safe environment.

In addition to emotional healing resources, legal recourse is pivotal in addressing past wrongs while preventing future incidents. Survivors deserve justice—a validation that what they suffered was wrong.

Justice for Montrose School Abuse Survivors – Free Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one were at the Montrose facility in Maryland and suffered sexual abuse, contact The Yost Legal Group. Our child sexual abuse lawyers will fight to hold your abusers and the failing Maryland juvenile detention system accountable.

Our sexual assault lawyers will work to seek financial compensation for the trauma and abuse you suffered under state care. We will file a lawsuit, provide legal representation to you, and explain the legal process.

If you are a sexual assault survivor and suffered molestation and child sexual abuse in a Maryland juvenile detention center, contact our law office for help and guidance. We offer a 100% free consultation.

Contact us at 1-800-967-8529 or fill out the form, and we will contact you shortly. If someone sexually victimized you, that was not your fault. We will file a child sexual abuse case on your behalf.

The Yost Legal Group Does Not Charge Anything Upfront.

Our child abuse lawyers will listen to your story and represent you without you having to pay anything in advance. We get paid after we settle your case. If there is no recovery, no legal fees or expenses are due.

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How Grooming Happens & Ways to Protect Children

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Loni Liss

Grooming involves using persuasion and manipulation. If you’re experiencing the pain of child sexual abuse, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are many reasons why these experiences often go unnoticed or unspoken. Please consider reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist who can offer you a safe space to process your feelings and begin your healing journey.

It is important to remember that those who harm children are often individuals familiar with and trusted by them, like healthcare professionals, teachers, school bus drivers, or clergy members.

These individuals may not always resort to physical force. Instead, they might use methods such as play, deception, threats, or other forms of manipulation to involve children and keep them from speaking out.

Our focus should be on creating safer environments and supporting any child who may find themselves in such a difficult situation.

What is Grooming? Key Warning Signs Explained

Grooming is a deliberate and methodical process where an abuser builds trust with a child—and often their family—to facilitate sexual exploitation. It frequently begins with identifying susceptible children who may have certain vulnerabilities, such as low self-esteem, loneliness, or lack of attention at home.

It can include giving gifts or planning special activities to confuse the child. Abusers might also try to make inappropriate touching seem normal or isolate the child from family and friends.

This slowly breaks down any barriers the child might have against inappropriate behavior.

How Grooming Works and How to Recognize It

One of the most insidious aspects of grooming is how normal it can appear to outsiders. Abusers are adept at presenting themselves as caring figures in the child’s life—sometimes even acting as mentors or friends.

They may integrate themselves into community groups such as schools or sports teams where they have easy access to potential victims. By creating an environment that appears supportive and safe, they effectively mask their true intentions not only from their victims but also from those around them.

As grooming progresses, abusers often escalate their tactics in subtle ways that might not initially raise red flags. This could include introducing sexual content in conversations under the guise of education or jokingly testing boundaries with a physical touch that’s framed as accidental or playful.

These actions gradually desensitize a child to inappropriate behavior while simultaneously conditioning them to maintain secrecy about these interactions.

Child Abuse Statistics Every Parent Should Know

Retrospective research shows that 1 out of 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005)

Approximately 90% of children are abused by someone known to them, usually someone they know and trust.

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000)

African American children have almost twice the risk of sexual abuse than white children.

Sedlak. Supplementary Analyses of Race Differences in Child Maltreatment Rates in the NIS–4. (2010)

Only about 38% of child sexual abuse incidents/cases are identified, and even fewer are reported.

London, et al. Disclosure of child sexual abuse: What does the research tell us about the ways that children tell? (2003)

Male adult child sexual abuse victims are 2.6 times more likely to report substance use problems (65% versus 25% in the general population).

Simpson, T.L. & Miller, W.R. (2002)

80% of children who have been sexually abused have some PTSD symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Shanta R. Dube, et al. Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Gender of Victim. (2005)

It’s Not Your Fault—Support for Survivors

Survivors of child sexual abuse often find themselves feeling isolated and withdrawn from the people around them. It’s important to know that there are allies who understand, believe in your story, and are here to support you on your healing journey.

It’s not uncommon for survivors to feel guilty or blame themselves for what happened. However, you must remember that the abuse was never your fault. Those in positions of authority, such as church leaders, failed to protect you, and holding them accountable is crucial.

Legally, you have rights and options. A child sexual abuse attorney can act as a powerful advocate, offering protection and legal recourse against abusers. If the abuse happened in a place like a school, church, or detention center, it’s essential to share your story.

A sexual assault lawyer works closely with sexual assault survivors, providing gentle care and support. If you experienced abuse under the age of 18 in an institution or government facility, we can help you seek justice.

You’re Not Alone—The Yost Legal Group Can Help

The Yost Legal Group is committed to helping you seek justice. Our child sexual abuse lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland, are here to help you file a lawsuit. The Child Victims Act of 2023 protects survivors. It allows them to come forward no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Were you raped in a juvenile jail in the state of Maryland? Did you suffer child sexual abuse in a school or camp program? Were you molested in an institution or hospital? We can help you file a civil case.

Remember, you deserve to be heard, to receive justice, and to secure financial compensation. Contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for compassionate and confidential legal assistance. We’re here to listen and stand with you when you’re ready to talk.

Thomas Waxter Juvenile Detention Center Child Sexual Abuse Claims

Posted on July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 by Loni Liss

It is a heartbreaking reality that child sexual abuse occurs in juvenile detention centers across Baltimore. Vulnerable young individuals should be protected against molestation in juvenile jails, but often they are not.

The trauma of child sexual abuse in Baltimore juvenile detention centers is being addressed through legal action, advocacy, and support services.

By law, DJS is a child-serving agency responsible for assessing the individual needs of referred youth and providing intake, detention, probation, commitment, and after-care services.

The mission of Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center was to provide a high standard of services, including education, mental health, substance abuse, and recreation, within a safe and secure environment. The state-owned facility closed in 2022.

Former residents of the Thomas Waxter Juvenile Detention Center have reported instances of staff members sexually abusing children for years. These claims include inappropriate touching, coerced sexual acts, and other forms of child exploitation.

Exposing the Hidden Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers

Many survivors have shared their stories and are seeking justice for the trauma they endured while in the facility.

They are speaking out about their experiences and advocating for accountability. The survivors are seeking legal action to hold the facility responsible for the harm they experienced.

They are determined to seek justice for the trauma they suffered while under the facility’s care. These claims are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger issue of abuse in juvenile detention centers nationwide. This problem is widespread and affects many facilities across the country.

Holding Those in Power Accountable for Abuse in Juvenile Facilities

In these facilities, vulnerable youth can be targeted and exploited by those in charge because of power dynamics. This cycle of abuse must be addressed, and accountability must be held for those responsible.

For survivors of child sexual abuse at the Thomas Waxter Juvenile Detention Center, seeking support and healing is crucial. There are resources available, such as therapy, support groups, and legal assistance, to help individuals navigate their experiences and seek justice. It is important for survivors to know that they are not alone and that there is help available to them.

One of our clients had a horrifying experience at Thomas JS Waxter Children’s Center. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the horrors that take place behind closed doors. We must stop rape in juvenile detention centers.

Survivors who want to share their stories to help others.

When our client was ten years old, he was incarcerated at Thomas Waxter Children’s Center. After he arrived, a staff member named Mr. Smitty subjected him to repeated sexual abuse in 1989. He would pull our young client into his sleeping area and rape him.

Mr. Smitty then began to bring in another gentleman named Mr. Rogers. Our client was subjected to serious physical injuries as a victim of sexual assault.

Eventually, Mr. Smitty went on to work at Shake and Bake, a local roller skating rink in Baltimore.

Repeated sexual assaults at the juvenile detention center ruined our client’s life. His experience at such a young age highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within Baltimore’s juvenile detention system.

The trauma inflicted upon our client had long-lasting consequences, leading to struggles with incarceration, substance abuse, and trust issues. Our sexual abuse lawyers are committed to breaking the cycle of child abuse through legal action and support for survivors.

Are You a Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse?

The prevalence of child sexual abuse in Baltimore juvenile detention centers is a systemic issue that demands attention and action from both the city and state authorities. Survivors deserve justice, validation, and compensation for the unimaginable harm they have endured.

The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 offers hope for survivors to come forward, seek legal recourse, and hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions. The Child Victims Act removes the statute of limitations for sexual assault victims.

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse in a Baltimore juvenile jail, know that you are not alone.

The Yost Legal Group is here to provide compassionate legal representation and support as you navigate the path toward justice and healing. Our dedicated team understands the complexities of these cases.

We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

Coming forward to tell your truth can start the healing process.

Your story matters, your pain is valid, and you deserve justice. By reaching out to us at 1-800-Yost-Law, you can take the first step towards reclaiming your power. Men and women have come forward to understand the legal process.

You can seek accountability and justice for those responsible for your suffering. There is no cost to speak with us; we work on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we secure a successful recovery on your behalf.

At The Yost Legal Group, we have experienced attorneys for child sexual abuse. They will work with you at your pace and within your comfort level. All information is held completely confidential, and your case can be filed confidentially.

If you suffered abuse as a minor in a juvenile jail, we can file a sexual abuse case for you. A sexual assault lawyer will work closely with you to file a lawsuit.

We’re holding Baltimore Juvenile Detention Centers accountable.

Survivors have the right to seek justice, heal from their wounds, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

By standing together as a community of survivors and allies, we can create a safer future for all vulnerable individuals who enter the juvenile justice system.

Call our sexual abuse attorneys at 800-967-8529 for a free consultation. We will explain your rights under the Maryland Child Victims Act and let you know what to expect when we file a claim on your behalf.

A child abuse lawyer will stand by you during the entire process. Contact us today so we can work to seek compensation for you.

We proudly and passionately defend sexual assault survivors. Your story matters – let us help you rewrite it with strength, courage, and resilience.

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Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Helping Survivors Seek Justice

Posted on November 17, 2023April 5, 2024 by Loni Liss

The topic of child sexual abuse can be difficult to talk about. It is important to do so to bring justice and healing to survivors.

Recently, news broke that the Archdiocese of Baltimore has filed for bankruptcy. This was due to lawsuits filed on behalf of hundreds of children whom members of the Maryland Catholic Church sexually abused.

The Church is trying to deter claimants from coming forward and seeking justice and restitution.

Please do not let this bankruptcy filing stop you from seeking justice from your abuser. There is still time for you to come forward and make your claim.

No matter how long ago the sexual assault happened by any member of the Catholic Church or anyone who worked for the Catholic Church, seek our legal counsel. Call The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for a free, confidential consultation.

Why is it important to come forward now?

Religious leaders hold a sacred responsibility to guide and support their followers. It is truly disheartening when individuals in these positions of authority use their faith to commit acts of sexual abuse and conceal their actions. This is a profound betrayal that cannot be overlooked.

Numerous churches and religious institutions have faced immense scrutiny due to the prevalence of sexual abuse within their ranks.

These institutions have faced criticism for failing to properly address and investigate allegations. The Catholic church is known for not reporting abuse and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly children.

Tragically, we have seen cases of child sexual abuse scandals involving clergy from various religious institutions, including:

the Catholic Church
Evangelical Christians
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Orthodox Judaism/Yeshivas
the Church of Latter-Day Saints/Mormons
the Church of Scientology

It is crucial that we acknowledge the extent of this issue and work together to protect those who have been harmed.

The bankruptcy filing will limit the time you have to file a claim. But it does not limit the time of how long ago the abuse happened. Even if you were sexually assaulted over 50 years ago, we can file a claim on your behalf. It’s just the claim must be filed now to protect your rights.

It is painful for survivors of child sexual abuse to come forward. We understand you need support and protection.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse by the Maryland Catholic Church, it’s time to come forward to make a claim. Our clergy sexual abuse attorneys are here to help. Don’t let the Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy scare you away.

Seeking Legal Representation for a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim

The first step in making a claim is to seek legal representation. The lawyers at The Yost Legal Group have years of experience representing survivors of child sexual abuse. We are ready to fight for your rights.

Clergy sexual abuse is a traumatizing experience that can have long-lasting effects on survivors. If you’re one of them, you may be facing a difficult choice: should you come forward and hold accountable the Catholic Church for what it has done to you?

The decision alone can be overwhelming, let alone having to relive the traumatic experience. We understand that this is a painful process, but it’s also important to remember that you’re not alone.

Our personal injury law attorneys are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your damages. We are string lawyers for victims, especially child victims.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse by a Catholic priest or other religious organization, let us file a lawsuit on your behalf.

When you call 1-800-967-8529, you will speak to a compassionate clergy abuse lawyer who will provide you with the support and guidance you need.

We will explain the legal process to you in easy terms. Knowing that you don’t have to face this alone is essential.

Why making a church sexual abuse claim is so important?

To make a claim, you’ll need to provide information about the abuse you suffered. We will listen to your story with care and compassion. We will need to know when and where the abuse occurred, who was involved, and how it has affected you and your life.

One of the reasons why clergy sexual abuse is so under-reported is because survivors don’t know who to trust and who to turn to. The Catholic Church has resources that they use to intimidate victims from speaking out.

This has made survivors feel helpless and vulnerable. At The Yost Legal Group, we are entirely dedicated to serving the best interests of survivors and protecting their right to compensation.

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you are treated with the respect and dignity you deserve.

You can file a claim without using your name publicly, which can provide a level of privacy and protection. Your child sexual abuse lawyer will walk you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout.

What to expect when filing a claim against the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

It’s natural to have questions about what to expect when making a claim. The bankruptcy court will create a fund to compensate survivors. It is important to know that settlements can take some time.

Your lawyer will update you on your case and answer any questions you have along the way.

It’s essential to prioritize your own well-being throughout this process. Seeking support from trusted friends and family can be helpful.

Why is it essential to come forward?

While deciding to come forward can be difficult, it’s a crucial step towards seeking justice and healing.

By coming forward, you are also helping to protect others from experiencing the same type of abuse. It’s important to remember that you have the right to speak your truth and seek compensation for the harm that was done to you.

You deserve support and care throughout this process, and legal representation can provide that.

The Yost Legal Group is fighting for the rights of clergy sexual abuse survivors every day.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by the Maryland Catholic Church, it’s important to come forward now to protect your rights to compensation.

The Yost Legal Group lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process with compassion and care. By calling 1-800-967-8529, you can take the first step. It’s time to come forward and make your voice heard.

Our church sexual abuse lawyers are dedicated to clergy abuse survivors’ rights. If you want to file a lawsuit against the catholic church, our victims’ rights attorneys will demand justice for you.

How we charge for our services.

We do not charge any legal fees upfront. In fact, you do not owe us anything until after we settle your child sexual abuse case. If we recover financial compensation for you, our law firm will take a percentage of the fee. If there is no settlement, there are no legal fees or expenses due.

Please feel free to call us with any questions. We genuinely care and are here for you.

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