Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, a Texas-based institution that cares for at-risk youth, is facing a lawsuit filed by two former residents alleging they were sexually abused while living at the ranch. The lawsuit, filed in May 2019, accuses the ranch of failing to protect the boys from harm and negligence in its supervision of older residents.
The plaintiffs, identified in the lawsuit only as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, claim they were repeatedly sexually abused by older residents while living at the ranch. John Doe 1, who arrived at the ranch when he was 13, alleges he was subjected to “repeated sexual assaults” by older boys. He further claims he became “severely anxious and depressed” due to the abuse.
John Doe 2, who was younger than John Doe 1, alleges he was “exposed to sexually aggressive behavior” by older residents. The lawsuit states the boy began exhibiting sexualized behavior and was later hospitalized in a residential treatment center for child victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse.
The lawsuit accuses Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch of negligence in failing to protect the boys from harm. It claims the ranch failed to properly supervise older residents and ignored or minimized reports of abuse. The lawsuit also alleges the ranch failed to provide adequate training to staff on how to identify and prevent sexual abuse.
Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch has denied the allegations. The ranch’s CEO, Dan Adams, stated that the organization is “confident that the things that may have happened then are not happening now, and if they do they are dealt with.” However, the lawsuit has prompted an independent investigation by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
The outcome of the lawsuit is currently unknown. However, it has brought to light serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. The lawsuit also raises important questions about the responsibility of institutions caring for vulnerable youth to prevent and address sexual abuse.
Here are some additional details about the lawsuit:
- Case Name: Doe v. Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Inc.
- Case Number: 4:19-cv-00821
- Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
- Plaintiffs: John Doe 1 and John Doe 2
- Defendant: Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Inc.
- Allegations: Sexual abuse, negligence, failure to protect children
- Damages sought: Unspecified
- Current status: Ongoing
This is a developing story. We will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as they become available.
