Children sent to Hanna Boys Center deserved protection. The adults responsible for their care had a duty to keep them safe.
Manly, Stewart, Finaldi & Thom have represented survivors of alleged sexual abuse at Hanna Boys Center. In June 2019, our firm, then known as Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, and co-counsel Beck Law announceda $6.8 million settlement on behalf of two brothers who alleged they were abused at the institution.
If you experienced sexual abuse at Hanna Boys Center, you may have legal options. Our attorneys can review what happened, evaluate potential claims, and explain what pursuing accountability would involve.
Call (855) 928-5364 orrequest a free, confidential case review.
Sexual Abuse Allegations Involving Hanna Boys Center
Hanna Boys Center is located in Sonoma, California. The institution changed its name to Hanna Center in 2022.
The brothers whose claims settled in 2019 alleged that counselor Kevin Thorpe sexually abused them on the Hanna Boys Center campus and at his home. Their lawsuit also alleged that the center and its employees knew about the abuse, ignored evidence, and actively covered it up.
Those allegations raised questions about the conduct of the institution and the adults responsible for student safety. Our firm represented the brothers in seeking accountability for that harm.
The settlement resolved those clients’ claims. Each survivor’s circumstances require a separate legal review, and past results do not guarantee a particular outcome.
Holding Institutions Accountable for Sexual Abuse
A civil sexual abuse lawsuit can seek accountability from both the person who committed the abuse and others whose wrongful conduct helped cause it. California law recognizes claims against institutions when the necessary elements of liability are established.
In aschool sexual abuse case, an investigation may examine:
- Prior warnings: Whether staff or administrators received complaints, observed misconduct, or had other reasons to recognize a risk.
- Hiring and supervision: Whether the institution took reasonable steps to screen employees and supervise their contact with children.
- Access to students: Whether adults violated boundaries involving private meetings, communications, transportation, or off-campus contact.
- The response to suspected abuse: Whether those responsible reported concerns and took steps to protect students.
Written policies must be enforced. Adults need training to recognize grooming, maintain appropriate boundaries, and respond to disclosures without intimidating or blaming the child.
California’s mandated reporting law requires mandated reporters to report known or reasonably suspected child abuse to designated authorities. Telling a supervisor alone does not fulfill that obligation.
Filing a Hanna Boys Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Years Later
Former students may be able to pursue a claim as adults. The available legal options depend on the timing of the abuse, the potential defendants, and other facts.
California applies different rules based on when childhood sexual assault occurred:
- Before January 1, 2024: Claims remain subject to deadlines and requirements involving the survivor’s age and, in some circumstances, when the survivor discovered or reasonably should have discovered the connection between adult psychological injury and childhood sexual assault. Additional requirements can apply to claims against institutions.
- On or after January 1, 2024: California law removes the filing time limit for qualifying civil claims arising from childhood sexual assault.
The temporary 2020–2022 window that revived certain older claims has closed. An attorney can determine whether another filing period remains available and whether prior proceedings affect your options.
A prompt legal review can help you understand the deadlines that apply to your circumstances.
The Lasting Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can cause physical injuries and lasting psychological harm. Survivors may experience depression, anxiety, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, disrupted sleep, or difficulty with trust and intimacy. Some need continuing medical treatment or mental health care.
Sexual assault can occur without visible injuries or a physical struggle. An adult may exploit a child through grooming, threats, or dependence on that adult’s care.
A survivor’s silence, delayed disclosure, or inability to resist does not make the abuse their fault. Whatever brought a child to Hanna Boys Center, that child deserved protection.
Compensation Available Through a Civil Claim
A successful civil claim may provide compensation for harm caused by the abuse, including:
- Medical treatment and related expenses.
- Therapy, counseling, and other mental health care.
- Lost wages.
- Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Compensation can help pay for treatment and address the continuing consequences of abuse. The available recovery depends on the evidence, the claims established, and the law that applies. Ourchild sexual abuse attorneys can explain how those issues affect an individual case.
What to Expect from a Confidential Case Review
You can contact our team even if you never filed a police report, no longer have school records, or cannot remember every date.
An initial conversation may cover approximately when you attended Hanna Boys Center, who was involved, what happened, and whether anyone was told. You can begin with what you feel comfortable sharing. Our team will explain what additional information may be needed to evaluate a potential claim.
Preserve any relevant letters, messages, school documents, or earlier reports you already have. You do not need to assemble an entire case before asking about your options.
Requesting a consultation does not commit you to filing a lawsuit. The initial review is confidential. If a case proceeds, our attorneys can discuss measures to protect your privacy and explain the limits of confidentiality during litigation.
Speak With Our Hanna Boys Center Sexual Abuse Attorneys
Manly, Stewart, Finaldi & Thom represents survivors seeking accountability from perpetrators and institutions that failed to protect them. Our experience includes litigation involving Hanna Boys Center.
We handle sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We explain the fee agreement and how case costs are handled before representation begins.
If you were sexually abused while attending or living at Hanna Boys Center, our team can review your circumstances and explain your options. Parents and guardians seeking help for a child can also contact us.
Call (855) 928-5364 orrequest a free, confidential case review.
