Former inmates have come forward and alleged to have been “forgotten and frozen out” after claims of abuse as youths at the former detention centre.
Kirklevington, which operated as a juvenile detention centre from the 1960s to the 1990s, has become the subject of focus regarding multiple historical abuse claims regarding members of staff abusing its juvenile residents physically and sexually.
The youth detention facility for boys, based in North Yorkshire, was set up to provide ‘short, sharp, shock’ treatment for young offenders, ranging in ages between 14 and 17.
As time has gone on, however, ex-offenders have come forward and claimed that the system was cruel and that they received frequent beatings during their time there.
Cleveland Police began Operation Magnolia way back in 2014, aiming to examine a large number of allegations against young victims who served their time there. This means that at the time of writing, it has already been ongoing for eleven years.
Police say that so far, 818 victims have come forward to share their experiences or abuse there, reporting that staff members were responsible for sexual or physical abuse.
21 suspects were spoken to by Cleveland Police, and they provided an update on their website on 5th February 2025 making note of the impact the delay is having upon victims.
Unfortunately, no convictions have been secured thus far.
Victims are reluctant to file a claim
There are many reasons why they may be hesitant to do so, but several former juvenile male inmates of Kirklevington Detention Centre have spoken about their reluctance about making a claim for compensation.
Such reasons may include:
- The abuse took place a long time ago – This does not prevent you from claiming for historic child abuse.
- The claim will be against the staff member – Claims are made against the Ministry of Justice as the Home Office was responsible for the detention centre at the time.
- They were a young offender – Your reason for being at the centre is irrelevant – nobody had a right to abuse you.
- They went on to commit additional offenses – This is also irrelevant. The abuse still occurred regardless of future activities and it is your right to seek justice.
If you are not sure whether you qualify, we are here to help in complete confidence and without judgement. We provide confidential advice and will support you without pressure, and there is absolutely no obligation to proceed after making an initial enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CICA?
The CICA is a government-funded authority, formed in 1996, which aims to compensate victims of assault or other violent crimes who were blamelessly targeted.
How long will the CICA take to complete a sexual abuse/assault claim?
From the date it receive an application, the CICA advises that it aims to take around twelve-eighteen months to make its initial decision on a claim.
Timescales can vary depending on the circumstances of the assault, the severity of injuries, and the complexity of the overall claim.
There are many reasons why your claim is taking a while.
Such reasons include:
- The police are not responding promptly to the CICA’s information requests.
- The CICA has an large workload and many claims to examine.
- You have delayed in providing any evidence requested by the CICA.
- Medical professionals have delayed providing requested evidence to the CICA.
- You have reviewed or appealed a CICA decision (the average 12 to 18-month time scale no longer applies after a decision is challenged by an applicant).
- You have impending criminal convictions.
Please note, due to the nature of how the CICA works it can often appear that your claim is taking a while when in fact it is within the CICA’s usual timescales. It is important to understand that CICA timescales are not equivalent to day-to-day timescales.
Further reading
Kirklevington Detention Centre abuse claims – abuseclaims.co.uk
Physical abuse – abuseclaims.co.uk
Sexual abuse – abuseclaims.co.uk
Historic abuse claims – Oakwood Solicitors
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