Justice Department Drops Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Southwest Key Programs

The Department of Justice withdrew its civil rights lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs, citing a halt in the placement of unaccompanied minors at its shelters by Health and Human Services. The lawsuit, alleging sexual abuse at the shelters, was dismissed following a joint motion by both parties.

The Department of Justice has officially dropped a civil rights lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs, a prominent nonprofit organization. This lawsuit had accused employees of the organization of sexually abusing minors housed in shelters. The decision follows a halt by the Department of Health and Human Services in placing unaccompanied minors in Southwest Key facilities and a review of its grants with the nonprofit.

The lawsuit, initially filed in July 2024 in the Western District of Texas, claimed a pattern of severe sexual harassment and abuse in the organization's shelters. According to filings, both Justice Department and Southwest Key representatives submitted a joint motion for dismissal. Southwest Key had previously denied these allegations, emphasizing its record of providing safe care.

The National Center for Youth Law expressed concern over the lawsuit's dismissal, seeking to intervene to ensure unaccompanied minors' protection. However, the court accepted the motion to dismiss. The organization has also reached out to Senator Chuck Grassley for support in seeking an explanation from the Justice Department regarding its decision to drop the lawsuit.

(With inputs from agencies.)