Justice Department Drops Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Southwest Key

The U.S. Department of Justice has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs alleging sexual abuse of minors in its shelters. This decision follows the Department of Health and Human Services' halt on placing unaccompanied migrant children in Southwest Key facilities. The National Center for Youth Law seeks to intervene.

In a significant legal development, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced the dismissal of a civil rights lawsuit filed against Southwest Key Programs, a nonprofit organization managing shelters for unaccompanied minors. The lawsuit had accused Southwest Key's employees of sexually abusing minors housed in their shelters.

The decision to drop the lawsuit came after the Department of Health and Human Services stopped placing unaccompanied migrant children in Southwest Key's shelters and began a comprehensive review of the nonprofit's grants. HHS moved all children to alternative shelters, signaling a shift in focus regarding care providers for these vulnerable minors.

Despite the lawsuit's dismissal, the National Center for Youth Law expressed concerns over the decision and sought court intervention to keep the case open, aiming to ensure accountability and protection for affected children. This move reflects ongoing attempts to prioritize the welfare and rights of unaccompanied minors in the U.S. legal system.

(With inputs from agencies.)