Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Texas and other States, summer camp should be a time for fun and adventure for children. Summer camp should also be a place where a child is cared for and supervised in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. Unfortunately, many children are abused and neglected each summer at summer camps. Some are raped. Some are molested. Many others suffer serious personal injuries and death due to the negligence of the camp operators, counselors, and / or support staff. In Kerrville, Texas, a former summer camp counselor recently struck a plea deal during a trial where the counselor was being prosecuted on aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child Texas criminal charges. The charges stemmed from allegations that a boy, who is now 11 years old, was molested / fondled as he left a shower area at the summer camp. It was reported that the family was disappointed in the camp’s actions or inactions in response to the counselor’s alleged inappropriate conduct with the children after the children had showered. The counselor denied the allegations of molesting the boy. Of course, trials, both civil and criminal, take place every day when there is a dispute over the allegations or facts. Without an admission, photographs, video tape, and multiple eyewitness accounts, it is often difficult to prosecute cases of alleged abuse and molestation at a summer camp, day care center, or other location. In some cases, there is forensic medical evidence showing the improper and forceful conduct. It should be pointed out that each case, whether civil or criminal in nature, must be evaluated by its own facts and the application of the the State and sometimes Federal law on point. For more information regarding this Texas trial and plea deal, see Former Camp Counsel Takes Plea in Texas Molestation Case.