Polinsky Children’s Center: A Look at Its History, Purpose,

The A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center (often referred to as Polinsky Children’s Center or PCC) has been a cornerstone of child welfare in San Diego since its opening in 1994. Administered by the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA), the center was created as a temporary shelter for children who needed to be removed from their homes for their safety due to abuse or neglect. It was founded in honor of philanthropists A.B. and Jessie Polinsky, who were well-known for their contributions to children’s causes in the region.

PCC is committed to providing short-term protection and care for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. The services offered include:

• Basic necessities: Shelter, food, clothing.
   
• Medical care: Ensuring children receive necessary health attention.
   
• Counseling and therapy: Offering mental health support to cope with trauma.
   
• Educational support: Partnering with local schools to ensure children continue their education during their stay.
   

These services aim to provide the immediate care that children need while awaiting more stable, long-term placements such as foster homes or reunification with family.

Approximate Number of Children Served:

PCC has historically housed between 200–230 children at a time, though this number fluctuates based on staffing levels and budget constraints. On an annual basis, PCC typically serves between 1,000 to 1,500 children. In recent years, however, efforts have been made to place children more quickly in foster homes or with relatives, resulting in a decline in the number of admissions.

Abuse and Neglect Allegations:

Over the years, the Polinsky Children’s Center has been the subject of numerous abuse allegations and lawsuits, including claims of physical abuse, sexual assault, and negligence.

Reports and lawsuits have surfaced accusing staff members of using excessive force during altercations between children. Some reports also mention improper restraint techniques, which have led to severe injuries and even deaths.

PCC has been involved in several lawsuits alleging both peer-on-peer abuse (where older minors abused younger children) and incidents of sexual abuse by staff members. Survivors have shared accounts of being exposed to these abuses due to inadequate supervision, a situation that led to further trauma for the children involved.

There are also claims that PCC failed to provide adequate mental health care or supervision. Stories have emerged of children engaging in self-harm or being victims of bullying, with little intervention from the staff.

Lawsuit Details:

Several lawsuits have been filed against the County of San Diego, reflecting the trauma that children have endured during their stays at PCC. Below are some of the key cases:

1. Victim Statements and Survivor Accounts: Survivors have shared their heart-wrenching experiences, including testimony from Kimberly Dennis, who described how the abuse she experienced created an environment of fear and mistrust. A survivor, aged 9, detailed ongoing sexual assaults by a female staff member.
    
2. Retaliation for Reporting: Many survivors reported threats of retaliation for speaking out, including being isolated in solitary confinement or having family visits restricted.
    
3. Media Coverage and Investigations: Investigative reports have exposed systemic failures at PCC, including issues with staff supervision, inadequate background checks, and failure to intervene during incidents of abuse.
    

Systemic Failures and Institutional Responses:

Numerous failures within the Polinsky Children’s Center have been uncovered, raising questions about the institution’s accountability.

1. Negligent Hiring: Lawsuits have pointed out that San Diego County failed to conduct proper background checks, enabling predators to remain employed and continue their abuse.
    
2. Underreporting of Abuse: A 2024 inspection found that 37 abuse investigations were initiated at PCC, but only 3 were substantiated, suggesting that cases of abuse may have been intentionally underreported or ignored.
    
3. County Response: While the County has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring child safety, despite the growing number of lawsuits and public pressure.
    

The Polinsky Children’s Center is a vital resource for children in San Diego County, yet its history has been marred by abuse allegations and legal challenges. These lawsuits, investigations, and survivor testimonies underscore the critical need for reform in child welfare practices. The lessons learned from these failures highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and safeguarding the rights of children in institutional care.

As this issue continues to unfold, the experiences of survivors, along with public scrutiny, may lead to changes that protect future generations from similar harm.