The Justice Department has sued Southwest Key Programs, the nation’s largest operator of shelters for unaccompanied migrant children, accusing its employees of repeatedly subjecting minors in its care to sexual abuse and harassment. Southwest Key has worked with the federal government for more than two decades, playing a critical role in the shelter system. It has been awarded nearly $6 billion in federal funds since 2007, operating 29 shelters in Texas, Arizona and California that can house more than 6,300 children. They receive meals and educational opportunities in such shelters until they can be placed with a parent, relative or other guardian. Southwest Key documented dozens of incidents of abuse reported by children, but according to prosecutors, employees did not report abuse they had observed or knew of, or violations of policies designed to protect minors.

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Persons: “ Organizations: Southwest Key, Southwest Locations: Austin, Texas, Texas , Arizona, California, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador