Three companies behind private juvenile detention and treatment facilities at the heart of a “kids for cash” juvenile justice scandal in northeastern Pennsylvania have settled a civil lawsuit for $2.5 million. The settlement involves claims brought by thousands of juveniles against PA Child Care, Western PA Child Care and Mid-Atlantic Youth Services Corp. It was granted preliminary approval in federal court. Two former Luzerne County judges are serving lengthy prison terms in connection with the scandal. Prosecutors say juveniles were locked away in the facilities, often for minor offenses, by judges who took illegal payments from the facilities’ builder and co-owner.