Los Angeles County has reached a potential $4 Billion sexual abuse settlement to resolve nearly 7,000 claims alleging assault in juvenile detention centers and foster care facilities.
The lawsuits, which date back as far as 1959, revealed a long history of sexual abuse in facilities meant to care for vulnerable children. Survivors described being assaulted, restrained, and drugged by staff members.
If approved, this would be the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history — and a step toward justice for thousands of survivors.
In addition to compensation, the proposed settlement also includes a list of county-wide reforms and policy changes designed to protect California’s youth from sexual assault and harassment.
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to standing with survivors of sexual abuse. If you or a loved one experienced abuse, we may be able to help you seek compensation and hold those responsible for your abuse accountable.
A Historic Win for Survivors of Abuse in Juvenile Facilities
In 2020, a California law temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse claims. This allowed adults to take legal action for abuse that occurred years ago in foster care facilities and detention centers.
The claims against Los Angeles County involve sexual assaults by guards and doctors, children being given antipsychotic medications and taken advantage of, staff members dismissing those who spoke up about the abuse, and more.
A significant number of these lawsuits stem from the MacLaren Children’s Center in El Monte, California, which operated from 1961 until 2003. The facility served as a temporary shelter for children awaiting placement in foster homes.
If approved, the $4 Billion settlement for survivors of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities would become the largest of its kind in U.S. history. The previous highest was the $2.6 Billion Boy Scouts of America sexual abuse settlement.
Many victims claim to have suffered lifelong battles with substance abuse or mental health issues as a result of what they experienced as children.
This historic settlement represents more than just compensation — it’s a long-overdue acknowledgment of the pain these survivors have carried for decades.
“It is bittersweet for the survivors, because nothing is ever going to take away what was done to them, and how badly their lives were altered and how much they have suffered,” said one attorney. “However, the settlement hopefully gives them some measure of justice and provides them with some measure of closure.”
Reforms to Prevent Sexual Abuse in Foster Care & Detention Centers
A lack of oversight, inadequate staffing, negligent hiring practices, and overcrowded facilities all contributed to the widespread abuse that went unchecked for decades in California’s juvenile system.
To address these issues, the Los Angeles County sex abuse settlement involves a series of proposed reforms within both the Department of Children and Family Services and the Probation Department.
Some of the proposed reforms include:
- A hotline specifically for reporting abuse in juvenile facilities and foster care
- Methods to accelerate abuse investigations to ensure timely action
- Providing enhanced staff training focused on abuse prevention, recognizing signs of misconduct, and how to report abuse
- Reducing reliance on large institutional group homes like MacLaren and prioritizing home-based care whenever possible
- Using a third-party to review current policies and provide suggestions
These steps aim to fix some of the deep-rooted issues in the county’s juvenile system, prevent future abuse, and ensure children in the county’s care are better protected.
Sokolove Law: Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
For many survivors of sexual abuse, the trauma can last a lifetime. No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, you deserve justice — and the chance to hold those responsible accountable.
At Sokolove Law, we’ve spent over 45 years helping survivors seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys are here to provide support while fighting on your behalf.
We can help families across the country file a sexual abuse lawsuit, and there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our team.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free case review. Our team is here for you.
