California Foster Care Sexual Abuse Attorney

Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawyer

The California foster care system is tasked with protecting our most vulnerable children. Prior to landing in this system, these young and fragile kids have been removed from biological parents who were abusive or neglectful. Unfortunately, the California foster home in which they are placed is often worse than the home in which they were removed.

A BROKEN SYSTEM IN CALIFORNIA

The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System Report states there are more than 600,000 children currently in the foster care system. Of these, nearly 80,000 are placed in the State of California. An August 2021 report by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services shows that 33,274 of the state’s total foster care population reside in LA County.

Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that the California agencies tasked with protecting our foster children are overworked, underfunded, and understaffed. As a result, they often fail the children they are charged with protecting. Data suggests that California repeatedly abandons its duty to foster children by improperly screening prospective foster parents, failing to properly supervise children, and ignoring complaints of abuse.

CALIFORNIA CHILDREN SUFFER FROM THE BROKEN SYSTEM

The net result of this negligence is staggering:

  • Foster children in California are 10 times more likely to be sexually abused than children who live with both biological parents.
  • More than 20% of all children placed in the California system suffer some form of identifiable sexual abuse.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services reports that children in foster care have a 75% higher chance of being sexually abused than the general population. This negligence results in long-term negative effects for our foster children in California:
  • In 2018, 59% of 12th-graders in foster care graduated high school, compared to 83% of all students.
  • Only 3% of former foster youth earn a college degree.
  • Nearly 50% of individuals are unemployed within four years of exiting foster care.
  • More than 25% are incarcerated.
  • 20% experience homelessness.

CALIFORNIA FOSTER CARE AGENCIES MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE

California counties and third-party agencies tasked to administer the foster care system have a responsibility to keep all children safe from sexual abuse. If a California county or agency fails in its duty to keep a child safe, they can be sued for negligence. However, the process involved in suing government entities is complex and arduous. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced California sex abuse attorney who can navigate the process and fight hard to protect the rights of the injured child.

TIMELINE TO BRING A LAWSUIT IN CALIFORNIA

As with most cases of child sexual abuse, it often takes years for the victim to come to terms with the abuse. As such, sexually abused people often do not report the incident until years after the sex abuse occurs. Fortunately, California law recognizes the fact that victim reporting is often delayed and new laws allow sex abuse victims to file claims well into adulthood. ASSEMBLY BILL 218 was signed into law, giving sex abuse victims until the age of 40, or within 5 years of discovering the sex abuse. Even if the sex abuse is discovered past the age of 40, victims may have an additional 5 years to bring a claim. Craig Charles Law urges all sex abuse victims of foster care abuse to give us a call, no matter how many years have passed since the sex abuse.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Craig Charles Law has vast experience representing victims of sex abuse in California. The primary goal of our law firm is to assist victims of abuse and help them overcome the injustice inflicted upon them. We believe that every child has the right to be free from harm. We believe that every child deserves protection from adult predators. We believe that every child deserves a solid foundation and a genuine shot at having a happy, healthy and productive life.

When government agencies assist in denying foster children these basic needs, they must be held accountable. They must make fundamental changes to their policies in order to prevent future sex abuse. We see it as our duty to assist sexually abused foster children and we take great pride in helping our clients achieve justice.

COMPENSATION AVAILABLE FOR ABUSE VICTIMS IN CALIFORNIA

California foster care abuse claims provide victims with monetary compensation including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental health services
  • Future medical treatment
  • Psychological anguish

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED CALIFORNIA FOSTER CARE SEX ABUSE LAYWER

Even if the sex abuse happened years ago, if you or someone you know was victimized while in the California foster care system, we urge you to give us a call. Your call is completely confidential and there is no cost or obligation to discuss your case. We are a gay friendly, LGBTQIA affirming law practice. Call Craig Charles Law today and get the justice you deserve: 424-343-0660

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