Foster Care Sexual Abuse Attorney

Nearly $1 Billion Recovered for Survivors

Our Foster Care Sex Abuse Attorneys Can Provide Support & Help You Fight

At Kayla’s Survivors, our foster care sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping survivors seek justice, recover the compensation they deserve, and hold negligent foster parents, agencies, and placement organizations accountable. Whether the abuse occurred in a foster home, group home, or residential placement, we’re here to support you with compassion and guidance every step of the way. Your story matters — and you don’t have to face this fight alone.

Our sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to standing up for individuals who were abused while in the care of a foster home or parent—whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago. No matter your age or how much time has passed, we’re here to help you pursue justice and recover compensation for damages. Get started with your case by calling (800) 509-9747 or get help online from our legal team.

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Foster Care Sex Abuse Statistics

Recent studies show alarmingly high rates of sexual abuse among children in foster care. For example, there were about 400,000 children in U.S. foster care in 2019, and up to 40% of them were estimated to have experienced some form of abuse while in care. In one Johns Hopkins University study, foster children were four times more likely to suffer sexual abuse than their peers not in care; those placed in group homes had abuse rates up to 28 times higher than average.

Other reports suggest roughly one-third of foster youth have been sexually abused by a foster parent or other adult in the home. These figures are far above general population rates, highlighting how the foster care environment can leave vulnerable children at heightened risk.

Note: All statistics are from U.S. studies and reports on foster care and child sexual abuse.

Common Types of Foster Care Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in foster homes or facilities can take many forms. Abusers may be foster parents, relatives, other foster children, or any staff or caregivers in the system. For example, attorneys report that foster parents and foster siblings are among the most common perpetrators, though abuse can also come from facility workers or other visitors

Specific forms of abuse include:

• Inappropriate sexual touching or molestation. This can involve forcing the child into unwanted sexual acts, such as touching or being touched on private body parts without consent.
• Sexual assault or rape. In some cases, an adult or older youth in care may commit rape or sexual assault against a foster child. Such violent abuse is tragically reported in many foster care scandals.
• Sexual exploitation and trafficking. Children may be coerced into creating sexual images (child pornography) or forced into prostitution. Investigations have found that many underage sex trafficking survivors come from foster homes or group care settings.
• Coercion and exposure. Other forms include exposing a child to pornographic materials, forcing them to watch sexual acts, or making them participate in or witness sexual abuse of others.
• Grooming and manipulation. Abusers may use emotional manipulation, threats, or bribes (like gifts or promises) to keep the child silent. Grooming often precedes abuse in foster situations.

Every form of abuse causes deep harm. Children in foster care may be reluctant or afraid to report it. We recognize these patterns and hold all responsible parties accountable.

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Recoverable Compensation From Foster Care Sexual Abuse

Survivors of sexual abuse in foster care can recover significant damages through a civil lawsuit. Depending on the case, available compensation for sex abuse may include:

• Medical and Therapy Expenses. Costs for emergency care, hospital bills, counseling, ongoing therapy, and any specialized medical treatment resulting from the abuse.
• Psychological and Emotional Damages. Compensation for the pain, suffering, emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and any loss of normal life enjoyment caused by the abuse.
• Future Care Needs. Funds for long-term support such as continued counseling, special education, or medical needs arising from the trauma.
• Lost Earnings or Opportunity. If the abuse has lifelong effects that limit the child’s future earning capacity or education, damages can be awarded to cover that loss.
• Punitive Damages. In egregious cases where a foster parent or agency acted with extreme neglect or malice, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers
• Legal Costs. Attorney’s fees, court costs, and other legal expenses can also be recoverable, so that families are not out-of-pocket for fighting the case.

It’s important to note that case is unique, and the amount of compensation recovered depends on factors like the abuse severity, the agency’s negligence, and governing state laws. An experienced foster care sexual abuse attorney can help identify all possible damages you deserve and fight to maximize your compensation.

Notable Foster Care Abuse Settlements

Los Angeles County (2025): In April 2025 LA County approved a $4.0 billion settlement resolving thousands of claims of sexual abuse at county-run juvenile facilities and foster group homes. This historic deal covered about 6,800 claims dating back decades, many involving abuse at the MacLaren children’s center (a group home for foster youth). It is by far the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history.

Oregon (2023): In December 2023 Oregon’s Department of Human Services agreed to pay $40 million to settle a lawsuit by four former foster children who suffered severe sexual and physical abuse in one foster home. Court filings detail that state caseworkers repeatedly ignored signs of abuse. The settlement was the largest-ever Oregon foster care abuse payout.

New Mexico (2023): In a July 2023 trial, a New Mexico jury awarded $485 million in compensatory and punitive damages to an 8-year-old girl abused in a foster program run by Acadia Healthcare. The case alleged that the agency knowingly placed the child with a foster parent who had a history of assault, leading to egregious abuse. (This verdict is among the largest-ever for a child sex abuse case.)

Washington State (2024): In 2024 the State of Washington paid $3.25 million to settle a lawsuit on behalf of a young girl who was repeatedly physically and sexually abused in foster care. Attorneys called it one of the most “egregious failures” of the state’s child welfare system.

California (2016–2024): For example, in 2016 a California foster care agency paid $4 million to settle a lawsuit for two boys who were molested by another child in their foster home. This case involved the agency’s failure to warn the foster mother about the older child’s violent history.

These are just a few examples of major foster care settlements and verdicts. In each instance, survivors were able to hold the agencies and individuals responsible accountable for their failure to protect children.

How A Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help

A foster care sexual abuse attorney provides compassionate, trauma-informed legal support every step of the way. Here’s how a lawyer can help you or your child:

• Case Evaluation and Confidential Help: Your attorney will listen to your story and evaluate the facts in a confidential, non-judgmental setting. They will explain your legal options (civil lawsuit, claims against agencies, etc.) and rights.
• Gathering Evidence: Lawyers work to collect all available evidence – medical records, photographs of injuries, police or caseworker reports, witness statements, and any records from the foster agency. They often consult child psychologists or other experts to document the abuse’s impact.
• Filing Claims: In states that allow it, lawyers file civil complaints against responsible parties. If custody was with foster agencies or a guardian, that agency or its workers can be named as defendants. Your lawyer ensures paperwork is filed correctly and on time under the law.
• Negotiations: Many cases settle before trial. An attorney will negotiate with the foster care agency or its insurer to reach a fair settlement. They know how to value damages like therapy and trauma, and will advocate for compensation that covers all your needs.
• Protecting Your Privacy: If a case goes to court, a skilled attorney will fight to protect the child’s safety and privacy. This can include requesting closed courtrooms, allowing testimony by closed-circuit video, or using initials instead of names. These steps help survivors avoid direct confrontation with abusers.
• Trial Advocacy: If settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer will prepare a strong case for trial. They will coach you (or a guardian) on testifying in court or presenting evidence, and will seek accommodations (like a comfort item or break) for the child’s protection.
• Emotional Support & Referrals: Beyond legal work, many foster care abuse attorneys connect survivors with counselors or support groups. They understand how difficult disclosure can be and will guide you to counseling resources.

Throughout the process, our goal is to empower you. At Kayla’s Survivors, our foster car abuse attorneys provide help and support at every step of the legal process.

Get Help From A Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawyer at Kayla’s Survivors

If you or your child has experienced sexual abuse while in foster care, you may be eligible to take legal action and hold the foster parent, agency, or institution accountable. An attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Take the first step by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us what happened online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support at every step of your case.

The attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors law firm have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse, including individuals who have suffered sexual abuse at foster care programs and facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I file a claim if the abuse happened years ago?

Yes. Many states have extended or eliminated time limits for childhood sexual abuse claims, including abuse that occurred in foster care. Even if the abuse happened decades ago, you may still be eligible to file—especially if statute of limitations have changed or if the trauma delayed your ability to come forward. An attorney can evaluate whether your case qualifies under current laws.

Can I file a claim if the abuser was another foster child?

Yes, foster care agencies and group homes have a duty to supervise and protect children in their care. If a child was abused by another foster youth due to inadequate supervision or known risks that were ignored, the agency or facility may still be held legally responsible.

Will my identity remain confidential if I file a claim?

Yes, survivor privacy is our top priority. Our foster care abuse attorneys can request that your name be kept confidential in public court filings and take steps to ensure that your identity is protected and 100% confidential throughout the legal process.