Advocating for Survivors of Foster Care Sexual Abuse
The foster care system is intended to provide safety and stability for vulnerable children, but far too often, it fails to protect them from sexual abuse and exploitation. Many foster children experience foster care sexual abuse at the hands of foster parents, social workers, or other authority figures.
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused while in foster care, you have the right to seek justice. Greenberg Gross LLP is dedicated to representing survivors in sexual abuse cases and holding the responsible parties accountable. Our experienced attorneys fight for the rights of child abuse victims, ensuring they receive legal support, compensation for medical expenses, and access to mental health treatment.
The Reality of Sexual Abuse in Foster Care
Sexual abuse in foster care is a devastating and widespread issue. Many children enter the foster care system due to previous neglect, child abuse, or unsafe family situations, only to find themselves in another dangerous environment. The lack of oversight, failure to investigate reports, and inadequate monitoring by foster care agencies allow sexual predators to exploit these children.
Common Forms of Foster Care Sexual Abuse
Survivors of foster care sexual abuse have reported:
- Sexual assault by foster parents, social workers, or other caregivers
- Sexual exploitation by authority figures or older foster children
- Being subjected to unwanted sexual activity, including sexual penetration
- Grooming and inappropriate sexual comments by adults in foster homes
- Repeated abuse due to the foster care system’s failure to prevent abuse
Many children in foster care have no safe person to report the abuse to, as they may fear retaliation or removal from their placement. Others who do report the abuse are often ignored by foster care agencies or child protective services, allowing the abuse to continue.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Foster Care Sexual Abuse?
Multiple parties may be responsible for the abuse and neglect of foster children. Civil lawsuits can be filed against:
- Foster parents who committed or allowed the abuse
- Social workers who ignored warning signs or failed to investigate reports
- Foster care agencies that failed to conduct thorough investigations
- Government entities responsible for overseeing the foster care system
- Other authority figures, including school officials or caregivers, who knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it
Foster care sexual abuse is a serious violation of a child’s rights, and those who enable or commit these crimes must be held accountable. Filing a civil claim can provide survivors with financial compensation and help prevent abuse from happening to other children in the system.
Legal Options for Survivors of Foster Care Abuse
Survivors of foster care sexual abuse have legal options to demand justice and hold institutions accountable. Our legal team is experienced in handling civil claims for survivors, seeking compensation for medical expenses, psychological injury, and emotional distress.
In California, recent legal changes have expanded the rights of survivors to file claims. The law allows those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit even years after the abuse occurred. California foster care sexual abuse victims may be eligible to file claims against foster care agencies, government entities, and other responsible parties.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Greenberg Gross LLP, we are committed to protecting children and seeking justice for survivors of foster care sexual abuse. Our legal team provides experienced representation, ensuring that survivors receive the support they need throughout the legal process.
Why Choose Us?
- Decades of experience in sexual abuse cases
- Dedicated to achieving justice for survivors
- A history of holding responsible parties accountable
- A thorough, compassionate approach to each case
- A free consultation to discuss legal options
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused in foster care, you don’t have to face this alone. Our attorneys will fight on your behalf to hold institutions accountable and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for the harm you have suffered.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
Survivors of foster care sexual abuse deserve justice and the chance to heal. If you or someone you love has been a victim, our law firm is here to help. Contact Greenberg Gross LLP today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be sued in a foster care sexual abuse case?
Survivors can file a lawsuit against multiple parties, including foster parents, foster care agencies, social workers, government entities, and other authority figures who enabled the abuse.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
California law provides extended timeframes for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims. If you were sexually abused while in foster care, you may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help determine the best course of action.
What compensation is available for survivors?
Survivors may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, mental health treatment, emotional distress, and punitive damages. The amount depends on the details of the case and the extent of harm suffered.
Will I have to go to court?
Many sexual abuse cases are settled outside of court, but if necessary, our legal team will be prepared to fight aggressively in a trial to demand justice on your behalf.
If you or someone you love has experienced foster care sexual abuse, don’t wait to take action. Contact Greenberg Gross LLP today for a free consultation.