Help is available for those who were the victim of abuse while confined in LA County or California juvenile detention facilities & foster homes.
Following a DOJ investigation, LA County has agreed to provide a settlement fund for victims of abuse. Some of the facilities where abuse occurred include:
If you were affected, contact us to file a claim before time expires
Following years of investigation by the Department of Justice and other authorities, Los Angeles County has agreed to create a $4 billion settlement fund for victims of sexual abuse at juvenile detention facilities and foster care going back several decades.
So far, more than 7,000 victims have come forward to file claims, alleging abuse as far back as 1959 and ranging into the 2000s. Authorities have identified dozens of facilities and care homes where abuse may have taken place.
This 2025 sex abuse settlement is by far the largest in history. In recent years, Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Archdiocese, University of Southern California and Michigan State University have paid out similar, but smaller, sex abuse settlements.
The settlement fund was made possible by a 2020 California state law that expanded the definition of “Child Sex Abuse” and extended the time available for victims to file lawsuits.
Victims now have until the age of 40 to file a claim, or 5 years after they discover their psychological injury was the result of childhood sexual assault (whichever is later).
Thousands of victims have already come forward to describe the abuse they suffered at the hands of medical providers or staff members at the facilities. Unfortunately, legal experts fear thousands more may still need help.
Lawyers are helping those affected file claims against LA County, which didn’t properly screen for abusers in their facilities or discipline those accused of misconduct for decades.
The settlement distributions are expected to begin in January 2026 under the guidance of former Superior Court Judge Louis Meisinger, and take approximately 5 years to complete.
Find out if your case qualifies.
Get in Touch
Although attention has centered around abuse at LA County facilities, victims have alleged abuse at many other detention facilities around the state.
Below is a partial list of the California juvenile detention facilities that are alleged to have allowed abuse of victims:
If you were detained at any of the above facilities, or others throughout the state of California, and suffered sexual abuse, it’s important to speak with a lawyer to learn your rights to file a claim.
Victims who’ve filed claims may start receiving a portion of the $4B settlement.
LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously approves $4B settlement.
LA County reaches $4 billion tentative agreement to settle more than 6,800 sexual abuse claims dating back to 1959.
CA attorney general charges 30 officers at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall with child abuse for organizing fights.
Lawsuit filed on behalf of 1,200 victims who were sexually abused , assaulted or tortured while minors at LA County juvenile detention halls.
First two lawsuits filed for victims alleging sexual abuse while they were detained at MacLaren Children's Center.
California passes Assembly Bill 218 to give victims of childhood sexual abuse more time to file lawsuits.
Department of Justice conducts investigation into LA County juvenile detention centers, finding systemic failure to protect youth from harm by staff.
Maclaren Children’s Center opens for operation in El Monte.
If you or a family member suffered sexual abuse while at a California juvenile facility or foster care, it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help determine your legal rights and whether you’re entitled to compensation from the settlement fund.
Our qualified sexual assault lawyers will fully investigate your case, gather evidence and file a claim on your behalf.
Recent changes to California law allow you until the age of 40, or 5 years after you discover your injury from abuse (whichever is later) to file a lawsuit. However, officials have set a deadline to begin disbursing awards for these claims.
Therefore, it’s recommended that you begin the process as early as possible to make sure your lawyer has time to get necessary records and prepare your case.
The Sexual Assault Center at DrugNews works only with attorneys and law firms that have successfully handled thousands of sexual assault lawsuits. And, we can connect you directly to a lawyer or victim advocate today, so you’ll be able to decide if you want to proceed.
We make it easy to get help, find out if you qualify, and quickly file a claim. Our service is offered at no cost to you, and you won’t pay anything to your attorney unless you receive an award. Also, our qualified lawyers can handle most aspects of your case without you ever having to leave your home.
For more information, or to learn about your options - call, chat or email us today.
