Los Angeles County has agreed to a $4 billion settlement to resolve nearly 7,000 claims of childhood sexual abuse that allegedly occurred in its juvenile facilities and foster homes. This unprecedented settlement surpasses the largest sex abuse payouts in U.S. history, including those by the Boy Scouts of America and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The settlement still requires approval from the county claims board and the Board of Supervisors.
The claims stem from incidents dating back to the 1960s, with the majority occurring in the 1980s through the 2000s. Many of the allegations involve abuse by probation officials at facilities like the now-closed MacLaren Children’s Center. According to the Los Angeles Times, the county’s Chief Executive Officer, Fesia Davenport, apologized on behalf of the county and emphasized the commitment to systemic changes to protect children.
The settlement is a response to AB 218, a 2020 state law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims. This law led to a surge in lawsuits against the county. The financial burden of the settlement will be managed through reserve funds, budget cuts, and bonds, as reported by ABC7. Payments will be distributed between January 2026 and January 2030.
Attorneys representing the victims, including Patrick McNicholas, have highlighted the settlement’s significance in delivering justice and accountability. The county plans to implement measures such as a countywide hotline and enhanced staff training to prevent future abuse.
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