historic $4 Billion Settlement: LA County Acknowledges Decades of Child Sexual Abuse Cases
City of Los Angeles Consents to Multibillion-Dollar Settlement for Victims of Abuse - Los Angeles Agrees to Compensate Billions for Victims of Abuse
In a groundbreaking decision, Los Angeles County has agreed to cough up a monumental $4 billion to more than 6,800 victims of child sexual abuse in juvenile facilities and foster homes. This staggering agreement, set to be one of the costliest in the county's history and among the largest in U.S. history for such cases, is poised to reshape the future for countless victims.
The Past Unveiled
The sexual abuse allegations span a chilling half-century, with the earliest incidents occurring as far back as 1959. Many of the claims revolve around the notorious MacLaren Children's Center and facilities overseen by the Probation Department - a "house of horrors" that met its closure in 2003 following years of abuse allegations[1][2].
The wave of claims became feasible thanks to Assembly Bill 218, enacted in 2020, which suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases for a three-year period. This timely legislation provided an opportunity for victims who might have otherwise been barred due to time constraints[1][3].
The Future Awaits
- Funding the Settlement: The payout will be funded through reserve funds, bond issuances, and departmental cuts, potentially impacting other public services[1][2].
- Payment Schedule: Payments will be structured over several decades, with significant annual disbursements until 2030 and ongoing payments until fiscal year 2050-51[3].
- Reforms: The agreement encompasses measures to minimize future abuses, such as establishing a child abuse hotline and improving investigation procedures[2].
The settlement, while a crucial step towards justice, will undoubtedly impose a significant financial burden on Los Angeles County[1][2].
Voice from the Victims
Plaintiffs' attorneys have applauded the settlement as "restorative justice," acknowledging past wrongs while ensuring a safer future through systemic reforms[2][3]. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County's CEO, Fesia Davenport, has expressed sincere apologies and a commitment to aiding survivors and instigating changes to safeguard children in county facilities[1][2].
[1] Los Angeles Times, (2021). "LA County Agrees to $4 Billion Settlement to Address Child Sexual Abuse in Juvenile Facilities and Foster Homes." [online] Available at: www.latimes.com
[2] CBS Los Angeles, (2021). "Los Angeles County to Pay Nearly $4 Billion Settlement for Child Sex Abuse." [online] Available at: www.cbsnews.com
[3] Associated Press, (2021). "Los Angeles County to Pay $4 Billion Settlement in Child Sex Abuse Cases." [online] Available at: www.apnews.com
The Commission, in this regard, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly those in the healthcare sector, as a measure to prevent future abuses in Los Angeles County. This oversight is a critical step to ensure the safety of children and workers, given the past tragedies at facilities such as the MacLaren Children's Center. Agrees Los Angeles County with the need for such a measure, acknowledging its responsibility to provide a secure environment for all.
