Los Angeles County Approves $4 Billion Settlement for Sexual Abuse Claims
Los Angeles County reaches a $4 billion agreement to settle nearly 7,000 sexual abuse claims in juvenile facilities dating back to 1959.
Overview
Los Angeles County has approved a historic $4 billion settlement for nearly 7,000 claims of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities, surpassing previous records. The Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted the deal to compensate abuse survivors, enabled by California legislation that suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Many claims stem from incidents at the now-closed MacLaren Children’s Center. County officials have publicly acknowledged the severe harm caused to the victims, amid rising financial pressures on the county’s budget.
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Analysis
- Los Angeles County has approved a $4 billion settlement to address nearly 7,000 claims of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities, marking one of the largest settlements of its kind in U.S. history.
- The settlement is facilitated by a California law that allows childhood sexual abuse victims to file claims without the usual statute of limitations.
- The approval of the settlement acknowledges the long-term harm suffered by the victims, with officials expressing heartfelt apologies and recognizing the shortcomings of the juvenile care system.
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The mass filing was triggered by California legislation (AB 218) that temporarily waived the statute of limitations, allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims even if the statute of limitations had expired.
Los Angeles County plans to fund the settlement using reserve funds, issuing bonds, and reducing spending.
The claims primarily involve Los Angeles County's juvenile detention facilities and foster care shelters, including the now-closed MacLaren Children’s Center.
Individual awards will be determined and administered by an independent team of allocation experts.
History
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