Lawsuit: Polinsky Children’s Center

“Former foster children who say they were sexually abused while they stayed at a San Diego County emergency shelter for kids spoke out Friday morning.

During a news conference in Kearny Mesa, several people shared their stories, accusing staff members at the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky of abusing them while they were there as children.

The center, which is still up and running, operates as a temporary emergency shelter for children who must be separated from their families for safety reasons or if their parents can’t care for them.

“For 30 years I had to be quiet about this, and now I feel like my voice can be heard,” said Kimberly Dennis tearfully. “I want to share my experience regarding the abuse I endured and how it affected me. The abuse created an environment of fear and mistrust, making it so incredibly difficult for me to have healthy relationships, including with my own dad.”

Herman Law represents Dennis and the other plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit against the county. According to attorneys, there are now over 75 cases included in this lawsuit. They allege staff members sexually abused children over a span of nearly three decades. Victims who attempted to report the abuse were ignored, intimidated, or dismissed, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked, said attorneys.

A separate lawsuit was filed last year by a different law firm, alleging more than 100 children were abused at the center.

CBS 8 reached out to San Diego County for comment Friday morning.

They provided the following comment

The County is aware of the press conference and remains committed to the safety of all children provided temporary respite at Polinsky Children’s Center. The County has no comment on this pending litigation.”

Former foster children share abuse allegations against Polinsky staff
[CBS 8 4/4/25 by Kelly Hessedal]

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