Bittersweet Justice: Los Angeles County

Occasionally there is justice for those negatively affected by the child welfare and adoption systems. Unfortunately, it is usually bittersweet and much too late. This will serve as REFORM Talk’s justice files.

“The Payout Follows a $4 Billion Settlement Earlier This Year and Covers Thousands of Claims Alleging Decades of Abuse in County-Run Youth Facilities.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved an $828 million settlement to compensate victims of childhood sexual abuse in the county’s juvenile and foster care facilities, just six months after authorizing a separate $4 billion settlement over similar claims.

The settlements address allegations that county staff sexually abused thousands of children in their care, with incidents dating back as far as 1959. More than 11,000 victims were identified across both settlements, most involving abuse that occurred during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.

The lawsuits were made possible by Assembly Bill 218, which extended the window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims, even after the statute of limitations had expired.

County Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport previously described the $4 billion payout as one of the “mounting financial challenges” straining the county’s budget. The settlement contributed to $88.9 million in spending cuts enacted earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the Board has directed county attorneys to investigate claims of potential fraud related to the earlier $4 billion settlement, after reports surfaced that some individuals may have been paid to file false lawsuits as part of the mass litigation.”

LA County Approves $828 Million Settlement for Juvenile and Foster Care Sex Abuse Victims
[West Side Today 10/31/25]