Foster Care Abuse
What is Foster Care Abuse?
Foster care abuse includes any sexual, physical, or psychological harm inflicted on a child while in state care or an out-of-home placement.Â
When the State of Washington places a child in a foster home, it has a legal duty to protect that child from harm. Sadly, our experience shows that many of these cases could have been prevented because:
- Clear red flags were ignored
- Required home visits were skipped
- Background checks were not completed for all household members
If these failures contributed to abuse, the State failed to uphold its duty and should be held liable.
Forms of Foster Care Abuse and Neglect
Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating forms of harm a child can endure. Any sexual activity between a minor and an adult is sexual abuse, but some examples include:Â
- Rape, sexual acts or sexual touchingÂ
- Taking sexually explicit pictures or video of a child
- Exposing oneself sexually to a child
- SodomyÂ
- Forcing a child to watch sexual activityÂ
Help Us Stop Sexual Abuse
Have you or a loved a survivor of sexual abuse including foster care abuse? Have you witnessed behavior that may hint that a child is at risk?
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Washington Law Center to better understand your rights or to seek our assistance with your case.
Physical Abuse involves intentionally causing bodily harm to a child. This includes hitting, burning, choking, physical restraints and any other actions that inflict pain, injury, or physical impairment.
Neglect involves failing to provide for a child’s basic needs. This includes withholding adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, supervision, and any other actions or omissions that place the child’s well-being at risk.Â
Often times, a survivor of foster care abuse does not come forward because they only remember bits and pieces of what happened. We understand that trauma can affect memory. Science shows memories of abuse may be fragmented but that does not make your experience any less valid. It is completely normal if you do not remember every foster home, every person involved, or every detail of the abuse. What is not normal is being abused, and if it happened to you then we strongly encourage you to reach out.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Foster Care Abuse?
When a child is abused while in foster care, multiple parties can be responsible:Â
- The State of Washington / DCYF for negligent placement or monitoringÂ
- Foster parents and members of their household
- Foster siblings who harm other children during inadequate supervision
- Private child-placing agencies and their employees
- Group homes and residential treatment facilities
- Social workers and supervisors who ignored red flags
Our attorneys investigate all possible failures, including skipped home visits, incomplete background checks, ignoring abuse reports and placing children in unsafe homes.
You Can Come Forward…Even Years Later
Whether your abuse happened last week, last year, or decades ago, you may still have the right to take legal action. Each case is dependent on the facts and the type of abuse but we encourage you to call us to discuss that. We know that victims often focus on survival while they are in an abusive foster care setting, and it is not until they are out of the system that they can begin to process it.
As it relates to childhood sexual abuse claims, Washington law allows for claims based on when you discovered the connection between the abuse and the harm you have suffered. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better we can protect your rights.
Hiring The Right Team
If you were abused while in foster care, the state failed you. We are prepared to hold them accountable.
One thing that sets us apart at Washington Law Center is how deeply we care about our clients. We bring both legal skill and personal dedication to these cases. One of our partners, Ashton Dennis, is himself a foster parent so he understands the level of care and protection that foster children deserve and the betrayal of trust when the system allows abuse to occur. It is insight like this that we use as extra fuel to fight for justice and help prevent further harm to children in care.
No feel until we win.
Common Questions
Foster Care Abuse FAQs
Was I sexually abused in foster care?
Sexual abuse in foster care can include unwanted touching, sexual comments, coercion, exposure to sexual acts, or being forced to participate in sexual activity. A minor cannot legally consent to sexual contact, so any sexual behavior involving a child in foster care is abuse, regardless of the circumstances.
Can I still file a foster care abuse claim if I have a criminal record?
Yes. Many survivors of foster care abuse have a criminal record because of struggles linked to the trauma they experienced. That connection is not your fault, and it should not excuse the abuse or prevent you from pursuing a claim.
How long do foster care abuse lawsuits take?
Timelines vary by court and complexity but early resolution is sometimes possible.
What if there was no criminal conviction against my abuser?
Civil cases have a different burden of proof and don’t need a criminal conviction in order to be successful. Institutional negligence can be proven through records, policies, and witness testimony.
What is the difference between criminal and civil cases?
I want to file a claim, now what?
Deciding to come forward is a courageous step. Many survivors wait years before coming forward, and it is normal if you have never told anyone, if you are afraid, or if you do not remember every detail. The process starts by contacting us. We can talk by phone, meet in person, or connect virtually. Your first conversation with Washington Law Center is a safe space to share your story, ask questions, and learn about your legal options. We are here to listen and guide you through each step.
What does an initial meeting with a sexual abuse attorney look like?
At Washington Law Center, your consultation will be handled in the way that makes you feel most comfortable. You can take time to write out your story, meet with us in person, connect virtually, or speak from the comfort of your home. Our priority is creating a safe space where you can share your story in the way that works best for you.
Video Transcript:Â What To Expect During Your Initial Meeting with a Sexual Abuse Attorney?
ATTORNEY ASHTON DENNIS: At Washington Law Center, a consultation is going to be done in a way that makes you most comfortable.
Very often, clients have been holding onto these stories, their story for a very long time and need time to write it out. And we give you the space to do that.
Or if it’s in person and you want to meet with me and the team and talk through it, or if it’s via Zoom or other virtual program.
Or in the comfort of your home if that’s where you feel safe and that’s where you want to share your story, we’ll come to you and we’ll meet with you and we’ll talk through that with you.
And if that means that you need to have someone with you when sharing that story, we’d be happy to do that as well.
We will go out of our way to make sure it’s done in a way that makes you the most comfortable.
How much do I have to share in a consultation with an attorney?
In your first consultation with Washington Law Center, you do not have to share all the details of your story. We will listen, answer any questions and discuss based on whatever you choose to share. Our goal is to ensure you know it was not your fault, that help is available, and that you will have the space and time you need before deciding how much to share.
Washington Law Center is a resource for sexual abuse survivors
We stand against victim blaming: Your story matters
Free Confidential Foster Care Abuse Case Evaluation
No Fee Until You Win
Foster Care Abuse Lawyers
Spencer Parr
Ashton Dennis
Daniel Swinford
Sara Sheikh
OVER $100 MILLION AWARDED TO OUR CLIENTS BY VERDICT, SETTLEMENT, INJURY PENSION OR JUDGMENT