National Foster Care Sexual Abuse Practice
Legally Reviewed by Matthew Dolman
Matthew Dolman is the managing partner of Dolman Law Group, a nationally recognized law firm that represents victims of serious negligence, including abuse within foster care systems and other institutional settings. Over the course of his career, Matt has helped recover more than $700 million for injured clients and has led or co-counseled on over 1,000 cases involving catastrophic harm.
Matt has built his reputation on holding powerful institutions accountable, especially when those systems are supposed to protect vulnerable individuals and fail to do so. He approaches these cases with a willingness to fully litigate when necessary, ensuring that responsible parties are not able to avoid scrutiny through quick or quiet resolutions.
His work has been recognized by major national publications, including The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, People, and the New York Post.
This page has been reviewed to ensure accuracy and clarity based on current laws surrounding foster care abuse and the legal options available to survivors.
File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse You Suffered as a Child in Foster Care and Get the Justice and Compensation You Deserve
Foster care should be a safe place for children as they are navigating one of the most challenging things any child can go through. But for far too many of these vulnerable children, foster care becomes the setting of unthinkable trauma, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Foster home abuse and neglect are unfortunately common issues within the foster care system.
At Dolman Law Group, we represent children and adults who have experienced abuse while in the care of the state and the Department of Children and Families. Foster care abuse cases are complex and can be extremely emotional and difficult for the victims, but these lawsuits are critical to holding the system accountable.
If you are a survivor of foster care sexual abuse or the family or guardian of a child abused in foster care, you have real options that can make a meaningful impact on your life and the lives of countless other children who are currently unprotected. Protecting children is paramount, and child welfare agencies and social services play a crucial role in ensuring a stable environment for foster children. Dolman Law Group is a national leader in foster care sexual abuse litigation.
Dolman Law Group helps survivors of foster care sexual abuse take legal action and fight for the justice, compensation, and healing they deserve. Foster families are entrusted with the care of vulnerable children, but the challenges children face in these placements can be significant and require vigilant oversight.
Children in foster care often suffer from mental harm in addition to physical abuse, with some damage being long-lasting and potentially irreversible. Reports indicate that approximately 25% of foster children experience PTSD, alongside elevated rates of depression and low self-esteem due to their experiences in the system.
Legal Support for Survivors of Foster Care Abuse
Survivors of foster care sexual abuse deserve to be heard and believed. The legal system can’t undo the trauma, but it can offer validation, accountability, justice, and essential resources to help abused children seeking recovery and justice. Our job is to make you feel as supported as possible during this process.
We don’t just handle the legal work. We understand the importance of legal representation and have extensive experience representing children in abuse cases. We create a space for survivors to speak safely and clearly about what happened to them, on their own terms; and when they are ready, we offer them a path toward justice and compensation for all their losses.
We are experts at going after powerful institutions that enable abuse or fail to stop it. We have filed lawsuits against some of the biggest institutions and organizations in the world, including the LDS Church (Mormons), the Catholic Church, hundreds of priests, bishops, archdioceses, many other churches, juvenile detention centers, school athletic programs, school boards, doctors and hospitals, and so many others. Our work has been covered by People Magazine, the Los Angeles Times and numerous other media outlets.
Legal advocates in foster care abuse cases ensure that children are not abused, neglected, or exploited in various care settings. The Dolman Law Group handles sexual abuse in foster care lawsuits nationwide and we associate with local counsel when necessary and in accordance with the applicable state bar. We have the resources necessary to take on any defendant or governmental agency.
The number of organizations we have gone after for sexual abuse is quite sad now that I am recounting it.
Why Foster Care Abuse Cases Need Experienced Attorneys
Filing a lawsuit against a foster care agency or state welfare department is not like suing a private party. These cases require navigating a complex legal process, including procedural steps and strict deadlines, and choosing the right law firm with specialized expertise is critical.
The legal process often involves complex procedures, immunity laws, and years of buried evidence. Lawyers in this field initiate civil lawsuits and pursue claims to hold responsible parties accountable for harm to children in foster care. This is why you definitely need an attorney to represent you and why your attorney must be experienced in litigating foster care sexual abuse claims..
Attorneys must act quickly to gather evidence, as statutes of limitations can bar claims if action is delayed. Filing a legal claim requires strong, well-documented evidence such as medical records, photographs of injuries, agency files, witness statements, and police reports.
That’s why your attorney needs experience with:
- Child welfare systems and red tape
- State and federal immunity laws
- Agencies and contractors that hide liability
- Long-term trauma and mental health damages
- Institutional negligence and civil rights litigation
- State child welfare regulations and foster care liability laws
Finding qualified lawyers for foster care abuse means focusing on those with experience in institutional negligence and civil rights, and navigating these cases requires attorneys with expertise in civil rights and the child welfare system. Legal representation for foster care abuse includes filing claims against foster parents, private agencies, or state organizations for various forms of abuse. Experienced attorneys in foster care abuse cases understand complex laws and evidence requirements crucial for protecting children.
Dolman Law Group partners with experts in child psychology, social work, and trauma-informed care to build powerful, evidence-backed cases. We’ve successfully handled high-profile claims against institutions that failed to protect children, and we’re not afraid to take on the government.
What Foster Care Sexual Abuse Can Look Like
Abuse in foster care can come from many sources: foster parents, biological children of those parents, other foster kids in the foster home, neighbors, group home staff, sexual predators who gain access to vulnerable children, or even CPS workers themselves.
Common forms of sexual abuse in foster care include:
- Inappropriate touching or fondling
- Exposure to pornography or sexual acts
- Sexual trafficking or exploitation
- Sexualized verbal harassment
- Rape or attempted rape
- Coerced sex acts involving others
- Child prostitution or grooming
- Physical abuse
- Physical harm
Children in foster care are especially at risk because they often don’t have stable adults in their lives who believe them or protect them. Many children feel ashamed or guilty about the abuse, believing it is their own fault, which only deepens their emotional trauma. That lack of support can make it easier for predators to abuse and silence them.
We’ve seen similar systemic failures in churches, schools, group homes, and detention centers. The pattern is all too familiar: an institution prioritizes its reputation over the safety of children, and abuse continues unchecked.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Abuse in Foster Care
Kids rarely come forward and say, “I was abused.” Instead, the signs are often subtle—or masked by fear, shame, or threats. Adults must watch closely and act early. Common signs of sexual abuse in foster care include:
- Major shifts in mood or personality
- Sexual knowledge or behavior inappropriate for age
- Avoiding specific people or settings
- Injuries or infections with no clear cause
- Withdrawn, aggressive, or depressed behavior
- Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or bedwetting
- Unusual secrecy or attachment behaviors
If you notice more than one of these signs, don’t ignore them. Report your concerns immediately and talk to someone who can help. If you have any reason to believe there is suspected abuse, act quickly to protect the child—report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities right away.
Reporting Foster Care Abuse in Florida
If you believe a child in foster care is being sexually abused, take action. Child protective services (CPS) and local agencies are responsible for responding to reports of abuse, working to prevent harm, and ensuring the safety of children in foster care. This article explains in more depth how to report sexual abuse, but here are some good options to get started.
Reporting Foster Care Abuse in Florida
If you believe a child in foster care is being sexually abused, take action. This article explains in more depth how to report sexual abuse, but here are some good options to get started.
- Call the Florida DCF Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873
- Report online via the DCF Portal
- Call 911 if the child is in immediate danger
Mandated reporters include teachers, doctors, therapists, and social workers—but anyone can report abuse. You do not need proof. If you suspect it, speak up.
After a report is made, DCF and law enforcement are required to investigate. Unfortunately, investigations don’t always happen fast enough—or at all. If you feel your report is being ignored, follow up. Keep a record of who you spoke with and when. These records can become important in a future legal case.
Reporting Foster Care Abuse in California
- Child Protective Services (CPS): Call the hotline in the county where the child lives. Many counties have 24-hour hotlines.
- California Foster Care Ombudsperson: For complaints regarding care, services, or rights violations, call 877-846-1602 or email fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov.
- Complaints Against Licensed Providers: Call the 1-844-LET US NO / 1-844-(538-8766) line for issues with licensed foster homes or facilities.
How Common Is Sexual Abuse in Foster Care?
Sexual abuse in foster care is a crisis. Here’s what the research shows:
- Children in foster care are four times more likely to be sexually abused than children not in the system, according to Johns Hopkins researchers. Abuse and neglect, including foster home abuse, are significant issues that make children in the foster care system especially vulnerable.
- Group homes and foster homes are especially dangerous, with one report finding that kids there are 28 times more likely to be abused.
- Roughly 1 in 3 foster children report abuse by a foster parent or another adult in the home, based on research from Oregon and Washington.
- With 400,000 to 600,000 kids in U.S. foster care each year, even a “small percentage” means thousands of child victims annually.
- A lack of transparency allows abuse to continue. Agencies often fail to track abuse claims or protect whistleblowers.
These are not isolated incidents. The problem is baked into a system that too often prioritizes budget cuts and bureaucratic convenience over child safety.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Foster Care Abuse Lawsuit?
More than one person or agency is often responsible when a child is abused in foster care. It is crucial that all responsible parties are held accountable and accept responsibility for their actions:
- The abuser (foster parent, relative, other child, etc.)
- The foster care agency that placed the child in the home
- Social workers or caseworkers who missed red flags
- The state or county child welfare department that failed to act
Depending on the facts of the case, we may file claims for:
- Negligence
- Failure to supervise
- Negligent hiring or training
- Civil rights violations, including violations of a child’s rights
- Emotional distress or wrongful death
- The right to pursue claims for abuse, neglect, or discrimination
- If a foster care agency fails in its duty to protect a child, the agency can be held legally accountable, and children have the right to seek compensation for any harm suffered due to negligence. Children in foster care have the right to live in a safe environment that is free from all types of abuse and neglect, and they can take legal action if these rights are violated.
Holding multiple parties accountable is often necessary to uncover the full truth and ensure that it does not happen again.
Can Adults File Lawsuits for Abuse They Experienced in Foster Care as Kids?
Yes. Many survivors come forward years later, once they’re emotionally ready or finally recognize the abuse for what it was. Navigating the legal process can be complex, and having strong legal representation is crucial for survivors seeking justice. Thankfully, most states have extended their statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, and many now include “lookback windows” for older cases. In these cases, lawyers play a vital role by representing children’s interests in court and ensuring their perspectives are effectively communicated and heard.
What Are Lookback Windows?
Some states (like New York and California) have passed laws that reopen the statute of limitations for a limited time, allowing adult survivors to file lawsuits even if the legal deadline had already expired. These windows often lead to hundreds of new lawsuits.
Discovery Rules and Tolling
Many states also pause (or “toll”) the statute of limitations until the survivor discovers the abuse’s impact or connects it to current harm. This is especially important for foster care abuse, where kids often suppress memories or lack the emotional tools to recognize abuse at the time.
Varies by State
Each state has its own rules, deadlines, and exceptions. The chart below shows a breakdown of child sexual abuse statutes of limitation in each state:
| State-Specific Laws Regarding Filing a Childhood Abuse Claim as an Adult | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | Statute of Limitations | Notes |
| Alabama | Until age 19 (age of majority) | May be tolled if abuse is not discovered until later. |
| Alaska | Until age 20, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule may apply. |
| Arizona | Until age 20, or 2 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Arkansas | Until age 21, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| California | Until age 40, or 5 years from discovery | Lookback window expired in 2023. |
| Colorado | None | N/A |
| Connecticut | Until age 48, or 30 years from discovery | Extended SOL for child sexual abuse. |
| Delaware | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Eliminated in 2007. |
| Florida | Until age 26, or 4 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Georgia | Until age 23, or 2 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Hawaii | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Eliminated in 2020. |
| Idaho | Until age 20, or 5 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Illinois | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Eliminated in 2017. |
| Indiana | Until age 31, or 5 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Iowa | Until age 33, or 4 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Kansas | Until age 21, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Kentucky | Until age 20, or 5 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Louisiana | 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Maine | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Eliminated in 2000. |
| Maryland | Until age 38, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Massachusetts | Until age 35, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Michigan | Until age 28, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Minnesota | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Eliminated in 2013. |
| Mississippi | 2 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Missouri | Until age 31, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Montana | Until age 27, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Nebraska | Until age 33, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Nevada | Until age 28, or 10 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| New Hampshire | Until age 30, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| New Jersey | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Eliminated in 2019. |
| New Mexico | Until age 24, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| New York | Until age 55, or 5 years from discovery | Lookback window expired in 2021. |
| North Carolina | Until age 28, or 2 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| North Dakota | Until age 22, or 10 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Ohio | Until age 30, or 12 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Oklahoma | Until age 20, or 2 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Oregon | Until age 40, or 5 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Pennsylvania | Until age 50, or 12 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Rhode Island | Until age 25, or 7 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| South Carolina | Until age 27, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| South Dakota | Until age 40, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Tennessee | Until age 21, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Texas | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Discovery rule applies. |
| Utah | Until age 22, or 4 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Vermont | No SOL for child sexual abuse | Eliminated in 2019. |
| Virginia | Until age 20, or 2 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Washington | Until age 21, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| West Virginia | Until age 22, or 4 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Wisconsin | Until age 35, or 3 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
| Wyoming | Until age 20, or 8 years from discovery | Discovery rule applies. |
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Talk to a Lawyer
Even if your state gives you extra time, that doesn’t mean you should delay. Evidence disappears. Agencies shut down. People retire. Your memory of what happened—and how it affected you—can fade.
Not all personal injury or civil trial lawyers are equipped to handle complex cases like this, especially since they involve potential legal proceedings against a government agency. Consulting with specialized law firms, including experienced sexual abuse lawyers, can provide critical resources and legal paths to secure a child’s safety in cases of suspected harm. Talking to an attorney who is experienced in foster care abuse early on gives you the best chance of building a strong case. At Dolman Law Group, our law firm helps survivors understand their rights, protect their privacy, and file claims before deadlines pass.
What Compensation Is Available in Foster Care Abuse Cases?
Filing a lawsuit isn’t just about money—it’s about validation and rebuilding. But civil compensation can help cover the very real costs of recovery, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental health treatment
- Medical bills related to the abuse
- Medical care to support the child’s well-being, including ongoing therapy and health needs
- Long-term care or therapy costs
- Lost educational opportunities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in extreme misconduct cases)
- Wrongful death damages (in tragic cases involving suicide or fatal abuse)
Our legal team works with experts to calculate the full scope of damages and fight for settlements that prioritize the child’s well-being—covering not only immediate needs but also future stability. We handle both immediate safety measures, such as protective orders, and advocate for the long-term services children need to recover and thrive.
Our legal team works with experts to calculate the full scope of damages and fight for the outcome that helps you or your child move forward.
How Dolman Law Group Can Help You
You don’t have to go through this alone. Dolman Law Group’s Sexual Abuse Civil Lawyers have the experience, sensitivity, and resources needed to take on these difficult cases. We will:
- Investigate the case and gather hard-to-find evidence
- File all required claims and meet deadlines
- Work with expert witnesses
- Prioritize your privacy and emotional safety
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take the case to trial if needed
Most importantly, we stay by your side every step of the way. We don’t just want to win your case—we want to help create change in the systems that failed you.
Real Reviews from Dolman Law Group Clients
“They took care of me as if I were a member of their family, and for that I cannot be thankful enough.”
—Review from a real client on Google.
“Not only were they there for me legally, but also emotionally and personally through my surgery and the entire process.”
—Review from a real client on Avvo.
“He never made me feel like I was a bother and always made time to answer ALL my questions.”
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“They consistently treated me with respect & dignity instead of just another ‘injury settlement’ for their books.”
—Review from a real client on Avvo
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help with a Foster Care Abuse Case
If you or your child experienced abuse in foster care, we’re here to help. Contact Dolman Law Group for a free, confidential consultation with a foster care abuse lawyer. We offer a free consultation to ensure survivors can easily access legal help and discuss their case without obligation. We’ll explain your legal options and help you take the first steps toward justice, healing, and accountability.
Get in touch with our team today. You don’t have to go through this alone.
