California Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyers

There are several ongoing, high-profile lawsuits, however, the most significant and recent litigation involves thousands of sexual abuse claims. There are several major lawsuits focusing on Los Angeles County and various private foster agencies.

Yes. Survivors of sexual abuse in California’s foster care system have the right to file civil lawsuits against the individuals who harmed them and the agencies that failed to protect them. A civil claim is separate from any criminal case and does not require a criminal conviction to move forward.

Yes. California law gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse until age 40 — or within five years of discovering the psychological impact of what happened — to file a civil claim. For abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, there is no filing deadline at all. Even if you were previously told your time had passed, a recent change in California law may have reopened that window. Call [firm-contact-number] to find out exactly where you stand.

Sadly, this is one of the most common experiences survivors describe. Children in foster care were routinely dismissed and disbelieved — often because agencies and institutions prioritized protecting staff and avoiding scandal over protecting the children in their care. If your report was ignored or covered up, that institutional failure may actually strengthen your legal claim.

The agency — and others — can and often should be held responsible. Liability in these cases can extend beyond the individual abuser to include foster family agencies, group home operators, county child welfare agencies, and state-run programs that failed to screen staff, ignored warning signs, or placed children in known-dangerous environments. When institutions fail children in their care, they bear legal accountability for that failure.

Yes. Courts regularly allow survivors to file under a pseudonym — such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” — to protect their identity. Dolman Law Group pursues every available legal protection to keep your name and personal details confidential throughout the entire process. Your privacy is our priority from the very first conversation.

No. Many survivors never reported the abuse at the time — out of fear, shame, or simply not being believed. You do not need a police report, physical evidence, or any official documentation to take legal action. Your account of what happened is the foundation of your case, and our legal team can help identify and preserve additional supporting evidence through the legal process.

You may still have a valid claim. When foster care agencies and group homes fail to provide adequate supervision, ignore known risks, or place children in unsafe environments, they can be held liable — even when harm was carried out by another resident. The institution’s failure to protect you is what matters legally.

Most civil cases resolve through settlement — meaning you may never have to appear in court or speak publicly about what you experienced. If your case does proceed to trial, Dolman Law Group will prepare you fully and fight to protect your dignity at every stage. The choice is always yours.