Los Angeles County has agreed to a record-breaking $4 billion tentative settlement to resolve nearly 7,000 claims of child sexual abuse tied to its juvenile detention facilities and the now-closed MacLaren Children’s Center foster care facility. This marks the largest sexual abuse settlement in history, surpassing the Boy Scouts of America’s $2.46 billion deal.
The lawsuits stem largely from incidents occurring in the 1980s through the early 2000s, made possible under California’s Assembly Bill 218, which temporarily extended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
While the county has pledged significant reforms and publicly apologized, the settlement — set to be paid over five years — aims to offer compensation to survivors without forcing LA County into bankruptcy, as seen with several Catholic dioceses facing similar waves of claims.
Though the deal resolves the bulk of cases, some legal claims remain ongoing. Attorneys involved in the settlement call it a major acknowledgment of the systemic failures and a step toward justice and healing for thousands of survivors.
Pennsylvania Lawsuit Similarly Alleges Widespread Abuse at Pennsylvania Juvenile Detention Center
In October of 2024, a former inmate of the Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center in Pennsylvania filed suit against Delaware county, state officials, and affiliated organizations, alleging severe physical, emotional, and sexual abuse while in custody. Filed in federal court, the lawsuit represents “S.J.” and points to a longstanding culture of abuse at the now-shuttered facility in Lima, PA.
According to the complaint, abuse at the center was systemic, perpetrated by staff and ignored by superiors for decades. The suit claims that conditions at the facility were inhumane, with inmates denied medical care, isolated for long periods, and exposed to unsanitary environments. Despite credible investigations, including one by the county public defender’s office, officials allegedly prioritized financial and reputational concerns over child safety.
Additional defendants include the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and a nonprofit provider of inmate counseling, accused of failing to intervene despite clear signs of harm. Though the detention center was closed in 2021 following reports of abuse, it remains licensed.
This lawsuit highlights the importance of oversight and accountability in juvenile detention systems and underscores the devastating impact of institutional neglect.
Victims of institutional failure, and/or sexual assault deserve justice. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice or sexual assault, consulting a personal injury attorney can help ensure accountability and justice. Contact Anzalone & Doyle Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation regarding your potential case.
Attorney Gaetano D’Andrea of Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan LLP, represents multiple Plaintiffs in these matters.
Further resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
