A Surge in Legal Actions Unveils Widespread Abuse

Recent lawsuits filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court have intensified scrutiny on the county's probation department and foster care facilities.

• One such lawsuit accuses multiple probation officers of severe misconduct, including rape and other forms of sexual abuse against six youths between 1999 and 2017;
• There are approximately 2,300 active lawsuits following changes to the statute of limitations, allowing survivors to seek justice years after the incidents occurred; and,
• The plaintiffs, now aged between their 20s and 70s, recount harrowing experiences of abuse while under county supervision.

Alarming incidents continue to surface, including a 2023 case where a probation officer was arrested for allegedly engaging in unlawful activities with a minor at the Dorothy Kirby Center, a facility for youth with significant mental health needs.

Systemic Failures and Negligence

Attorneys representing the survivors assert that Los Angeles County has consistently neglected to address and prevent the rampant sexual abuse within its facilities. They argue that the county has a long-standing pattern of overlooking misconduct by employees who were supposed to ensure the safety of the youth.

A recent report revealed that the county's juvenile detention centers are only 70% compliant with federal laws designed to prevent sexual assault in correctional facilities. This inadequacy underscores the systemic issues plaguing the county's approach to safeguarding minors.

Official Responses Fall Short

In response to the allegations, the Los Angeles County Probation Department maintains that it does not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct. A spokesperson stated that all allegations are taken seriously, with thorough investigations and robust policies purportedly in place to prevent abuse.

However, critics point out that these statements often lack substance, especially when many of the lawsuits involve incidents from decades past, complicating efforts to hold specific individuals accountable. Moreover, the department's self-assessment highlights significant gaps in compliance with federal standards, particularly in investigation and victim services.