Los Angeles County Settles Major Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

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Historic Settlement Reached in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has reached a unanimous decision to approve a landmark settlement agreement. Fesia Davenport, president of the local government, expressed a heartfelt apology on behalf of the region, stating, “I wholeheartedly apologize to all those who have been harmed by these reprehensible acts.” The county has agreed to allocate $4 billion as compensation for victims who suffered from nearly 7,000 incidents of sexual abuse within their jurisdiction from the 1980s through the 2000s.

Davenport emphasized that the settlement underscores their commitment to supporting victims in their healing journey. She also highlighted the importance of implementing systemic changes to ensure the safety of young individuals in the future. If the settlement gains court approval, the victims are expected to receive this compensation over the next five years.

However, the financial implications are significant, as the settlement is anticipated to impact the Los Angeles County government’s budget for years to come. Already, there have been proposals to reduce departmental spending by 3 percent for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget planning.

Background of the Allegations

Allegations have surfaced, indicating a pattern of systematic sexual abuse of boys and girls by staff at various facilities. These include juvenile detention centers, foster care homes, and notably the MacLaren Children’s Center in El Monte, which ceased operations in 2003. These allegations span from the 1980s to the 2000s.

In 2020, state legislation was enacted, allowing victims of childhood sexual abuse to pursue legal action against both the perpetrators and the institutions responsible for their employment. This legislative change led to nearly 7,000 individuals seeking justice through the courts.