Los Angeles County has agreed to pay a historic $4 billion to nearly 7,000 plaintiffs who claim to have been sexually abused as children while in the county’s juvenile detention and foster care systems. Lawyers have described this settlement as the largest of its kind in the United States, following decades of alleged trauma and legal battles for survivors dating back to the late 1950s. The county’s Board of Supervisors is expected to formally approve the settlement on April 29, 2025, offering some relief to survivors who have carried the emotional and psychological scars of their abuse for years.
Survivors Share Their Stories
The plaintiffs in the case, many of whom were placed in Los Angeles County’s care due to neglect or abuse in their homes, claim they were further victimized by staff and caretakers in foster homes and juvenile detention centers. Survivors like Shirley Bodkin, MaryAlice Ashbrook, and J.C. Wright have spoken out about the abuse they allegedly endured.
Shirley Bodkin, now 58 and living in Dana Point, California, recalled the abuse she suffered at the hands of a staff member at a Los Angeles County foster care facility. “No child should have to experience what I did,” she said. Her memories, like those of many others, remain vivid despite the decades that have passed since her childhood.
MaryAlice Ashbrook, 65, a retired bookkeeper in Yuma, Arizona, remembers being taken from her pill-addicted mother at age 8 and placed in the MacLaren Children’s Center, where she allegedly suffered abuse. “I was preyed upon,” Ashbrook said, emphasizing how those early years have never left her.
For J.C. Wright, now a 42-year-old truck driver and father of four, the memories of being sexually assaulted at age 7 in a county-run facility were compounded by accusations from social workers who claimed he was fabricating his story. “I tried telling them what had happened, and they didn’t believe me,” Wright said.
These painful experiences led to years of trauma for many survivors. Some, like Bodkin, reportedly attempted suicide, while others, like Wright, allegedly spent years on the streets and in prison. Despite seeking therapy, the effects of the abuse are said to have persisted.
The Legal Battle and New Lawsuit Window
The settlement followed California passing a law allowing victims of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits even if the statute of limitations had expired. This created a new window for survivors to seek justice, leading to a surge of claims. Many of these claims centered around abuse that occurred in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s in Los Angeles County facilities.
The size and scope of the settlement—$4 billion—are reportedly unprecedented, surpassing previous large settlements such as those involving the Boy Scouts of America and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, both of which faced similar abuse claims.
A Public Apology
As part of the settlement agreement, Los Angeles County has issued a public apology, acknowledging the harm caused to thousands of children. County officials expressed regret for the alleged abuse that took place under their watch and committed to further reforms to prevent such misconduct from continuing in the future.
“This settlement is a necessary step in the long journey toward justice for survivors of abuse,” said a spokesperson for Los Angeles County. “While we cannot undo the harm that was done, we are committed to ensuring that this never happens again.”
The Road to Healing
For many survivors, the financial settlement will never erase the lasting emotional and psychological effects of the abuse. However, for those who have spent years seeking justice, the payout offers a sense of validation. Many survivors hope that the settlement will spur further reforms within the juvenile detention and foster care systems to protect future generations from similar alleged trauma.
“I can’t change what happened to me,” said Wright, “but I hope this will help others. No one should have to go through what we did.”
How Helping Survivors Can Help
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse in juvenile detention or foster care systems, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Helping Survivors connects survivors with legal resources, support services, and compassionate professionals who are committed to helping them seek justice. Reach out today for confidential support and to understand your options.
