Fresno County and the Proteus Foster Family Agency have reached a $2.5 million settlement with three sisters who alleged that the county and agency failed to protect them from repeated sexual abuse by a foster parent. The agreement includes $1.5 million from Fresno County and the remaining $1 million from the Proteus Foster Family Agency. The abuse reportedly occurred between 2014 and 2016, when the sisters, aged 9 to 13 at the time, were placed in a foster home.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the women, claims that Fresno County social workers neglected their duties by failing to conduct routine face-to-face meetings with the children outside the supervision of the foster parents. This practice, the lawsuit argues, violated the guidelines of the state’s Department of Social Services, which mandates social workers to meet with children alone during their monthly visits whenever possible. The sisters’ legal team contends that the failure to follow these procedures contributed to the abuse they endured.
Negligence and Inadequate Investigation
According to the sisters’ claims, they were repeatedly sexually abused by their foster father. The abuse was initially brought to light in 2015 when one of the sisters’ older siblings found a journal detailing the sexual assault. The journal was shared with a social worker, who subsequently conducted an investigation into the allegations. However, the lawsuit states that the investigation was mishandled, as the social worker questioned the children about the abuse in front of the foster parents. This left the sisters feeling intimidated and pressured to deny the abuse. No forensic examination or medical treatment was provided to the children after the allegations surfaced, according to the lawsuit.
In addition to the abuse, the sisters faced neglect at the hands of their foster parents. They were reportedly not allowed to practice their religion and were given insufficient food and clothing. Despite the growing concerns, the children were not removed from the foster home until a violent altercation between their brother and the foster father in 2016. Even then, the foster father was not investigated by Fresno County or Proteus after the fight.
Legal Outcome and Concerns Over Foster Care Oversight
In 2016, after the sisters and their siblings were removed from the foster home, the foster father was arrested for an unrelated incident. Court records show that he pleaded no contest to battery charges in exchange for two counts of lewd acts with a minor being dismissed. Despite this, a younger child was placed in the same foster home shortly after the sisters left, raising further concerns about the agency’s oversight and practices.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fresno County spokesperson Sonja Dosti addressed the settlement, stating, “All parties have resolved the claims — the agreement represents a mutual compromise of disputed claims and brings this litigation to a close.” Neither Proteus Foster Family Agency nor the sisters’ legal team responded to requests for additional comment.
This case highlights the critical need for rigorous oversight in foster care systems to ensure the safety and well-being of children placed in these homes. While the settlement represents a step toward justice for the sisters, it also underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable children from abuse. For survivors who have experienced similar harm, resources and legal support are available to help navigate the path to healing and justice.
If You Are a Survivor, Help Starts Here
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual abuse, it’s important to understand that you are not alone, and there are resources available to support you. At Helping Survivors, we are committed to empowering individuals who have experienced trauma by providing information about legal rights, connecting survivors to trusted resources, and guiding them toward a path of healing.
If you need help navigating your options or would like to speak to an advocate about your experiences, reach out to us today. Our team is here to provide compassionate support every step of the way. Contact us today and take the first step toward reclaiming your voice and the compensation you’re owed.
