Los Angeles County has agreed to pay $4 billion to settle thousands of historical sexual abuse claims, marking what seems to be the largest settlement to date.
The agreement, which still requires approval from the Board of Supervisors, aims to provide restitution to around 7,000 individuals who experienced abuse in juvenile facilities and children's homes during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.
“On behalf of the county, I truly apologize to all those affected by this reprehensible conduct,” stated Facia Davenport, the county’s chief executive.
“The broad scope of this settlement demonstrates our commitment to assisting survivors in their recovery and rebuilding their lives.
A state law enacted in 2020 allowed victims of childhood sexual abuse an extended opportunity to pursue legal action, even after standard time limits had lapsed.
Numerous adults have shared distressing accounts of systemic sexual abuse that occurred in juvenile detention facilities.
Additionally, many alleged they were victimized by predatory staff at the now infamous McClallen Children's Center, a facility for foster children.
The attorney for the victims described it as a “house of horrors,” and investigations revealed that staff members had not undergone background checks for decades.
The announcement of the proposed settlement was met with mixed emotions by the victims.
“I'm completely stunned,” Shirley Bodkin, 58, expressed to the Los Angeles Times, recalling instances of being drugged, beaten, and sexually assaulted in the bathtubs and closets of McClallen.
“I've awaited this outcome all year long.”
Maryalice Ashbrook, 65, who was abused at McClallen in the 1960s, mentioned that upon hearing the news, “It felt like there was a door in my heart that had been shut.”
“I spent a considerable amount of time trying to block this out, yet I still contend with recurring nightmares.”
This substantial amount of money will overshadow previous settlements for abuse victims. This includes the $2.46 billion agreed by the Boy Scouts of America for those abused while in their care.
Officials cautioned that yearly payouts will “have a significant impact” on the county’s finances. It is the largest county in the United States by population, with about 10 million residents and an annual budget of approximately $49 billion.
“The settlement payment plan includes funds from reserves, issuance of judgment obligations, and proposed reductions to the department’s budget,” the statement indicated.
“Funding will necessitate annual payments of hundreds of millions of dollars by 2030, and a considerable annual payment from 2050 onward.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from the syndicate feed.)
