In a historic decision, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has officially approved an unprecedented $4 billion settlement to resolve claims from over 7,000 survivors of systemic sexual abuse in the county’s juvenile detention facilities, foster care system, and Department of Children and Family Services, including the infamous MacLaren Children’s Center (“MacLaren Hall”). This marks the largest-ever settlement against a municipality in U.S. history for sexual abuse claims, reflecting the gravity of the abuses endured and representing a significant step toward justice.
Originally opened in 1961 as a shelter for children awaiting foster care, MacLaren Hall became synonymous with horrific and widespread abuse, operating under appallingly negligent conditions until its closure in 2003. Investigations revealed decades of institutional failure, including inadequate staff background checks and systemic neglect, resulting in unimaginable harm to thousands of youths, predominantly youth of color, who sought protection within its walls.
The settlement, structured to be paid out over five years, also mandates critical reforms aimed at preventing future abuses. Herman Law is honored to have played an essential role in negotiating this groundbreaking resolution.
Jeff Herman, founder of Herman Law, stated: “This settlement, by our California team of lawyers, delivers long-overdue justice to thousands of brave survivors while balancing the need to ensure the county fulfills its responsibility without jeopardizing vital public services.”
The bravery and resilience demonstrated by survivors who stepped forward—many speaking out for the first time after decades of silence—cannot be overstated. While no financial settlement can erase the profound trauma endured, this landmark resolution represents a significant acknowledgment of survivors’ pain and courage, as well as the systemic failures that permitted such abuses to persist unchecked.
Herman Law remains committed to advocating for systemic reforms, ensuring justice, and preventing similar egregious violations in the future. We extend our deepest gratitude to the survivors for their extraordinary courage and trust in our firm, which continues to inspire lasting change.