A Historic Step Toward Justice: $4 Billion Settlement Approved for Survivors of Abuse in Los Angeles County Juvenile Facilities

Founding Partner Adam Slater with survivor Jonathan Wright.

On April 29, 2025, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a landmark $4 billion settlement to resolve thousands of sexual abuse claims brought by individuals who suffered unspeakable trauma while held in the county’s juvenile detention and foster care systems. This is the largest settlement of its kind in U.S. history—and a powerful recognition of the pain endured by survivors.

We are proud to represent 3,860 of the more than 7,000 survivors whose voices and courage brought this moment to reality. At Slater Slater Schulman LLP, we have fought tirelessly to hold institutions accountable for systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur unchecked for decades. This settlement is not just a financial milestone—it is a long-overdue public acknowledgment of institutional harm and a step forward in our clients’ paths to healing.

A System That Failed Its Most Vulnerable

The survivors we represent were, in many cases, children and teens placed in the care of Los Angeles County at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Instead of being protected, they were subjected to sexual abuse, degradation, and inhumane conditions within facilities including MacLaren Hall. For decades, these stories were silenced.

This settlement shines a light on those dark histories—and reaffirms that survivors will not be ignored.

What the Settlement Represents

While no amount of money can undo the trauma of abuse, this $4 billion resolution sends a clear message: institutions will be held accountable when they violate their duty to protect. It provides a measure of justice to thousands of individuals, many of whom were previously barred from seeking legal recourse due to outdated statutes of limitations.

Importantly, this outcome would not have been possible without the collective strength of the survivor community. Their bravery has sparked one of the most significant reckonings with institutional abuse in California’s history.

Our Work Is Not Finished

At Slater Slater Schulman LLP, we remain committed to ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity, respect, and confidentiality at every step of the process. This settlement is a milestone—but it is not the end. We continue to investigate abuse in juvenile facilities across California, and we will keep fighting until every survivor has the opportunity to be heard.

If you or a loved one experienced abuse in a juvenile facility or county-run placement, it is not too late to speak up. Contact us today for a free, private consultation. We are here to listen, and we are here to act.

Contact Us