By Dennis Byron, Investigative Reporter
April 4, 2025
Los Angeles, CA — In an unprecedented move, Los Angeles County has tentatively agreed to a $4 billion settlement to resolve over 6,800 claims of sexual abuse spanning more than six decades. This landmark agreement, pending approval by the Los Angeles County Claims Board and the Board of Supervisors, marks the largest financial settlement in the county’s history and one of the most significant in the nation.
The allegations date back to 1959, with the majority of incidents reportedly occurring between the 1980s and early 2000s. The claims primarily involve abuse within the county’s juvenile detention facilities and the now-defunct MacLaren Children’s Center, a facility intended to house children awaiting foster care placement but which became notorious for reports of mistreatment and abuse.
The MacLaren Children’s Center, operational from 1961 until its closure in 2003, was initially overseen by probation officials before transitioning to the Department of Children and Family Services in 1976. Investigations revealed that children at the center were subjected to severe mistreatment, including solitary confinement, forced medication, and physical restraints. One plaintiff recounted being sexually abused by a physician at the facility when he was just eight years old.
The surge in lawsuits was facilitated by California Assembly Bill 218, enacted in 2020, which temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims, allowing victims a three-year window to file suits regardless of when the abuse occurred. This legislative change led to a significant increase in claims against various institutions, with Los Angeles County facing one of the highest volumes.
Fesia Davenport, Los Angeles County’s Chief Executive Officer, issued a formal apology to the victims, stating, “On behalf of the County, I apologize wholeheartedly to everyone who was harmed by these reprehensible acts.” She emphasized the county’s commitment to aiding survivors in their recovery and implementing systemic reforms to ensure the safety of young individuals in county care.
The proposed settlement is expected to have profound financial implications for Los Angeles County. Funding the $4 billion agreement will necessitate a combination of reserve funds, departmental budget cuts, and the issuance of judgment obligation bonds. The county anticipates making substantial annual payments through at least 2050 to fulfill the settlement terms.
This settlement surpasses other notable agreements in the United States related to institutional sexual abuse. For instance, the Boy Scouts of America reached a $2.6 billion settlement in 2022 involving over 80,000 abuse victims, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has paid out more than $1.5 billion over the years to settle clergy abuse claims.
The Los Angeles County Claims Board is scheduled to review the tentative settlement on April 7, with the Board of Supervisors set to consider final approval on April 29. If approved, an independent team will be tasked with determining and administering individual awards to the claimants.
While the settlement addresses the majority of claims, investigations into certain allegations continue. Two cases have been referred to the district attorney’s office for potential prosecution. County officials have also highlighted ongoing efforts to reform systems and policies to prevent future abuses, including establishing a countywide hotline for reporting child sexual abuse and developing expedited investigative procedures.
This monumental settlement represents a significant step toward acknowledging and addressing past abuses within Los Angeles County’s juvenile and foster care systems. It underscores the county’s commitment to supporting survivors and implementing measures to safeguard vulnerable populations in the future.
