When adoptive parents welcome a child into their home, they trust adoption agencies to provide complete and accurate information about their child’s background. Unfortunately, this trust can be broken through adoption agency negligence–a serious legal issue that can have devastating consequences for families and may warrant an adoption negligence lawsuit. Such negligence can include failing to disclose critical behavioral and mental health histories, which has led to instances of physical and sexual abuse within adoptive families who were left unprepared and unsupported in addressing their child’s specialized needs.
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Archive for the ‘Sexual Abuse’ CategoryWUFT: Sex crimes against children on the rise in FloridaAs reported by WUFT, a recent report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows a disturbing increase in sex crimes against children across the state. The media outlet shared that “local authorities emphasize the importance of community support, education, and vigilance to protect children, urging parents to be aware of online activity and to maintain open communication.” WGN-TV: Former Illini football player charged with sex crimes against children in DCFS programA former collegiate football player, Trulon Henry, has been accused of sex crimes against children in Illinois DCFS custody. He is charged with three counts of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and predatory criminal sexual assault stemming from crimes he allegedly committed while employed by Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness in Bronzeville. Exposing the Hidden Nightmares: Former Inmates Break Silence on Sexual Abuse in Illinois Youth CentersThe once-hidden horrors of the Illinois Youth Centers (IYCs) are now under the glaring spotlight, as numerous former residents bravely speak out about the sexual abuse they ensured while detained, leading to multiple lawsuits for damages and a closer examination of systemic failures within these institutions. The alarming statistics from official reports, coupled with heart-wrenching personal accounts, have highlighted a pervasive issue that demands urgent attention. Oregon Capital Chronicle: DHS offers record $40 million to settle lawsuit from abused foster childrenAs reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, the Oregon Department of Human Services has agreed to pay $40 million to settle a lawsuit filed by four former foster children who were sexually and physically abused in a foster home, court records show. Read more here. Faith’s Law, a Law Aimed at Eradicating Sexual Misconduct at Illinois’ SchoolsFaith’s Law is a law named after prevention advocate and child sexual abuse survivor Faith Colson, who was sexually abused by a teacher at her high school in Illinois. Years later, during the course of legal proceedings related to the abuse, Faith learned that several adults within her high school suspected that the teacher’s relationship with her was inappropriate but did not take appropriate action to report their concerns. This motivated Faith to push for change to state laws related to educator sexual misconduct in K-12 schools. Sexual Abuse and Negligence at an Elgin DaycareA former employee of an Elgin daycare is facing six counts of sexual abuse in connection to the abuse of two children younger than 13 years old over the course of nearly 14 years, according to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office. The Kane County Child Advocacy Center and the Elgin Police Department conducted the investigation, which revealed that the man, Walaitis, allegedly abused two children who were under the age of 13 between December 2008 and July 2022 while working at The Learning Tree, Elgin West. Those investigating said Walaitis was the victims’ teacher and held a position of authority, trust, and supervision over the children at the daycare center. Walaitis is now facing six felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The attorneys at Justice for Kids are able to help victims of such abuse seek justice to remedy the wrongs suffered. Jury Awards $485 Million in Damages in Foster Child Sexual Abuse CaseA New Mexico jury has awarded $485 million in damages in a civil case involving a child sexually assaulted in foster care. As reported by AP, the program allegedly placed the girl in the home of a foster parent despite knowing that he had been accused of sexual assault. Bill Reforming Sentencing for Victims of Child Sex Trafficking by Considering Child’s Involvement in Welfare SystemIllinois’ General Assembly recently passed legislation that aims to reform criminal sentencing for minors, particularly those who are victims of child sex trafficking. House Bill 3414 adds to the factors that judges must consider when sentencing a child found guilty of a crime. Judges will now be required to consider a child’s involvement in the child welfare system, whether they have a history of domestic abuse or child-on-child sexual abuse, and the results of any mental health evaluations the child has undergone. Sadly, many of these children are victims of sexual abuse or they are neglected disabled children. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) placed a child sexual assault victim into the care of a pimp with a lengthy criminal historyApril 12th, 2023
 No Comments  Human Trafficking, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Sexual AbuseDCFS licensed a three-time convicted felon as a foster parent and subsequently placed a 16-year-old sex trafficking victim into his care. DCFS placed the girl with the 24-year-old pimp, Erick Johnson, just months after he was released from federal prison after a 24-month sentence on a firearms charge. Before that, Johnson spent three years in state prison for two robbery convictions. Despite all that, he passed placement clearance and was approved by DCFS to become a foster parent. While the child was in his care, he profited from tax money as a foster parent while he forced the juvenile into prostitution by putting up an advertisement on a known sex website. The girl has been raped, trafficked, abused, beaten up , and she has been shot, leaving a bullet in her leg. Nearly a year ago, a DCFS hired psychologist told the child welfare agency that the girl needed to be in a “secure residential treatment sex trafficking program.” However, the girl has not received the treatment she needs for the trauma the agency’s carelessness caused. Investigative Report Reveals Chicago Public School Employees Sexually Groomed and Sexually Assaulted Students and Failed to Properly Report Sexual Contact with StudentsThe Chicago Public Schools Office of the Inspector General conducted an investigation of Chicago’s Publics Schools, revealing hundreds of teachers and school officials sexually groomed and assaulted students. The investigation also found numerous incidents of teachers and school officials engaging in policy violations over the last four years by not properly reporting incidents of sexual grooming and sexual assault of students. Chicago Public Schools are governed by clear and specific reporting protocols in the event a teacher or other school official initiates improper sexual contact with a minor. Another Sexual Abuse Cover-up by an Institution — the Southern Baptist ConventionAs reported by the New York Times, a nearly 300-page report on sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention has published online. Read more here. |
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