Foster Care Abuse Lawyer

Legally Reviewed by Matthew Dolman

Matthew Dolman is a nationally recognized child sexual abuse lawyer who also represents adult survivors, including those seeking justice after the statute of limitations has expired through legal reforms and revival windows. He is an active member of the National Crime Victims Bar Association. The Dolman Law Group is a preeminent plaintiff’s litigation firm that has recovered over $700 million in compensation for survivors of sexual abuse and victims of serious injury.

Matthew has represented only plaintiffs during his twenty-two year career and has been selected to Best Lawyers for the last four years in a row. He has been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and one of Florida's Legal Elite over a combined thirteen times. Matthew is considered a thought leader in sexual abuse law and has either been interviewed or had his cases featured in the L.A. Times, Washington Post, New York Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution, People Magazine, The Sun and the New York Post among others.

The Dolman Law Group represents sexual abuse survivors across the nation and will associate with local counsel in accordance with each jurisdiction’s ethical cannons.

Foster care is supposed to be a safe place for children who are in a horrible situation and have nowhere else to go. No child wants to be in the foster care system; they end up there because something terrible has happened to them. Every child in foster care should be safe. But when foster care turns into a place of fear and pain from sexual abuse, it leaves a mark that no child should ever carry. 

Dolman Law Group represents survivors of foster care sexual abuse. When the system fails to protect a child, we are deeply committed to holding negligent parties responsible to the full extent of the law.

These and other parties may be held liable for damages:

• The foster care system
• The perpetrator
• Other negligent persons or organizations

If a child in your care was sexually abused while in the foster care system — or if you're an adult who experienced abuse as a child — you are not alone, and it is not too late. There are legal options available to you, and we are here to help you understand what they are.

Many of the survivors we work with have experienced both sexual abuse and other forms of maltreatment as children. At Dolman Law Group, we take your case seriously — that means bringing in investigators, child psychologists, and former social workers to dig deep into what happened. Through every step of that process, we make sure you feel heard, supported, and never alone.

Our foster care sexual abuse attorneys are here to help you file a civil lawsuit against those who harmed you or your loved one and will provide critical support to help you heal and recover. You deserve compensation for your damages, and we will do everything we can to get you compensation.

Keep in mind that many states have "look back statutes" or "revival windows." These terms essentially mean the same thing. In many states, an adult who was sexually abused as a minor can still seek legal redress and file a lawsuit as an adult. These states offer an extension of the Statute of Limitations.

Giving Survivors the Voice They Deserve

Children placed in foster care are some of society’s most vulnerable. When they are abused, their trauma is magnified by betrayal from the very system meant to protect them. We are committed to representing children and advocating for their rights through legal action, standing beside these survivors with compassion and strength, helping them speak up and pursue justice.

Legal battles involving foster care abuse are complex. Many children in foster care do not report abuse due to fear of not being believed or fear of further repercussions, which perpetuates their trauma and isolation. That’s why our trauma-informed approach prioritizes the child’s emotional safety throughout the legal process.

These cases involve filing legal action against government agencies, private contractors, or foster care organizations—entities that have lawyers and insurance companies trying to avoid blame. Attorneys should communicate in plain, calm language and avoid unnecessarily invasive questioning; a lack of sensitivity to the child’s emotional needs or poor communication skills is a major warning sign when selecting legal representation.

Our firm’s mission is to protect children and uphold their rights at every step. With decades of experience in sexual abuse litigation and a deep understanding of how foster care systems operate, we are dedicated to seeking justice for those who need it most.

Why You Need a Lawyer With Foster Care Experience

Filing a lawsuit for sexual abuse in foster care requires more than legal knowledge: it demands specialized expertise. Here’s what sets the right law firm apart:

• Deep Understanding of Foster Care Systems: We know how these agencies work, what regulations they must follow, and where things typically go wrong. Our team understands the nuances of state-specific regulations and can navigate agency files and placement histories, allowing us to uncover hidden failures and hold agencies accountable.
• Proven Legal Success: Dolman Law Group's firms have recovered millions for abuse survivors, including cases against government agencies, major corporations, and powerful institutions.
• Resources to Build Strong Cases: Our legal team is experienced in calculating damages and pursuing claims against multiple parties, including state agencies. Our network includes investigators, forensic experts, trauma specialists, and seasoned litigators who collaborate to uncover the truth and build compelling evidence. Foster care abuse cases often involve multiple parties who may be held accountable.
• Client-Centered Advocacy: We treat every client with respect, empathy, and discretion. Survivors deserve to be heard without judgment, and we prioritize their privacy every step of the way.

Recognizing Sexual Abuse in Foster Care

Sexual abuse in foster care can take many forms and often mirrors abuse in other institutional settings, like schools, churches, and group homes.

Child victims in foster care often face unique challenges, including feelings of instability and insecurity, which can make it difficult for them to form trusting relationships with adults and peers.

Perpetrators may include foster parents, relatives, other children in the home, and sometimes, even the caseworkers themselves, highlighting the risk of foster home abuse and the presence of sexual predators within foster care settings. Social services play a critical role in providing a stable environment for children and must respond promptly and effectively to sexual abuse allegations to ensure child safety and well-being.

Common Types of Sexual Abuse in Foster Homes

Common forms of foster care sexual abuse include:

• Inappropriate touching
• Exposure to pornography or sexual content
• Rape or attempted rape
• Sexual exploitation or trafficking
• Coercion into sex acts by foster families
• Verbal sexual harassment and emotional abuse
• Neglect, which can seriously harm a child's well-being through inadequate supervision, failure of care, or systemic lapses

Children in foster care are at particular risk because they often lack the support of a stable family and may be hesitant to speak out. Abuse in these cases isn’t just criminal—it’s a human rights violation.

Watch for These Red Flags

Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse can save lives. Children who have experienced abuse may show these warning signs, and every child reacts differently, but there are common indicators to watch for:

• Dramatic changes in mood, behavior, or personality
• Sudden fear of certain people, places, or routines
• Use of sexual language or behaviors beyond their age
• Physical symptoms like bruises, infections, or pain
• Withdrawal from school or decline in academic performance
• Nightmares, bedwetting, or regression to younger behaviors
• Fear of going home or reluctance to be alone with specific individuals

If you suspect abuse, take action immediately. Even if you’re not sure, report your concerns. You don’t need proof, just a reasonable belief that a child may be in danger.

Learn More: How Do I Talk to My Child About Sexual Abuse? 

Reporting Abuse and Understanding Your Role

Every state has laws that require professionals like teachers, doctors, and social workers to report suspected child abuse. But anyone can report suspected abuse in foster care—you do not need to be a mandated reporter or have proof to make a report.

When a report of abuse is made, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and law enforcement are required to investigate the claims. Filing claims and taking legal action are critical steps to hold responsible parties, such as child protective services or individual caregivers, legally accountable for foster care abuse.

How To Report Sexual Abuse In A Foster Home Or The Foster Care System

• Call your state’s child abuse hotline
• Contact Child Protective Services (CPS)
• If it’s an emergency, call 911

In Florida, for example, reports go through the Department of Children and Families (DCF), either online or by phone (1-800-962-2873).

After a report is made, law enforcement or CPS investigates. Allegations of sexual abuse must be investigated by the appropriate authorities to ensure proper handling. Sometimes, action happens quickly; other times, delays occur.

Sadly, foster care systems are often overwhelmed, underfunded, and poorly coordinated, which can lead to inadequate handling of sexual abuse allegations.

That’s why documentation is critical: save every communication, report, and name you encounter. If the agency fails to protect the child, these records could become vital evidence.

Understanding the Scope of Sexual Abuse in Foster Care

Child sexual abuse remains a hidden crisis in the United States​, marked by systemic failures, underreporting, and lasting, serious harm to survivors. In any foster care abuse case, it is crucial to assess the full scope of harm suffered, ensuring that all damages are thoroughly evaluated and addressed through comprehensive legal support.

The following statistics on sexual abuse in the foster care system tell a story better than almost anything else can. Read all the way to the end to see some truly alarming stats.

Key Statistics of Sexual Abuse in the Foster Care System

Prevalence and Risk Factors

Child sexual abuse is more common than you probably realize. Some of these statistics are shocking.

• Roughly 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the U.S. are sexually abused before the age of 18​. 
• Most victims know their abuser: over 90% of cases involve a perpetrator familiar to the child​.

Certain circumstances increase the risk of a child being sexually abused.

• Children who live with a single parent who also has an unrelated adult residing in the home have a far higher likelihood of abuse (up to 20 times greater). That is a frightening statistic and a serious reason to give thought before allowing your new boyfriend to move in with you and your kids too soon.
• Children in foster care also face a much higher rate of sexual abuse.
• Children with disabilities have approximately triple the risk of sexual abuse.

Underreporting and Systemic Challenges

Despite its prevalence, child sexual abuse often goes unreported. Sexual abuse in foster care is a significant issue, with many children not reporting the abuse due to fear of not being believed or fear of further repercussions.

• Experts estimate that only 1 in 3 cases are ever brought to authorities.
• Children often don’t tell a parent or a trusted adult about the sexual abuse due to fear, shame, or not realizing it was abuse, so the true scope is far greater than official reports suggest.
• Even when abuse is reported, justice is rare: fewer than 1 in 5 cases lead to prosecution, and only around 10% result in a conviction, meaning most offenders never face accountability. Legal action is crucial to ensure responsible parties accept responsibility for their actions.
• Let’s break this down. These stats mean:
  • If 300 children are sexually abused, only 100 cases are brought to law enforcement. 
  • Of those 100 cases, fewer than 20 of their abusers are charged.
  • And of those 20 cases that are charged, only 2 are convicted.
  • So, out of 300 children who are sexually abused, only 2 of their abusers are convicted. And this is likely much higher since most children don’t say anything. And of those two, it’s unlikely either of them will do much jail time.
  • Is your mind blown?

Long-Term Impact and Accountability

Child sexual abuse causes lasting trauma, and many survivors do not come forward until years later, often well into adulthood. Adult survivors can now pursue claims even years after the abuse occurred, thanks to legal reforms and extended statutes of limitations.

Because of this tendency to delay coming forward until they are adults and realize the severity of what happened to them, advocates have fought to extend the statutes of limitations on sexual abuse cases so survivors can seek justice when they are ready. 

Holding perpetrators and all responsible parties (including the institutions that failed to keep them safe) accountable through the legal system is crucial to help survivors heal and to prevent further abuse. It is essential that everyone responsible is held accountable for their actions.

The lawyers at Dolman Law Group can help you pursue claims and get monetary compensation to pay for all your past and future damages and to give you some justice for the crimes committed against you, your child, or a child you love.

Sexual Abuse Is More Common In Foster Care

Sexual abuse in the foster care system isn’t rare—it’s a national crisis.

• Foster Children Are At A Higher Risk: Foster children are 4 times more likely to be sexually abused than children who are raised in any other situation, according to Johns Hopkins research.
• Foster Group Homes Are Nightmares of Abuse: Children who live in a foster group home are 28 times more likely to be sexually abused than the general population. A group home is a specific type of foster care living situation where multiple children live in a residence that houses many foster children at once. Foster care systems in the US say that these homes are safe because they are supervised and staffed by professionals who provide care and support. But did I mention that children in group homes are 28 times more likely to be sexually abused than other children?
• Foster Home Abuse and Agency Responsibility: The risk of foster home abuse is also significant, with children in foster care vulnerable to harm due to insufficient oversight by social workers and failures within the child protective system. Foster care agencies have a legal responsibility to safeguard children’s rights and can be held liable if they fail to protect children from abuse or neglect while in their care.
• Widespread Abuse: A study from Oregon and Washington showed nearly 1 in 3 foster kids had been abused by someone in the home.

These statistics are more than numbers, and as you can see, they aren’t just statistics for the sake of having a few numbers on this page. The story they tell is mind-blowing! These statistics represent thousands of children who have been ignored, silenced, or denied justice. 

And more than that, these numbers reflect a government system that is tasked with caring for some of the most vulnerable, if not THE most vulnerable, of our population and is failing. The foster care system in America too often chooses the protection of its reputation over the protection of the children it has been tasked with protecting.

Every child in foster care deserves a stable environment that is safe, consistent, and nurturing—yet too often, that basic need is not met.

Holding the Right People Accountable

Filing a civil lawsuit is one way survivors and families can demand accountability and get justice. Filing claims and taking legal action are critical steps to ensure all responsible parties are held liable for foster care abuse. Civil claims don’t just target the individual abuser; they can also go after the institutions and agencies that failed to intervene in the first place.

Potential defendants in a foster care sexual abuse claim include:

• Foster parents or household members
• Foster care agencies and placement services
• Caseworkers and supervisors
• Government agencies (state or county child welfare departments)

Social services and other state agencies involved in child welfare
In many cases, multiple parties may be held liable for the harm caused, making it essential to pursue legal action against all responsible entities.

A successful claim can not only get the abused and their family the compensation they need to rebuild their lives and get their child the treatment they need, but it can uncover systemic failures and force changes that prevent future abuse.

Learn more: 5 Things to Consider Before Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Filing a Lawsuit as an Adult Survivor

Many foster care sexual abuse survivors don’t come forward until years later, often because, as children, they feared not being believed or worried about further repercussions—this silence can deepen trauma and isolation.

However, adult survivors can still pursue claims even if they did not report the abuse at the time. Thanks to changes in the law, many states now give adults more time to file lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse.

Depending on where the abuse occurred, you may be able to file a claim even if decades have passed. Understanding statutes of limitations and legal windows is especially important for adult survivors seeking justice. States now use a variety of survivor-friendly rules:

• Extended Statutes of Limitations: These laws give survivors until their mid-20s or even 30s to file.
• Lookback Windows: States like California and New York passed special laws allowing survivors to file old claims during a limited time window, even if the regular deadline had expired.
• Discovery Rules: Many states now delay the statute of limitations until the survivor realizes the full impact of the abuse or connects it to their trauma.

Still, every state has different rules. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as you’re ready. We’ll help you understand your rights and make sure no deadlines are missed.

Types of Legal Claims for Abuse in the Foster System

Survivors can bring a range of legal claims based on their abuse, often as part of a foster care abuse case that may involve pursuing claims against a foster care agency and multiple responsible parties:

• Sexual abuse or assault: This claim directly addresses the abusive actions of the perpetrator, holding them legally responsible for any unwanted sexual contact or exploitation inflicted on the survivor.
• Negligent supervision or hiring: This applies when a foster care agency or provider fails to properly vet, monitor, or train individuals, allowing someone unfit or dangerous to harm a child in their care.
• Emotional distress: Survivors can seek compensation for the psychological trauma they suffered, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other lasting mental health impacts resulting from the abuse.
• Failure to protect: This claim targets institutions, including foster care agencies, that knew or should have known a child was at risk but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, allowing abuse to occur or continue.

A foster care abuse case is legally complex, often involving immunity issues and specialized state laws. It is crucial to have an experienced foster care abuse lawyer who understands both the legal and emotional nuances required to pursue claims and hold all responsible parties accountable.

When suing a government agency, things are more complicated than they are when dealing with a private company or individual. If you choose FileAbuseLawsuit.com to help you, we will guide you through every step and handle all the legal work while you focus on healing yourself and your family.

Learn More: What Is the Timeline for a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Foster Care Abuse Lawsuit?

Filing a civil lawsuit is about more than holding people accountable, it’s about helping survivors heal. Our legal team works to assess the full scope of damages, ensuring that every harm—physical, emotional, and financial—is accounted for and that all responsible parties are held accountable. Compensation may include:

• Pain and Suffering: Acknowledging the trauma and emotional toll of the abuse
• Psychological Treatment: Costs for therapy, counseling, and mental health support
• Medical Bills: Covering care for physical injuries or related health needs
• Future Medical Needs: Long-term care, if required
• Education Support: For tutoring, special services, or lost opportunities
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Recognizing the stolen innocence and lasting harm
• Punitive Damages: Additional money awarded to punish egregious misconduct
• Wrongful Death: In tragic cases, damages can help support the surviving family

Your attorney and legal team will use their knowledge from past cases, along with experts, to assess the full impact of the abuse and fight for every dollar you deserve.

How We Support Clients Every Step of the Way

Filing a lawsuit might sound overwhelming. We understand that. That’s why our trauma-informed legal team handles the hard parts and walks with you every step of the way. We will:

• Investigate your case thoroughly.
• Gather evidence.
• Consult experts.
• Navigate complex government legal procedures.
• Protect your privacy and your rights.
• Prioritize your child’s well-being and emotional safety throughout the process.
• Fight for a fair settlement focused on your child’s health, safety, and future quality of life.
• Take your case to trial if needed to get maximum compensation.

Throughout the process, our legal team provides compassionate guidance and connects you with medical, mental health, and survivor resources. You won’t be in this alone!

Take Action. Change Lives.

By stepping forward, you’re not only seeking justice for yourself or your child, but you’re also making a powerful stand for all children in the foster system. Civil lawsuits are one of the most important tools we have to expose abuse and push for lasting change through laws and by pushing the system to do what is right in the first place.

Ready to talk? Reach out to our Foster care abuse lawyers at Dolman Law Group. We offer free, confidential consultations and trauma-informed care. There's no pressure, just a safe place to start exploring your options. Your story matters. Let's work together to make sure it's heard and begin the process to get your damages compensated.

Please fill out our form, call us at 727-451-6900, or email me directly at matt@dolmanlaw.com to schedule a free consultation.