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The state of Washington has agreed to pay $15 million to three sisters who were sexually abused for years while in a foster home in Centralia, according to Fox 13.
The abuse allegedly spanned from 1990 to 2000, starting when the sisters were between the ages of four and six, and continuing until they were teenagers. Two teenage sons of the foster parents are accused of carrying out the abuse.
The foster home was described as a "compound" with a "cult-like" environment, housing up to 12 children at times, including the foster parents' seven biological children. The lawsuit claims the state failed to conduct a single home safety visit for the three sisters from 1992 to 1995, and had minimal contact with them prior to 1992.
"Learning that it wasn't okay, and not that I didn't know it wasn't okay, just, I was so young, and it happened for so long and it was life," said Rachel, one of the three plaintiffs.
The sisters allege they were also subjected to physical and emotional abuse, including being beaten with belts, spoons, and switches, and having salt placed in their mouths as punishment. They claim social workers were aware of the abusive environment but failed to intervene.
According to the attorneys, the main social worker responsible for supervising the sisters testified that she was given an overwhelming caseload and unable to meet the required monthly visits to ensure the children's safety.
"There is no good excuse for a social worker to fail to do a single health and safety visit with a foster child for years and years," said attorney Vincent Nappo. "The State must provide the necessary resources and support to its social workers to ensure foster children are safe and protected in placement, or these types of horrific placements will continue."
The lawsuit was filed in February 2022, and a three-week jury trial was scheduled to begin on July 22, 2024, before the state agreed to the $15 million settlement. The attorneys say the settlement will allow the women to avoid a lengthy and painful trial, but they hope it sends a strong message to the state to improve its oversight of foster children.
In the wake of a troubling case in Centralia, WA, where the state has agreed to pay $15 million to three sisters who were sexually abused in a foster home, we sat down with Mike Pfau, a seasoned foster care abuse attorney at PCVA Attorneys at Law, shared his insights on the steps victims can take to hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for speaking with us today, Mr. Pfau. As an experienced lawyer focused on cases of sexual abuse in the foster care system, can you explain what legal options are available for victims in situations like the one we're seeing in Centralia?
Attorney Mike Pfau: Absolutely. In cases where children are abused while under the supervision of the state, through the foster care system, the victims have the right to seek compensation from the government agencies responsible. This can include the state child welfare department, as well as the specific foster home where the abuse occurred.
DM: And what are some of the key steps these victims would need to take to hold the responsible parties accountable?
MP: The first step is to file a civil lawsuit against the state, the foster care agency, and the individual foster parents. This allows the victims to recover damages for the harm they've suffered, including compensation for pain, suffering, and ongoing trauma. It's also important to work closely with law enforcement to ensure any criminal charges are pursued against the abusers.
DM: And in a case like this, where the abuse allegedly spanned a decade, how does that impact the victims' ability to seek justice?
MP: The length of time the abuse occurred is certainly a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. Courts generally recognize that victims of childhood sexual abuse often take many years, even decades, to come forward. So the statute of limitations is usually more flexible in these types of cases. The key is having an experienced legal team that understands the unique dynamics of foster care abuse.
DM: That's good to know. Thank you for sharing your expertise on this difficult but important topic, Mr. Pfau.
MP: Thank you, I'm happy to help shed light on how victims can navigate the legal system and get the justice they deserve.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse while in the foster care system, it's important to know that you have legal rights and options for seeking justice. The team at PCVA Attorneys at Law is dedicated to fighting for the rights of foster care abuse victims, and offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore the best path forward. Don't hesitate to reach out to ensure you get the support and compensation you need to begin healing.
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