Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC is honored to have stood beside our client, P.L., in her pursuit of accountability and justice. Just days before trial was set to begin, the State of New Jersey agreed to pay $8 million to resolve claims arising from years of sexual abuse P.L. suffered while in foster care.
Systemic Failures in New Jersey Foster Care
P.L. was placed into New Jersey foster care at just 10 years old. During her placement, she endured years of sexual abuse by her foster father. Early on, she raised concerns about the abuse. Those reports were never properly documented, investigated, or acted upon.
Because of repeated and systemic failures by the New Jersey Division of Children and Families, P.L. remained in the home for nearly four years. The institutions charged with protecting her failed to do so.
The Impact of New Jersey’s Child Victims Act
After the passage of New Jersey’s landmark Child Victims Act, P.L. bravely came forward in 2022 to hold the State accountable for these failures.
This case highlights why laws like the Child Victims Act matter. They give survivors a path to seek justice when they are ready, and they help hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect children.
A Resolution on the Eve of Trial
The $8 million settlement was reached just days before trial. The State’s decision to settle came against the backdrop of recent jury verdicts holding institutions accountable for child sexual abuse, including a $25 million verdict in March 2024 for another New Jersey foster child and a $30 million verdict for a student abused by his teacher in Newark.
Standing With Survivors
Congratulations to PCVA Partner Lesley O’Neill and co-counsel Matt Bonano of RAM Law for their excellent advocacy for our client.
We are humbled by P.L.’s strength and resilience, and we remain committed to advocating for survivors whose voices were ignored for far too long.
If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse in foster care or another institutional setting in New Jersey, our attorneys are available to discuss your rights under the Child Victims Act.
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