Foster Care Abuse Attorney

Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Sexual abuse in foster care is one of the most devastating violations a child can endure. Sadly, foster children are easy targets for sexual predators because of their vulnerability, unstable circumstances, and lack of a consistent family support system. Sexual abuse can include inappropriate touching, forced sexual acts, sexual assault, or grooming behaviors by foster parents, foster siblings, staff in group homes, or even other foster kids.

Some abuse cases escalate to sex trafficking, where children are exploited by those entrusted with their care. These crimes often go unreported due to fear, manipulation, or threats. Survivors who were sexually abused in foster care may suffer from:

• Lifelong psychological trauma
• Shame, guilt, and difficulty trusting others
• Long-term mental health struggles such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Physical injuries or sexually transmitted infections

Physical Harm or Neglect

Physical abuse in foster care can range from hitting, slapping, and kicking to more severe acts that leave visible injuries. Foster children may also suffer neglect, such as lack of food, medical care, supervision, or proper clothing. Both physical abuse and neglect violate a child’s rights to a safe environment and basic human dignity.

Some red flags of physical abuse and neglect include:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or broken bones
• Malnutrition or sudden weight loss
• Poor hygiene or lack of access to medical care
• Fear of going home or avoiding certain adults

Neglect cases are especially troubling because they are harder to prove than obvious physical harm. Many foster children endure years of inadequate care before the abuse is reported.

Emotional Manipulation and Psychological Trauma

Not all abuse leaves visible scars. Emotional abuse in foster homes can be just as harmful as physical or sexual abuse. Foster parents, social workers, or group home staff may use threats, constant criticism, humiliation, or isolation to control foster children.

Emotional manipulation often makes foster kids feel unwanted, unloved, or responsible for their own suffering. Over time, this can lead to:

• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Difficulty forming healthy relationships
• Long-term psychological trauma
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Children in foster care already face challenges of separation from their biological families. When that pain is compounded by emotional abuse, the results can be devastating.

Failure to Provide Safe Living Conditions

Every foster child deserves a safe home, but too often, foster care agencies fail to perform proper background checks or adequately monitor foster homes. As a result, children are sometimes placed with abusive foster parents or in unsafe group homes.

Unsafe living conditions may include:

• Dangerous or unsanitary housing
• Exposure to drugs, alcohol, or criminal activity
• Lack of supervision, allowing harm from other children or strangers
• Overcrowded homes that place children at higher risk of neglect

Such conditions can lead to accidents, injuries, and emotional harm. When child protective services or the department of social services overlook these risks, they too can be held liable.