California Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Written by Alex E. Cunny, Partner · Updated October 2026
The short answer. If you were sexually abused as a child while in California foster care, by a foster parent, a group-home worker, or a doctor or other professional the county relied on, the county and other responsible agencies can be held responsible for failing to protect you. Adult survivors can bring these cases any time before their 40th birthday, can file as Jane or John Doe, and do not have to file a government claim first.
It was not your fault
Children in foster care are placed there for their protection. When an adult the county chose or relied on hurt you, that failure belongs to the adults and agencies responsible for your safety, not to you. Many survivors we talk to are in their 20s and 30s. Many never told anyone, or told a social worker or caregiver and nothing happened. None of that decides whether you have a case.
the county child-welfare agency that placed and supervised you
licensing agencies and foster family agencies
group homes and shelters
doctors, therapists and other professionals the county authorized to see foster children
Warning signs counties are supposed to act on
reports and complaints about a foster home that go uninvestigated
missed monthly social-worker visits
a professional given unsupervised access to children
children’s disclosures that are dismissed
How long do I have?
Under 40: You can bring a case any time before your 40th birthday (Code of Civil Procedure § 340.11).
Abuse on or after January 1, 2024: There is no deadline (Code of Civil Procedure § 340.1).
No government claim first: Childhood sexual assault claims against counties and other public entities are exempt from the usual government claim-filing requirement (Government Code § 905(m)).
40 or older: Different and stricter rules apply, so talk to a lawyer promptly.
Every case is different. This is general information, not legal advice. A confidential review can confirm what applies to you.
What you do not need
A police report or criminal charges. A civil case is separate from any criminal case.
Records or proof in hand. Investigating is our job. We gather records, witness accounts and other evidence.
To have told anyone at the time. Most survivors don’t. Delayed disclosure is normal.
To relive everything on the first call. Share what you’re comfortable sharing.
Your privacy
Survivors of childhood sexual assault can ask to file under a pseudonym such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” so their name doesn’t appear in public court filings. Your first conversation with us is confidential.
What it costs
Nothing up front. We work on contingency: fees and expenses are charged only against money recovered from responsible parties. You owe nothing as a fee or expense unless we first make a recovery for you.
What happens when you contact us
A confidential conversation. We listen, answer your questions, and ask only what we need to understand your situation.
A free case review. We look at where you were placed, who was involved, and the deadlines that apply to you.
Investigation. If we take your case, we investigate the county, the agencies and the people involved.
Filing. We file in the Superior Court of the appropriate county, usually under a pseudonym.
Accountability. We pursue compensation through settlement or trial, and we keep you informed and in control throughout.
Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney represents you until you and the firm sign a written agreement.
Featured: Dr. Patrick Clyne and Santa Clara County
Former Santa Clara County foster youth and former patients have filed lawsuits alleging that Dr. Patrick Clyne, a pediatrician and licensed foster parent, sexually abused children during so-called medical examinations, and that the County kept him in roles with access to foster children despite years of warnings. LMMB Law filed one of these lawsuits in July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sue the county for sexual abuse I suffered in foster care?
Yes. Counties and other agencies responsible for foster children can be held responsible when they fail to protect a child in their care.
I was abused by a foster parent. Who can be responsible?
The foster parent, and often the county that placed and supervised you, the agency that licensed or certified the home, and others responsible for your safety.
Do I need my foster care records?
No. Gathering records is the law firm’s job.
Will my name be public?
You can ask to file as Jane or John Doe.
What does it cost?
Nothing up front. Fees and expenses are charged only against money recovered.
Does contacting LMMB make me a client?
No. Only a signed written agreement creates an attorney-client relationship.
Free, confidential case review
If you are a survivor, contact us for a free and confidential consultation about your legal options.
Attorney Advertising. Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP, through its California office at 2020 Main St., Ste. 360, Irvine, CA 92614, is the law firm responsible for the content of this advertisement. Prior results not guaranteed. Free initial consultation. Not all cases will be accepted for representation. Fees and expenses charged only against money recovered from responsible parties. You owe nothing as a fee or expense unless we first make a recovery for you. Attorneys licensed in California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas and Pennsylvania. Consult our website for additional terms and conditions. Submitting a form or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney represents you until you and the firm sign a written agreement.