ALABAMA FOSTER CARE ABUSE ATTORNEYS

Foster Care Abuse & Neglect

Recent cases of foster care abuse and neglect—including the high-profile case of Jenise and Daniel Spurgeon, a couple approved as foster parents by the state of Alabama in 2004, who were accused of physical abuse, molestation, and child rape—have made national headlines. While these cases are shocking, sadly, they are not uncommon. According to the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, numerous independent studies show that child abuse and neglect occur at alarming rates within the foster care system.

If you or someone you love suffered abuse or neglect in the foster care system, you deserve justice. At Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law, our Alabama foster care abuse attorneys represent children and adults who have endured immense harm at the hands of trusted adult caregivers. We are passionate about holding both individuals and the entities that enabled their actions accountable. To date, we have recovered over $1 billion for our clients, and we are ready to fight tirelessly for you.

What Is Foster Care Abuse?

Foster care abuse refers to any misconduct or negligence by foster care providers against children in their care.

Like other forms of abuse, foster care abuse generally falls into several categories:

• Physical Abuse:
  Physical abuse involves acts of violence, such as hitting, pinching, beating, striking, or pushing a child. These acts can cause serious injuries, including cuts, bruises, broken bones, internal trauma, head and brain injuries, accidental amputation, spine injuries, and more. Severe abuse may even result in permanent disability.
• Sexual Abuse:
  Sexual abuse includes any sexual acts committed against a minor (anyone under the age of 19 in Alabama). Since minors cannot legally give consent, all sexual contact with a minor is considered abuse. Examples include sexual touching, sexual assault, and rape.
• Neglect:
  Foster parents and guardians have a duty to meet the basic needs of children in their care. This includes providing proper nutrition and a safe living environment. Foster care neglect occurs when caregivers fail to properly provide for these needs.
• Mental Abuse:
  Mental or emotional abuse can have devastating effects, even though it is less visible than physical abuse. It includes non-physical acts of aggression intended to control, intimidate, isolate, or harm a child. Examples include constant belittling, yelling, threats of physical harm, humiliation, and dismissiveness.

Although foster families typically perpetrate this abuse, they are not always the only liable parties. Recent litigation has also targeted state institutions that allowed certain individuals to care for children and teens.

Who Is Responsible for Foster Home Abuse & Neglect?

While foster families often commit acts of abuse and neglect, civil liability can extend to others depending on the circumstances. Parties who may be wholly or partially liable include:

• A foster parent, sibling, or family member
• Private foster care agencies, including homes for troubled youth
• State entities, such as the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR)
• State agents, such as DHR workers
• Individuals subject to state mandatory reporting requirements

Note that civil foster child abuse lawsuits are separate from any criminal proceedings. While a criminal conviction is not required for a civil claim, it can provide valuable evidence in a negligence case.

Let Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law Fight for You

We believe that caregivers who fail to adequately provide for children should face the highest level of accountability. Our Alabama foster care abuse and neglect attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of poor or abusive foster care. We have advocated for individuals harmed while in the care of private foster families, private institutions, and state-run homes for foster youth.

With over 30 years of experience and numerous million- and multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, our firm has the resources and expertise to fight for you. We provide free, confidential consultations and there are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call our office at (205) 324-4008 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys. Hablamos español.