Survivors of sexual abuse in foster care, group homes, schools, camps, juvenile detention centers, and religious institutions have been ignored, silenced, and dismissed for decades.
But that is all changing. Today, survivors are fighting back and winning. An ever-increasing number of lawsuits against these institutions have led to massive settlements in several instances.
Those responsible for the emotional and physical scars that run deep are finally being held accountable.
If you or someone you love has experienced abuse in an institutional setting, you may be entitled to compensation.
Legal action can provide financial relief and be an important step toward healing and justice.
Foster Care & Group Homes: Systemic Failures and Major Settlements
The foster care system was established in the mid-1800s to provide a safe environment for vulnerable children, but over time, it has been plagued by systemic sexual abuse. A 2021 study found that 1 in 3 foster children are abused, with many cases going unreported.1
In 2023, a jury in Northern California awarded nearly $25 million to three siblings sexually abused by their foster parent, with Alternative Family Services—one of California’s largest foster care agencies—ordered to pay 60% of the damages.2
Many survivors who have shared their stories have not only secured financial compensation but have also pushed for stronger protections to prevent future abuse.
Schools & Camps: Breaking the Silence on Abuse
Public and private schools, as well as camps, have long harbored perpetrators who prey on children.
High-profile cases include the $490 million settlement against the University of Michigan to resolve decades-long sexual abuse committed by an athletic team doctor.
The settlement resolved over 1,000 claims, proving that survivors are holding institutions accountable.3
In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court approved a historic $2.46 billion settlement proposal by the Boy Scouts of America to resolve more than 82,000 claims of sexual abuse perpetrated by scout leaders.
Some survivors received as much as $2.7 million in compensation.4
In addition, many church-sponsored summer camps have faced similar lawsuits for failing to protect children from predatory staff.
If you were abused in a school or camp setting, legal options may be available to you.
Juvenile Detention Centers: Fighting Back Against Abuse Behind Bars
Juvenile detention centers were designed to rehabilitate youth, but instead, many have become places where abuse too often occurs.
As of September 2024, 667 survivors of sexual abuse at juvenile detention facilities across Illinois have filed lawsuits.5
Oregon closed one of its largest youth correctional facilities in 2024 after a series of lawsuits exposed widespread sexual assault by staff.6
Survivors of these institutions have fought long and hard for justice, proving that even behind bars, individuals have the right to safety and dignity.
Legal action against juvenile detention centers is increasing, with more states facing lawsuits for negligence.
If you or a loved one were abused in a youth facility, you may still be able to secure a settlement.
Churches & Religious Institutions: Holding Faith Leaders Accountable
Religious institutions have faced some of the largest sexual abuse settlements in history. The Catholic Church has paid over $3 billion to survivors in the U.S., with more lawsuits pending.
In October 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to an $880 million settlement with 1,353 victims of clergy sexual abuse, marking the largest child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese.7
The previous month, the Diocese of Rockville Centre in Long Island, New York, reached a $323 million bankruptcy settlement to compensate 530 survivors.8
In one case alone in 2023, a woman who was sexually abused for years was awarded more than $2 billion by a California jury in a lawsuit that implicated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).9
As of February 2025, nearly 50 federal LDS Church lawsuits are pending, with dozens, if not hundreds, of more plaintiffs expected to file claims.
Lawsuits against Jehovah’s Witnesses also continue to mount. In 2023, a settlement of $40 million was reached between a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a sexual abuse survivor.10
Mega churches have also had to pay steep settlements to compensate survivors. Gateway Church in Texas has settled multiple lawsuits that accused church founder Robert Morris and other leaders of child sexual abuse.11
Survivors of clergy abuse have paved the way for future victims to come forward, and legal actions have forced transparency from institutions that have long covered up crimes.
If you or someone you love was abused by a religious figure or organization, there is still time to seek justice, as most states have eliminated the statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit.
Your Voice Matters
Survivors who have filed lawsuits against these institutions have collectively won billions in settlements, forced changes in policies, and ensured that abusers no longer have the power to hide.
If you are a survivor of institutional abuse, you do not have to suffer in silence. Legal action provides financial relief, validation, and accountability.
SurvivorsRights.com is here to connect you with a compassionate legal team that specializes in cases like yours.
Take the first step toward justice. Contact us today. Fill out the brief form below. Your information is confidential and never shared.
References:
1. “Foster Care and Abuse: A National Crisis.” Child Welfare Report, 2021.
2. “Multimillion-dollar settlement to siblings abused in Northern California foster home.” The Imprint, 2023.
3. “University of Michigan Agrees to $490 Million Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case.” Reuters, 2022.
4. “US Supreme Court lets $2.46 billion Boy Scouts sex abuse settlement proceed.” Reuters, 2024.
5. “Hundreds sue over alleged sexual abuse in Illinois youth detention centers.” The Associated Press, 2024.
6. “Governor Kotek acts on sexual abuse allegations at Oregon youth facilities.” NBC16, 2025.
7. “Archdiocese of LA reaches $880M child sex abuse settlement over hundreds of claims.” NBC Los Angeles, 2024.
8. “US Catholic diocese agrees to pay $323m to child sexual abuse survivors.” The Guardian, 2024.
9. “$2.3B awarded in sex abuse lawsuit that named Mormon church.” The Associated Press, 2023.
10. “Abuse Victim of Makaha Church Elder Entitled To $40 Million, Judge Says.” Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 2023.
11. “Gateway Church settles lawsuits alleging child sex assault, harassment.” CBS News, 2024.
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