If you’ve wondered, “What are the legal options for Georgia victims of foster home abuse?” the answer is that Georgia children placed in foster homes are entitled to protection from abuse, neglect, and other unsafe conditions. When a foster child is harmed, the individual caregiver, private child placement agency, or another organization responsible for the child’s care may be held legally responsible.
Learn more about these legal options and how a foster home abuse lawyer can help.
What Does Georgia Consider Foster Home Abuse?
Georgia’s child welfare system has safeguards in place to protect foster placements. Recent data show that maltreatment in care remains a concern, however.
Georgia’s Annual Progress and Services Report stated that it had a 4.15 maltreatment rate compared to the national 9.07. The state also had a 5.5% recurrence of maltreatment rate compared to the 9.7% rate of the U.S. as a whole.
The state’s welfare policies recognize several forms of child abuse and neglect. These can include physical injury, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation, and neglect. Child-placing agencies must investigate foster homes and the character and reputation of people in the foster household. The laws also provide for inspections and investigations of any reported deficiencies in care.
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What Legal Options May Be Available?
If a child is harmed in any way during their time in foster care, they have several potential avenues for relief. The appropriate options depend on who caused the harm, what the placement agency knew, and when the abuse happened. They’ll also need to know the type and extent of any resulting injuries.
The claims that can exist can be against:
- Foster carer: A foster carer who intentionally harms a child may be held personally responsible for any resulting injuries. Damages may include medical expenses, counseling, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the abuse.
- Placement agency: A child placement agency may be held responsible for negligent screening, supervision, placement decisions, or other failures to protect the child. Georgia law requires licensed child welfare agencies to follow standards governing children’s health and safety.
- Government entities: Some foster placements include the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services or another government entity. In some cases, these government defendants may have statutory protections, notice requirements, or immunities. It’s important to hire a foster home abuse lawyer who can thoroughly investigate responsibility.
Why Hire a Foster Home Abuse Lawyer?
If a child was harmed while in foster care, determining who is legally responsible is key. An experienced foster home abuse lawyer can review records and investigate the case to determine responsibility.
At Ryan Johnson Trial Lawyer, we understand how sensitive these cases can be. Our firm serves clients throughout Georgia and holds more than two decades of experience as a trial lawyer. We have also been recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and as part of the Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Contact Ryan Johnson Trial Lawyer Today
When a child in foster care is harmed, the child and family deserve justice. Contact Ryan Johnson Trial Lawyer today near Buckhead Forest to schedule a consultation and learn more about what the legal options for Georgia victims of foster home abuse are.
