Georgia Foster Care Abuse Lawyer

Foster Care Abuse Attorney in Georgia

Some of the most vulnerable members of our society are children who are in the foster care system. These young individuals are equally deserving of dignity, stability, and safety as anyone else. Unfortunately, way too many children in the Georgia foster care system are exploited, abused, and neglected. Therefore, at Ryan A. Johnson, P.C., a Georgia foster care abuse lawyer can fight to expose these injustices and hold responsible parties accountable.

If you know a child who you suspect is showing foster care abuse signs, whether that abuse is sexual, emotional, or physical, it is important to take action now. Our skilled legal team can launch a deep investigation into the abuse and file a civil claim at no cost to you or the child unless we win the case. The child’s well-being, along with the future and safety of Georgia’s child welfare system, depend on individuals like you who step forward.

About Ryan A. Johnson, P.C.

Ryan A. Johnson is a top-rated personal injury attorney based in Atlanta. He has over a decade of legal experience and more than $60 million in verdicts, settlements, and judgments for clients across Georgia. Through being selected for Super Lawyers® Rising Stars and recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, he has received clear recognition for his compassion, dedication, knowledge, and demonstrated results.

At our firm, we take on a limited number of cases. That way, we can provide each client with the personalized effort and attention that their case deserves. We are not afraid to take on complex or high-profile cases, especially those involving the abuse of children in Georgia’s foster care system. We have a simple mission, which is to protect Georgia’s youngest and most vulnerable. To do that, we work to hold those who allow abuse to occur accountable.

The Foster Care Crisis in Georgia

According to the most recent Georgia Fostering Court Improvement statistics, there are some deeply troubling issues with Georgia’s child welfare system. For example, from April 2024 to March 2025, children spent over 3,073,280 days in foster care away from their families. On March 31, 2025, the accumulated number of out-of-home placement days was more than 8.3 million days statewide, which is an average of 32,732 days per 10,000 children.

These staggering figures reflect a problem with prolonged placements, which increase risks of neglect, institutional trauma, and abuse. As children are staying longer in unmonitored, unstable placements, they are more likely to be subject to neglect or abuse. As the foster care system in Georgia is deeply under pressure, children continue to be the ones who have to pay the price. This, however, should not be the case.

That is why we fight on their behalf at Ryan A. Johnson, P.C.

What Is Foster Care Abuse in Georgia?

In Georgia and across the nation, foster care abuse is defined as any harm that is inflicted against a child by an individual while in state custody. Offenders can be staff members, peers, caseworkers, or foster parents, for example. We represent children and their advocates, who could have cases involving the following forms of abuse:

• Physical abuse. This may include the use of excessive punishment, burning, choking, or hitting. Sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can involve sexual exploitation, inappropriate touching, exposure to pornography, rape, or molestation.
• Emotional abuse. Although less explicit, emotional abuse can cause lasting scars. Examples include manipulation, intimidation, threats, or verbal assaults.
• When those in positions of power fail to provide adequate hygiene, medical care, food, or adequate supervision, they can be held accountable for their actions or lack thereof.

In all too many cases, we have seen this abuse go unchecked due to inadequate training, poor oversight, or willful negligence by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) or state-contracted agencies.

Hire a Foster Care Abuse Lawyer With the Experience Needed to Win

We understand the seriousness and sensitivity that foster care abuse cases involve. Therefore, we bring a personalized and trauma-informed legal approach to each client. When you choose to hire a Georgia foster care abuse lawyer from Ryan A. Johnson, P.C., you are partnering with legal representation who does not shy away from holding negligent foster parents, group homes, or child placement agencies accountable for what they did.

Our team meticulously builds each case, leveraging our vast network of child psychologists, medical professionals, and others who help us collect and demonstrate crucial evidence. We use DFCS logs, foster home evaluations, caseworker records, and expert testimony to back each case.

Whether you are a former foster youth who can pursue justice as an adult, a concerned friend, a relative, or a mandated reporter, a Georgia foster care abuse attorney can pursue justice and fight against tragedies in the state’s foster care system.

Civil Remedies for Foster Care Abuse Victims in Georgia

Children who have been subject to abuse while in foster care have the right to recover civil compensation for:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Therapy
• Past and future medical bills

They might also be awarded punitive damages against negligent agencies and abusers.

As many of these cases involve strict deadlines that could be applicable to the case, it’s crucial to talk to a dedicated attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal options.

Why Foster Care Abuse Cases Matter

Every child who has been abused in the foster care system represents both a personal tragedy and the failure of a broken system that does not protect those it should. By holding these negligent institutions accountable for their abuses, we can fight to push for real change. Not only can these cases secure compensation, but they can also expose a broken foster care system and protect future foster care children from similar abuse.

Contact a Georgia Foster Care Abuse Lawyer Today

If you suspect that a child has been abused in the Georgia foster care system, it is important to say something. The safety and future of that child could be dependent upon whether you speak up. At Ryan A. Johnson, P.C., we can listen, understand, and guide you forward. Our team can determine what your legal options are for seeking legal protection and compensation. Contact us today to learn more.