Los Angeles County has approved a $4 billion settlement to address nearly 7,000 claims of sexual abuse in its juvenile facilities dating back to 1959. This historic agreement surpasses the previous largest settlement of $2.6 billion with the Boy Scouts of America. The lawsuits were enabled by a 2020 California law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse cases. Many claims involved the MacLaren Children’s Center, notorious for severe mistreatment and abuse, including solitary confinement and physical restraint of children. The county's chief executive issued a public apology, acknowledging the profound harm caused, even as the settlement strains the county's $49 billion budget.

Los Angeles County officials have authorized a $4 billion payout to settle claims of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities, impacting nearly 7,000 individuals since 1959.

This settlement is the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history, exceeding the previous $2.6 billion settlement with the Boy Scouts of America.

The legal action was facilitated by a 2020 California law that suspended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, allowing victims a three-year window to file lawsuits.

Many of the abuse claims are linked to the MacLaren Children’s Center, which operated from 1961 to 2003, as a holding facility for children awaiting foster care placement.

Survivors reported severe abuse, including sexual assault by staff, solitary confinement, and being drugged and restrained, highlighting systemic failures in the facility.

An official apology was issued on behalf of Los Angeles County, acknowledging the severe and lasting harm inflicted on the victims over decades.

The financial settlement poses a significant challenge to the county's budget, which totals $49 billion annually, as it grapples with increasing fiscal pressures.