Is a Foster Care Agency Liable for Foster Child Abuse?
The point of the foster care system is to remove children from dangerous, unhealthy, or abusive situations, and house them in a place where they will be safe. To accomplish this, a foster care agency must take certain steps to protect the children it places in temporary homes. These steps include:
Screening prospective parents.
Foster parents must go through a certification process before being allowed to house children. However, foster care agencies should also screen these prospective guardians for warning signs. Background checks, interviews and home visits are essential. Still, some agencies may not take proper precautions, allowing abuse in the foster system to propagate.
Screening other family members.
In addition to the prospective foster parents, agencies must screen other family members in the household. In some cases, the foster parents’ own children abuse the foster child. Therefore, the agency should look for violent tendencies, arrests and other warning signs to protect the minors in their care.
Conducting routine checks.
After placement, foster agencies must regularly check on the children they place. Routine inspections and interviews with the children and families can help identify risky environments.
Investigating complaints from children.
If a foster child complains of neglect or abuse, then the agency should investigate these claims promptly and thoroughly.
Removing children from dangerous environments.
If an agency does identify an abusive home, then the child or children should be removed immediately. Failure to take swift action could result in serious harm to the child.
If you or a child you know suffered physical or sexual abuse in a foster home, then you may be able to hold the agency accountable. Our foster care attorneys can examine your situation and advise you of your legal options.
Call A Philadelphia Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Now
Foster care agency negligence can cause lifelong harm to foster children and families alike. If you believe a negligent agency in Pennsylvania is to blame for your losses, then contact our attorneys now. We have experience advocating for victims of physical and sexual abuse in foster homes. We can also help foster families hold careless agencies accountable for the placement of a dangerous child.
Call (215) 600-0104 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation.