Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawsuit Loans
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Children entering foster care are placed with trained and vetted adults who should provide a safe and nurturing environment for them. Unfortunately, some foster homes aren’t safe and become the setting for additional abuse and neglect. Sadly, children in foster care are four times more likely to be sexually abused than children not in care.[1]
If you’re the victim of foster care sex abuse, you’re not alone, you’re not at fault, and you deserve compensation for the horrors you endured. Filing a lawsuit against your abuser or the foster care agency can help you hold the perpetrators accountable and secure your financial future.
However, your case could drag on for years, potentially causing you money-related stress.[6] Pre-settlement funding, also known as a lawsuit loan, is a cash advance of your expected settlement. It can put cash in your bank account so you can wait for your day in court with one less worry on your plate.
Key Takeaways
- Foster care sex abuse is all too common and can negatively impact victims for the rest of their lives.
- Filing a lawsuit against the party responsible can help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
- Your case could take a long time to resolve, putting your life on hold and potentially making it hard to stay financially afloat.
- Pre-settlement funding can help you make ends meet while you wait for a settlement offer.
- A lawsuit loan is nonrecourse, so you don’t have to repay it unless you win your case.
Types of Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawsuits We Fund
USClaims bases funding decisions on the specifics of each case. However, common types of foster care sexual abuse cases we provide funding for include:[1]
- Touching or groping
- Kissing
- Penetration
All sexual contact with a minor is illegal because they can’t legally consent to it. Abuse can also include situations without physical contact, such as exposure to pornography, sexual harassment, or voyeurism.[1]
Perpetrators can include:[1]
- Foster parents (accounts for 20% of abuse cases)[1]
- Teachers, health care providers, social workers, and other professionals
- Neighbors or other people the child interacts with
The foster care agency or the state may also be liable for the abuse, especially if it ignored complaints, tried to cover up allegations, or knowingly permitted an abuser to remain in contact with the abused.[3]
Please note: Sexual abuse isn’t limited to the behaviors listed here. If you think you may have experienced abuse, reach out to an experienced attorney. They can help you determine if you have a case.
Who Can File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against the State?
If you experienced sexual abuse while in foster care, you may be able to sue the foster care agency or the state. An attorney can check if you’re still within the statute of limitations and advise you on how to proceed.
However, in some cases, suing the state can be incredibly challenging due to sovereign immunity. Codified in the 11th Amendment of the United States Constitution, sovereign immunity protects the government from prosecution for wrongdoing, even when a private party would be found liable in the same scenario. While some states will waive immunity in select circumstances, there are typically many exceptions, making it difficult to obtain justice and compensation.[2]
Fortunately, a recent ruling involving MacLaren Hall sex abuse gives abuse survivors hope. MacLaren Hall was a county-run group home for youth awaiting foster care placement in Los Angeles County.[4]
Now closed, hundreds of former residents have reported sexual abuse that occurred on the premises, with allegations spanning decades. Alleged perpetrators included older residents, institutional employees, and social workers. Due to the severity and duration of the abuse and the group home’s negligence, MacLaren Hall victims will receive part of a $4 billion settlement that will be spread among survivors from multiple juvenile facilities.[4]
What’s the Average Settlement Amount for Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawsuits?
The average settlement for childhood sexual abuse can range from $500,000 to $1,500,000, depending on the case details. Some victims could receive multi-million-dollar payouts.[3]
Factors That Determine Settlement Amount
There are several factors that determine your specific settlement amount, including, but not limited to:[3]
- The psychological impact of the abuse. Do you have post-traumatic stress disorder, crippling depression, substance abuse issues, or suicidal ideation?
- The amount of treatment you need to heal. Do you need ongoing therapy or psychiatric medicine to process and cope with what you experienced?
- The effects the abuse has on your life in general. Do you have a hard time going to school, holding down a job, or developing healthy relationships?
- The defendant. Are you suing an individual or a state agency?
- The strength of your case. Do you have witness testimony, medical records, and other documentation that support your story?
Generally, you can expect a higher payout if you:[3]
- Suffer from ongoing psychological trauma
- Require continued treatment, such as therapy
- Can’t live life the way an average person would call “normal”
- Sue the state agency, which has more financial resources than an individual abuser
- Have a lot of evidence that supports your claims
Your lawyer can help you gauge what settlement amount to expect.
When Pre-Settlement Funding Might Make Sense for a Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawsuit
If you decide to pursue a lawsuit against your abusers, pre-settlement funding can provide financial relief while you fight your case.
You may want to apply for pre-settlement funding if you:
- Can’t keep up with all the therapy or medical bills you’re receiving
- Can’t maintain steady employment and need help making ends meet
- Need to step away from your job for more intensive treatment, but can’t afford to quit
- Want the peace of mind from knowing you have some extra cash in the bank
Ask your lawyer if pre-settlement funding is a good option for your case.
Think You Have a Case?
Call us toll-free at (877) USClaims to speak with a friendly funding specialist today.
Who Qualifies for Clergy Sexual Abuse Pre-Settlement Funding?
Qualifying for a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit loan may be easier than you think.
At USClaims, we primarily consider the strength of your case when determining funding eligibility and amount. Unlike traditional loans, your credit score is not a factor when determining whether you qualify for a lawsuit loan.
There are two main things you need to have before applying for pre-settlement funding: a personal injury case and an attorney who works on a contingency basis. Lawyers who work on contingency don’t get paid unless you win in court.[6]
Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawsuit Funding Process
The pre-settlement funding process is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to do to secure your lawsuit loan:
- Hire an attorney on a contingency basis (if you haven’t already). Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process and advocate for you in court.
- File a lawsuit. Your lawyer will complete and submit the required forms to the court.
- Apply for pre-settlement funding. Your attorney will work closely with us during this step of the process.
- Get an application decision. If approved, you could receive funds in as little as 24 business hours.* You can then use the cash as needed.
- Accept a settlement offer. Your lawyer will pay us back in a single lump sum from the proceeds.
If you don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Benefits of Pre-Settlement Funding for Sexual Assault Survivors
Pre-settlement funding has many advantages, including, but not limited to:
Keep Up with Financial Responsibilities
Depending on the details of your case, you may qualify for up to $1,000,000 in pre-settlement funding ($500 minimum). That money can help you pay your bills on time, keeping your credit score intact and the debt collectors at bay.
Don’t Have to Take a Low-Ball Offer
If your case is taking a long time to resolve, you may be tempted to accept a low-ball settlement offer (especially if money is tight). Having cash in the bank from a lawsuit loan empowers you to wait for a fair deal, one that adequately compensates you for the pain you endured.
Only Repay If You Win
Pre-settlement funding is risk-free because you don’t have to repay the cash advance if you lose your case. You never have to worry about a heavy debt burden following you around for years to come.
Use the Money on Anything
Pre-settlement funding recipients can use the funds for whatever purpose they desire. However, many plaintiffs use the funds to cover their:
- Mortgage or rent
- Utilities
- Car payments
- Other debt payments
- Insurance premiums
- Gas for the car
- Groceries
- Medical and mental health treatment
- General household expenses
You don’t have to keep records of how you spend the money. We’ll never ask to see receipts.
No Monthly Payments
Unlike a traditional loan, a lawsuit loan doesn’t require you to make monthly payments. Instead, your attorney will pay us back in a lump sum if you win your case.
See How Pre-Settlement Funding Has Helped People Like You
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with USC in the past. USC does not control the content of such reviews.
with USC in the past. USC does not control the content of such reviews.
Where USClaims Provides Funding
We’re proud of the list of states where we provide funding. Our service is available nearly nationwide. However, due to certain laws, we currently can’t help plaintiffs in Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Get the Financial Support You Need During Your Foster Care Sexual Assault Lawsuit
If you’re the victim of foster care sex abuse, you’ve walked a long and painful road. Engaging in a lengthy legal battle to obtain justice and compensation adds another layer of stress and trauma.
While we can’t change what happened in the past, we can make your present a little easier. Pre-settlement funding can take financial worry off the table, so you have more time and energy to focus on healing and building the good life you deserve.
Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.
Foster Care Sex Abuse Pre-Settlement Funding FAQs
Who qualifies for a foster care sex abuse lawsuit loan?
You may qualify for a foster care sex abuse lawsuit loan if you have a valid personal injury case and a lawyer working on contingency. Your attorney can help you decide if pursuing pre-settlement funding is the right move for you.
What is the average settlement for a foster care sex abuse lawsuit?
The average settlement amount for a foster care sex abuse lawsuit ranges from $500,000 to $1,500,000, depending on the specifics of the case. Generally, higher payouts are awarded to victims who endured severe abuse and are unable to live a normal life because of it.[3]
How long does a foster care sex abuse lawsuit take?
A foster care sex abuse lawsuit can take weeks, months, or years to conclude, depending on the case’s circumstances. Cases that go to trial generally take longer to resolve than cases that settle out of court.[6]
Have Questions?
Our pre-settlement funding experts will walk you through our entire process.
Sources
Hessing, Abigail. Ballard Brief. “Sexual Abuse of Children in the United States Foster Care System.” 2022. https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/sexual-abuse-of-children-in-the-united-states-foster-care-system
Hetherington, Emma. State Court Report. “State Accountability for Abuse in Foster Care.” 5 Sept. 2024. https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/state-accountability-abuse-foster-care
John Foy & Associates. “What Is the Average Settlement for Childhood Sexual Abuse?” https://www.johnfoy.com/faqs/what-is-the-average-settlement-for-childhood-sexual-abuse/
Miller, Jr., Ronald V. Lawsuit Information Center. “MacLaren Hall Sex Abuse Lawsuits.” 14 Aug. 2025. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/maclaren-hall-sex-abuse-lawsuits.html
LegalClarity. “What Does It Mean When a Lawyer Works on Contingency?” 26 June 2025. https://legalclarity.org/what-does-it-mean-when-a-lawyer-works-on-contingency/
Kosmides, Kathryn. Helping Survivors. “What to Know About Filing a Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit.” https://helpingsurvivors.org/child-sexual-abuse/lawsuit/
*Funding subject to approval. We typically fund within 24 business-day hours after we receive a fully-executed contract. Additional restrictions may apply.
**2X CAP may not be applicable for all types of cases and/or jurisdictions.
Disclaimer: Throughout this website, the term “loan” may be used for convenience to describe pre-settlement funding. However, such transactions are not loans in the legal sense. Repayment is strictly contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. If your case is unsuccessful, no repayment is required. Common terms like “lawsuit loan” are used colloquially but misrepresent the nonrecourse nature of pre-settlement funding.
