Financial Strain and Remaining Claims
Despite the settlements, Los Angeles County still faces roughly 2,500 pending cases, with officials warning that the number could continue to rise and create “extreme challenges” for the county’s budget without legislative reforms.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Joe Nicchitta said the wave of claims under A.B. 218 has imposed “severe financial stresses” on the county, forcing cutbacks in essential services.
“L.A. County and other local governments must balance their obligations to past victims with the need to avoid ruinous financial impacts that would undermine the very social safety net services our young people and families depend on today,” Nicchitta said.
Broader Context
Enacted in 2020, A.B. 218 opened a three-year window for survivors of child sexual abuse to pursue otherwise time-barred claims, resulting in a surge of lawsuits against institutions across California — including school districts, foster care programs, and Catholic dioceses.
The bulk of the L.A. County claims involve abuse allegations from the 1980s through the 2000s, primarily connected to juvenile detention facilities and foster care programs.
The proposed $828 million agreement now awaits formal approval from county officials.
