Time is Limited - Act Now
Details of alleged sexual abuse at California’s Penny Lane group home
According to the lawsuit filed against the Department of Children and Family Services and Penny Lane Centers, an adoptive mother repeatedly submerged the youngest one in scalding water, causing second- and third-degree burns.
According to the lawsuit, the adoptive mother, Audry Chatmon, also hit the girl with a belt, pulled her hair, hit her in the face and body, scratched her, and burned her with fire–the then 4-year-old girl, “Jada D.”, was hospitalized for weeks and was burned over 15 percent of her body.
Social workers allowed Chatmon, who has a lengthy criminal record, a history of mental health and substance abuse problems, and no means of financial support, to adopt the children.
The Los Angeles County supervisors on Tuesday approved a $420,000 settlement for the two sisters.
Because Penny Lane did not increase the number of staff to accommodate an increased client load–despite staff insistence that the center needed more support due to safety concerns–the increase in clients was accompanied by an increase in incidents, such as:
- Fights between juveniles
- Furniture being thrown by juveniles
- Staff members often were alone with groups of juveniles who would engage in the destruction of property and act combatively toward staff and each other.
Other complaints against the Penny Lane Center included:
- Facility and environmental concerns related to children’s rooms not being well-maintained
- Adequate food was not being well-maintained
- Weekly monetary and monthly clothing allowance logs not being maintained
- Personal needs/ survival and well-being complaints
Victims and their families are encouraged to request a free, private case evaluation from a qualified attorney as soon as possible, as victims only have until the end of 2022 to file a valid claim!
Specific instances of sexual abuse allegations in California group homes and children's centers
Los Angeles County alone is one of the nation’s largest juvenile justice systems, with probation officers responsible for protecting 3,000 youths in 21 halls and camps.
The department, operating with a yearly budget of approximately $700 million, has been the subject of various federal investigations in recent years for failing to prevent, report, and document child abuse.
The Los Angeles Times identified the following cases through court documents, law enforcement records, and department sources.
Specific instances of sexual and physical abuse allegations in California group homes and children's centers include:
- A probation officer was captured on tape beating a youth in a juvenile hall recreation room – the officer was later convicted of battery and sentenced to 24 months probation.
The disciplined officer’s attorney said “extenuating circumstances” led to the beating, noting that his client was not properly trained to supervise violent youths.”
- A probation officer was found to have had sexual intercourse with three youths in the laundry, supply, and interview rooms of the detention hall where she worked – she later pled guilty to five counts of felony sexual abuse and was sentenced to four years in prison.
According to the officer, “I had a consensual relationship with a young man who was 17 and I stupidly thought I was in love with…everything else I did was completely inappropriate, unethical and extremely unprofessional.”
- A probation officer instructed five teenagers under her care to beat another teenager – she mistakenly believed a youth inmate had stolen her cellphone and was later sentenced to a year in jail.
The injured child was not allowed to see a doctor until the next day when another probation officer noticed his injuries–the officer later found her cellphone in the parking lot.
The team at Consumer Justice Action believes that every victim of sexual abuse at Penny Lane group home in California should receive justice and compensation in a court of law – remember that victims only have until the end of 2022 to file a valid claim!
Our network of attorneys are ready to support you.
IS THERE A CASE?
Answer a brief, private online questionnaire that asks for key details of the experience
EXPERIENCED LAWYERS
Have the case evaluated by a legal team free of charge without any obligation to file
GET STARTED NOW
Depending on the circumstances, the case could be filed for potential compensation
Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions. This advertisement is not associated with any government agency.
www.consumerjusticeaction.com is the property of Shield Legal LLC. 7180 Pollock Drive, 2nd Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89119
This website is not part of the Facebook website or Facebook, Inc. Additionally, this site is NOT endorsed by Facebook in any way. FACEBOOK is a trademark of FACEBOOK, INC.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. This Website is not intended to provide medical advice. Consult your doctor or physician before starting or stopping any medication.
Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. are not an indication of future results. Every case is evaluated on its own facts and circumstances. Valuation depends on facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Consumer Justice Action does not itself provide legal services. Cases will be referred to third party attorneys and law firms. Do not rely on this advertisement in making any medical decision. Please call your physician before making any medical decision, including altering your use of any drug. Court costs and case expenses may be the responsibility of the client. Not available in all states. This advertisement is not intended as a testimonial, endorsement or dramatization, and does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, either expressed or implied. Anyone considering a lawyer should independently investigate the lawyers' credentials and ability, and not rely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. Only persons age 18 or older have permission to access our Service. Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13("Children").
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | CCPA Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell My Info
©2024 Consumer Justice Action. All Rights Reserved