RAM Law Partner Matt Bonanno and Vincent Nappo of PCVA Obtain $6.75 Million For Woman Raped as a Child in Foster Home Decades Ago

A woman who was raped in foster care nearly 40 years ago has sued the state of New Jersey and will receive a $6.75 million settlement. This settlement allows the state to avoid a trial that was scheduled to begin next month.

This woman, identified as J.T., entered foster care when she was born in 1963 and endured a horrific childhood, shuttling between various foster homes. The sexual abuse began at about age 8, and one of the foster fathers who assaulted her was arrested and pleaded guilty in 1972. The state not only allowed her to be sexually abused in foster homes but also forced her to witness the sexual abuse of her biological and foster siblings.

The settlement is believed to be the largest paid by the State of New Jersey in a sexual abuse case before trial.

Some of J.T.’s suffering was preventable, as prior to her abuse, two other children had complained about the foster father’s behavior. The case highlights ongoing issues in New Jersey’s child welfare system, which has faced major challenges and reforms in the past two decades.

This story was also featured on NJ.com and Law.com.