When children are placed into foster care or become wards of the state, they rely on their appointed guardians to provide physical safety, food security, and emotional stability—fundamental things that all children deserve. Guardians appointed by the State of Washington have a legal duty to provide necessities and a safe environment to the children in their care. Many foster parents even treat children in their care as their own.
Sadly, some do not.
Foster care abuse is a genuine concern. While state-appointed guardians are supposed to do what is best for the children in their care, some engage in abuse. This abuse can take a variety of forms, from physical and sexual abuse to emotional abuse and financial exploitation. Regardless of its form, foster care abuse can have serious and life-long consequences—and these are consequences that no child should be forced to endure.
If you were the victim of abusive foster parents, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the financial and emotional consequences of your mistreatment. The same is true if you were abused in a group home. Call Fuller & Fuller Attorneys, PLLC at 800-570-4878 to schedule a FREE and confidential case review and learn how we can help you seek the justice you deserve.
Understanding the Long-Term Consequences of Foster Care Abuse
Long-term consequences of foster care abuse include:
Anxiety, Depression, and Fear
Anxiety is a medical condition defined by “a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.” It is a common consequence of state-appointed guardianship abuse that can have a dramatic effect on your day-to-day life.
Depression is a common consequence of foster care abuse as well. Regardless of your age, it can be difficult to accept that someone you trusted chose to take advantage of you. Feeling unbearably sad, having trouble getting out of bed, or finding it difficult to enjoy things that used to be fun, could all be symptoms of depression.
Many children who suffer abuse from an appointed guardian live with fear on a daily basis. They don’t know what will happen to them or when—which can be extremely frightening. Even once they are on their own, children who have suffered abuse in foster care or as wards of the state will often find themselves experiencing fear for years after the abuse took place. Tragically, this fear often relates to the abuse endured. Overcoming this fear can be a long-term process.
Loss of Trust in the Foster Care System
Children who suffer abuse in foster care often understandably lose trust in the foster care system, and lose trust in adults. Simply put, the system has let them down, and they have every right to be distrustful. Yet, they may have no choice but to stay in the system—and they may continue to experience anxiety, depression, and fear as a result.
Scars, STIs, and Psychological Trauma
Children who suffer physical or sexual abuse by their foster parents may have permanent scars, contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and experience various other symptoms and effects due to their psychological trauma. While treatment is available, these consequences can have long-term effects, and they can serve as lifelong reminders of the abuse endured.
If you are experiencing any of these effects of foster care abuse, it is important to know that help is available. The experienced Washington foster care and ward of the state abuse lawyers at Fuller & Fuller have experience helping current and former foster children and wards of the state seek damages for the abuse they have suffered. If you have been victimized by a person in a position of trust, no matter what your age is or where you are in the healing process, we are here to listen, provide support, and help you get the justice you deserve.
Taking Action Against Abusive Foster Parents in Washington
If you or someone you know has experienced foster care abuse in Washington, you should take action promptly. No child deserves to suffer, and Washington law provides clear rights and protections to foster children and wards of the state who fall victim to abuse. In some cases, a claim can be brought regardless of your current age, or how long ago the abuse occurred.
Foster care abuse victims, and group home abuse victims, have the right to seek legal representation to advocate for their rights and pursue justice. The attorneys at Fuller & Fuller, can help victims navigate complex legal processes and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
At Fuller & Fuller, we understand the severe and lasting impact of foster care abuse. We are committed to advocating for the rights of victims, no matter how long it’s been since the abuse took place. Our firm is dedicated to holding abusive guardians accountable by seeking justice and compensation for victims. By addressing both the immediate and long-term consequences of abuse, we strive to ensure survivors receive the support and resources necessary to heal and move forward.
For over 50 years, Fuller & Fuller has taken a compassionate and thorough approach to each case, emphasizing the dignity and respect each client deserves. This dedication helps victims navigate the complexities of legal claims against the foster care system and other responsible entities.
Contact Our Foster Care Abuse Victim Attorneys for a FREE Case Review
To speak with a foster care abuse lawyer in Washington for FREE, contact Fuller & Fuller online or call us today. We maintain offices in Tacoma and Olympia. We serve victims of abusive foster parents throughout the state of Washington.
