SAN MATEO COUNTY CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE ATTORNEY
MICHAEL REHM - (650) 293-9070
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Providing representation to victims of School/Teacher/Counselor/Coach sexual assault, Clergy/Pastor/Priest childhood sexual abuse, Boy Scouts sexual abuse, and other institutional abuse matters in San Mateo, Redwood City, Daly City, South San Francisco, Pacifica, Menlo Park and Burlingame, CA.
When the adults most entrusted with our youth take advantage of that role and sexually abuse children in their care, it is unconscionable. Unfortunately, it happens far too often and more than anyone realizes or would like to acknowledge. If you or a loved one has experienced this, there are steps you can take to hold the abuser accountable in civil court. When you are ready, attorney Michael Rehm can walk you through the process and will be with you every step of the way. For a free and confidential consultation, contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm today at (650) 293-9070.
California Revives Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims
The unfortunate reality is that many childhood sexual abuse survivors suffer in silence for years, decades, or even forever. Often, when they are finally ready to share what happened to them, it is too late to file a claim in civil court. California implemented a law to change this and revive thousands of potential civil claims. Through the California Child Victims Act, survivors can bring civil claims against a childhood sexual abuser regardless of how old the survivor is, when the abuse occurred, or how long ago it occurred. This is in place until December 31, 2022. If you are ready to take action, do not miss this window.
Child Sexual Abuse Cases in San Mateo, CA
An example of cases that have occurred in San Mateo County is that of Cardell Brown, a youth counselor in San Mateo County, was able to keep his job despite being convicted of a felony in the past. Though the crime he was convicted of was not sexual in nature, state regulations prohibit felons from working with teenagers unless an exemption is requested and approved by the state's Community Care Licensing Division. When the youth home Brown worked for learned of his felony record, they allowed him to continue working with teenagers and then applied for the exemption.
For more than two months, even once the facility learned of Brown's felony conviction, they allowed him to work at the facility without an exemption, against state regulations. This provided him with access to vulnerable teens. Within that 2-month period, Brown sexually abused several young teens at different group homes throughout the county.
Five teenagers subsequently filed a civil lawsuit against San Mateo County and Project 90, the San Mateo-based non-profit that administers the group homes, alleging that they failed to protect the teens from a sexual predator and a known felon.
Are The County and The Non-Profit Responsible?
Whether the county and Project 90 are responsible for the sexual abuse Cardell Brown subjected these teens to is not entirely clear. A third-party, such as the district or non-profit, can be vicariously liable if someone they employed sexually abuses children if it can be proven that the district/non-profit was guilty of negligent hiring, supervision, or retention. Had Brown's previous felony conviction been sexual in nature, there is no question that this would be considered negligent hiring, and they would have been responsible for his actions. Because the felony conviction was entirely unrelated and an exemption was sought and approved, there is no clear-cut answer here.
All situations are analyzed on a case-by-case basis. If you experienced something similar and want to know who you can hold responsible, Attorney Michael Rehm can help.
Contact The Law Office of Michael Rehm Today
Many childhood sexual abuse survivors keep the abuse to themselves for years or decades. In the past, this meant the possibility of filing civil claims was long gone. Fortunately, California has made it possible to revive these claims. If you are ready to take legal action, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Attorney Michael Rehm has experience handling all types of childhood sexual abuse cases and will handle your case with the compassion and dedication it deserves. If you have any questions, contact us today at (650) 293-9070 to schedule a free consultation.
San Mateo CA School/Teacher Sexual Abuse Attorney – Daly City Priest/Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Free, Confidential Consultations - Confidential Voicemail - (650) 293-9070
Resources:
Report Child Abuse - San Mateo County