$485M Foster Care Abuse Jury Award

7.21.23 – Gene Grant discusses the recent $485 million jury award on behalf of an 8-year-old girl. The lawsuit, first filed in 2019, alleges a non-profit company called Familyworks, licensed by the state Children, Youth and Families Department, placed the girl in the care of Clarence Garcia, who allegedly raped her repeatedly. The lawsuit also alleges Familyworks knew about prior accusations of sexual assault against Garcia. Gene asks the panel how something like this was allowed to happen — and if the state should carry any responsibility.   

Host: Gene Grant 

Guests: 
Ed Williams, Searchlight New Mexico  
Carol Suzuki, professor of law, University of New Mexico  
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima Public Relations 

For More Information: 

Foster child sexual assault results in $485 million jury award – Albuquerque Journal 

Experts say girl awarded $485M in sex abuse suit likely to face long court fight – Santa Fe New Mexican 

Trapped: Foster children are caught in a cycle of abuse – Searchlight New Mexico 

Homeless Shelters Aren’t Equipped to Deal With New Mexico’s Most Troubled Foster Kids. Police See It for Themselves. – Searchlight New Mexico 

These Foster Kids Need Mental Health Care. New Mexico Is Putting Them in Homeless Shelters. – Searchlight New Mexico 

New Mexico Struggles to Follow Through on Promises to Reform Child Welfare System – Searchlight New Mexico 

Ten-year-old foster child allegedly sexually assaulted by foster teen at CYFD office building in Albuquerque – Searchlight New Mexico