Sexually Abused While in Foster Care?

You Deserve Justice and Compensation. When you've been harmed by someone else's actions, you shouldn't have to face the aftermath alone. We understand that no amount of money can undo what happened to you, but fair compensation can help you rebuild, recover, and move forward with dignity.

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Sexually Assaulted While in Foster Care
in Florida

Florida’s foster care system may receive around $140 million in funding in a single year.

Yet, such a massive sum of money does not prevent innocent children from being victimized under the watch of the foster care system, including being sexually preyed upon by those who pledge to protect them.

Ill-intended foster parents are far from the only predators who take advantage of youth who are in the care of the state of Florida. Opportunists—who might even include other foster children and teens—often take advantage of a broken system to perpetrate sexual crimes against those who cannot defend themselves, and too frequently find that nobody responds to their cries for help.

Buckman, Buckman & Castellano listens. What’s more, we fight. If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted as a youth in care, we want to deliver to you the justice you (or they) are entitled to. Keep reading to find out why our firm is worthy of your trust, and call Buckman, Buckman & Castellano today at (866) 595-8086 to complete your free, compassion-first consultation.

Call Buckman, Buckman & Castellano today at (866) 595-8086
to complete a free, dignified consultation.

Others Who Trust Buckman, Buckman & Castellano

Understanding What Sexual Assault Can Be

When we speak of sexual assault, it may cover a broad spectrum of unwanted advances that include:

  • Forcible penetration
  • Unwanted touching
  • Spying on someone for sexual gratification
  • Indecent exposure
  • Attempts at unwanted penetration or touching

If you or a loved one was sexually violated in any way as a youth in Florida’s foster care system, we need to hear from you. Many victims do not recognize just how damaging an assault is until years down the road, and we want to ensure you see justice done so you can truly begin the healing process.

Call Buckman, Buckman & Castellano today at

(866) 595-8086

How the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Endangers Foster Children and Teens

When we are seeking accountability for a foster child or teen suffering an assault, we naturally look at the Department of Children and Families. While the state’s literature claims that 99.99% of children in its care do not suffer mistreatment, we have to point out that:

  • Obviously, the state has an interest in painting a rosy picture of how children in its care are treated
  • Knowing exactly how many youth are mistreated while in foster care is impossible, so statistics like this are misleading by nature
  • Even one victim of sexual assault or other mistreatment while in foster care is a tragedy

We know that DCF is imperfect, regardless of what its self-published data indicates. Some of the ways that the Department endangers foster youth (and even increases the likelihood of children and teens being assaulted) are:

  • Failing to adequately vet and disqualify foster caregivers who may be neglectful or even directly harmful to the youth
  • Not immediately and earnestly responding to indications that a foster child or teen is being mistreated, possibly including direct notice from the youth being assaulted
  • Investigating alleged mistreatment inadequately, perhaps because uncovering the mistreatment would cause more work or headaches for DCF employees

These are just a few of the ways that DCF might have fallen short in protecting you or a loved one who was assaulted as a foster youth. Some law firms might hesitate to hold a state agency accountable for its negligence, but the Buckman, Buckman & Castellano team rises to every legal challenge our clients need us to overcome on their behalf—including suing DCF, when we need to.

Compensation Secured for Clients

  • Sexual Assault

    $3.7 Million

    Sexual Assault/Negligence settlement.

  • Car Accident

    $3.3 Million

    Jury verdict in 2 week federal court trial for low-speed car accident causing significant injuries

  • Premises Liability

    $125,000

    Settlement for case involving premises liability against large healthcare facility

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Why Foster Parents (and Others) Might Share Liability for a Sexual Assault

When it comes to the quality of foster parents in Florida (or any state), foster children and teens often feel like they’re caught in a perpetual game of roulette. Some are loving, attentive, and fiercely protective. Unfortunately, other foster caregivers place the youth at risk of assault and other dangers by:

  • Knowingly or unknowingly allowing a sexual predator around the child or teen
  • Leaving the youth in the care of individuals whom the foster caregiver should not have (even if the person has no known history of sexual deviancy)
  • Leaving the foster child alone
  • Perpetrating a sexual crime themselves
  • Generally lacking in the supervision and parenting of the child or teen

Those who willingly accept the responsibility of being a foster caregiver have a lofty responsibility. Genuine concern for the child, vigilance, wariness towards others’ motives, and common sense are generally sufficient to prevent a foster youth from being sexually assaulted—but not every caregiver has these attributes.

Call Buckman, Buckman & Castellano today at

(866) 595-8086

The Effects of Sexual Assault Are Devastating. Buckman, Buckman & Castellano Demands Fair Compensation for Survivors Like You.

Buckman, Buckman & Castellano feels a deep sense of duty to fight for survivors of the most heinous crimes, including sexual assault. Because we have intentionally taken on this role, we have seen just how shattering the effects of sexual predation can be, as survivors often face:

  • The loss of trust in those who are supposed to protect them
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Medical expenses stemming from assault-related care
  • The cost of mental health services

Even getting treatment for the effects of a sexual assault can require the survivor to rehash the event(s) that have caused them so much pain. They may never fully recover from the harm the perpetrator causes, and the case we build on your behalf will reflect this all-encompassing damage you’ve suffered.

Hear From Our Clients

  • “Buckman, Buckman & Castellano has provided outstanding legal representation for us in the area of Estate Planning and Elder Care. Helped us through a difficult situation with a loved one that resulted in a successful outcome. ”

    — Gary

  • “Drake, Amiee and Nancy were very instrumental in helping me get through a very difficult time in my life. They were very warm and responsive to all my needs at any time. I would highly recommend this team of professionals in any legal matters. ”

    — Client

Compassion and Capability: Why Our Firm Is the One to Lead Your Fight for Justice

It’s no accident that Buckman, Buckman & Castellano recovered $3.7 million for a client who lived through a sexual assault. This recovery was the product of hard work, authentic compassion and care for our client, a keen understanding of Florida law, and a relentless desire to see justice done.

When you hire our firm to represent you, expect:

  • Sharp legal minds who know relevant statutes like the back of their hands
  • A fearless team that will not back down in the face of intimidation, pressure, badgering, or other challenging realities that come with sexual assault cases
  • Not to have to pay any out-of-pocket fee
  • The support system you deserve during this challenging, pivotal time in your life

We are real, honest, and endlessly empathetic to the day-to-day challenges that sexual assault survivors face. Others let you down, but we won’t.

Call Buckman, Buckman & Castellano today at (866) 595-8086 to complete your free, no-risk consultation about how hiring a Florida foster care sexual assault attorney from our team will improve your life.