Legal Help For Survivors Nationwide
Legal Help For Survivors Nationwide
If you spent time at MacLaren Children’s Center (MacLaren Hall) and were harmed, this page is for you. The questions below explain who may qualify, what records to request, how privacy works, and what steps to take next. If you’re unsure about dates or don’t have paperwork, that’s common—we can help you reconstruct your timeline and request the right records.
We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.
A: Located in El Monte, Los Angeles County, MacLaren was a foster-care receiving center run by the county. It fell under child-welfare rules, not those for juvenile halls.
A: Anyone placed at MacLaren who went through sexual abuse, exploitation, harmful restraints, overmedication, or related harm while in the County’s care.
A: Not at all. It’s common for survivors not to remember exact dates or names. We’ll work with what you do recall and fill in the gaps through record requests.
A: Yes. The child-welfare system and probation system handle records differently. We’ll figure out your placements together and guide the requests to the right place.
A: Survivors have reported sexual assault and exploitation, coercion, lack of protection, physical attacks, unsafe restraints, overmedication or chemical restraint, retaliation, and deep neglect.
A: Yes, potentially. Harmful or retaliatory restraints and isolation can support a claim — especially if they caused injuries or were used to cover up abuse.
A: Giving powerful drugs to control behavior, without proper oversight, may also be actionable — particularly if it hid or enabled abuse.
A: Yes. When reports are ignored or met with retaliation, it can actually strengthen a case and show a pattern of harm.
A: Absolutely. Not having paperwork is very common. We’ll request the right case and administrative records with you to rebuild the timeline.
A: It addresses many county-custody abuse claims (including MacLaren). Your facts still matter; some claims may need separate handling.
A: No. You still have choices. We’ll listen to your story, review the timeline with you, and guide you on whether a program claim, an individual case, or both may be the best fit.
A: Yes. Settlements don’t pause the legal deadlines. Talking with a lawyer early gives you the best chance to act within the required time.
A: Your story is not typically made public unless you agree. We can use protections like initials to help shield your identity.
A: No. You stay in control. We won’t contact the County, police, or any facility unless you consent and it’s required to advance your case.
A: Often survivors may seek coverage for therapy and medical care, as well as pain, suffering, and other damages. The exact amount depends on the case — no lawyer can guarantee it in advance.
A: Cases like this are typically contingency-based. You won’t have to pay out of pocket to start. Fees and costs come only if there’s a recovery, and if there isn’t, you owe nothing.
A: It varies. Records can take weeks to months; resolution timing depends on the pathway (program or litigation).
A: Sometimes. It depends on the facts and whether any claims were already filed. We’ll review your situation and advise you.
A: It may still be actionable. If the County knew or should have known a youth was at risk and failed to protect them, a claim may be possible known about the risk.
A: Yes. Being outside California doesn’t stop you from moving forward. We can handle the records and filings here, and in most cases you won’t have to travel.
A: Normally, these cases don’t impact immigration or benefits. If you’re unsure, bring up your concerns and we’ll guide you through them safely.
A: Yes. Starting therapy is encouraged and can be an important step in healing. We’ll adjust the legal process around your comfort level and, if needed, coordinate with your therapist.
A: We generally help survivors request two types of records: confidential child-welfare case files, and non-confidential administrative records such as policies, audits, and logs. We’ll prepare the requests side by side with you.
A: Yes. You’re not alone, even if you started on your own. Share what you’ve filed or been sent, and we’ll step in to guide, correct, or carry things forward.
A: Most settlements can’t be undone, but there are cases where new programs or facts open a path forward. Bring any paperwork you have, and we’ll take a close look and tell you where things stand.
A: It begins with a safe, confidential conversation. We listen to your story, go over the options, and help prepare record requests specific to your case. There’s no cost to start.
Legal disclaimer
This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines and rules vary; talk to a lawyer about your specific facts.
Being assaulted by a Lyft driver is not your fault. You deserve answers. You deserve advocacy. And most of all—you deserve justice.
Let us help you move forward.
Contact Survivors Justice now for your free, private consultation.
