Jayne Acklam, a Family Law and Personal Injury Solicitor, was tasked with representing two women who suffered sexual abuse at the hands of their foster carer while under the care of the Local Authority. These foster carers were trained and officially approved by the Local Authority, and they received payment for their services, which included fostering over 70 children over the years. A settlement was ultimately reached in this foster care abuse case.
The two sisters, who prefer to remain anonymous, were placed in Local Authority foster care during their childhood following extensive care proceedings. Unfortunately, what was meant to be a safe and protective environment turned out to be the complete opposite.
The First Claimant endured repeated sexual assaults by the foster carer from the age of 12 to 16, enduring four years of abuse. Similarly, the second claimant suffered repeated sexual assaults by the foster carer from the age of 8 to 11, enduring three years of abuse.
Seeking justice for the life-altering childhood abuse they experienced, both Claimants reached out to Jayne Acklam to explore the possibility of making a legal claim against the Local Authority. Jayne acquired copies of their social service records and medical records to support their case.
In a letter of claim dated 9 November 2018, formal allegations of breach of duty, vicarious liability, and causation were presented to the Local Authority, drawing on the Supreme Court Judgment of Armes v Nottingham County Council [2017] UKSC 60. The Defendant’s lawyers investigated the allegations and provided a formal response. On 26th February 2019, the Defendant admitted vicarious liability for the sexual assaults committed.
To strengthen their case, Jayne sought expert evidence from a Consultant Psychiatrist. The expert prepared two comprehensive reports, one for each Claimant, concluding that the First Claimant suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the abuse. The severity of her symptoms has varied over time, persisting into her adult life. The Second Claimant was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, which she has experienced since the abuse and continues to impact her adult life.
Additionally, she developed depersonalization disorder, a condition caused by the sexual assaults that led her to detach from reality.
Lengthy settlement negotiations ensued over the next four years, resulting in the agreement, and awarding of damages in 2023. The First Claimant received £32,000, while the Second Claimant received £20,000 in full and final settlement of their claims. Although both Claimants can now strive to move forward with their lives, they will forever bear psychological scars from their harrowing experiences.
Regrettably, the Local Authority has not issued an apology for the abuse that occurred under their care.
“As the solicitor representing these brave sisters who endured unimaginable abuse while under the care of the Local Authority, it has been both a challenging and deeply rewarding journey. Their strength and determination to seek justice and hold the responsible Local Authority accountable is truly inspiring. This case sheds light on the urgent need for reforms within the foster care system to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children. While the damages awarded provide some closure, it is essential that we continue advocating for systemic changes and support services for survivors of abuse. My hope is that their story encourages other survivors to come forward and empowers them to reclaim their lives.”