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Family Sues Walworth County for $30M Over Child Support Negligence

A Family’s Nightmare: The Alleged Sexual Assault and Legal Battle

A Walworth County family has filed a $30 million lawsuit against the county, alleging negligence in their handling of a foster care case that led to the sexual assault of their biological children by a teenager they had fostered. The lawsuit, filed on September 18, 2025, claims that Walworth County failed to properly vet and monitor the foster child, putting the family’s safety at risk.

The family, whose identity remains confidential due to the sensitive nature of the case, claims that the county’s actions—or lack thereof—directly resulted in the traumatic events that unfolded in their home. The lawsuit seeks $30 million in damages for emotional distress, medical expenses, and punitive damages.

The Foster Care Placement

The family had opened their home to foster a teenager in need, trusting that Walworth County had thoroughly screened and assessed the child’s background. According to the lawsuit, the county allegedly failed to disclose critical information about the teenager’s history, including prior allegations of inappropriate behavior.

The family alleges that:

• The county did not conduct a comprehensive background check on the foster child.
• They were not informed of the teenager’s previous behavioral issues.
• Social workers failed to follow up on the placement adequately.

“We trusted the system to protect us,” the family stated in a press release. “Instead, we were betrayed, and our children were put in harm’s way.”

The Alleged Assault

The lawsuit claims that shortly after the foster child was placed in their home, the teenager sexually assaulted their biological children on multiple occasions. The family only became aware of the assaults after their children exhibited behavioral changes and disclosed the abuse.

“Our children were traumatized,” the family said. “We had opened our home to help someone in need, but instead, we were left dealing with unimaginable pain.”

The family immediately removed the foster child from their home and reported the incidents to authorities. However, they argue that the county’s negligence allowed these events to occur in the first place.

Walworth County’s Response

Walworth County officials have yet to publicly comment on the specifics of the lawsuit, citing ongoing legal proceedings. However, a spokesperson stated that the county takes all allegations of negligence seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in foster care.

“We are reviewing the lawsuit and will respond appropriately through the legal process,” the spokesperson said. “Our priority remains the safety of all children in our care.”

Criticism of the Foster Care System

This case has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of the foster care system in Wisconsin and across the country. Advocacy groups argue that cases like this highlight systemic failures, including:

• Inadequate vetting of foster parents and children.
• Lack of transparency in sharing critical information.
• Insufficient oversight and follow-up by social workers.

“This is not an isolated incident,” said Miranda Jacobs, a spokesperson for the National Foster Care Coalition. “We see these tragedies time and time again because the system is broken. Families and children deserve better.”

The Legal Battle Ahead

The family’s lawsuit seeks $30 million in damages, broken down as follows:

• $10 million for emotional distress and psychological trauma.
• $15 million for medical and therapy expenses.
• $5 million in punitive damages to hold the county accountable.

Their attorney, Michael Turner, argues that the county’s negligence was a direct cause of the harm suffered by the family. “This is a clear case of failing to protect vulnerable children,” Turner said. “The county had a duty to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and they failed miserably.”

What This Means for Foster Care

The lawsuit has reignited conversations about the need for reforms in the foster care system. Advocates are calling for:

• Stricter background checks and vetting processes.
• Improved communication between social workers and foster families.
• Increased funding for foster care programs to ensure proper oversight.

“We cannot allow this to happen again,” Jacobs said. “We need systemic change to protect our children and the families who open their hearts and homes to them.”

Supporting Families: What You Can Do

If you’re a foster parent or considering becoming one, it’s essential to stay informed and vigilant. Here are some steps you can take to protect your family:

• Ask detailed questions about the child’s background and history.
• Communicate openly with your social worker and report any concerns immediately.
• Seek out support groups and resources for foster families in your area.

For those who want to support foster care reform, consider:

• Advocating for policy changes at the local and state level.
• Donating to organizations that support foster families and children.
• Educating yourself and others about the challenges within the foster care system.

Final Thoughts

The Walworth County case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the foster care system. While the legal battle unfolds, it’s crucial to focus on the broader issues at play and work toward meaningful reform. Families who step up to foster deserve better—and so do the children they care for.

“We hope our lawsuit will bring attention to these failures and lead to changes that protect other families,” the family said. “No one should have to go through what we’ve experienced.”

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