Former Foster Child Files $20 Million Lawsuit Against State Claiming Neglect, Rape and Assault

A former foster child, now 21, has filed a lawsuit against the State of Washington and the Department of Social and Health Services over allegations of abuse, rape and neglect.

The woman, who now lives in Arkansas, says the abuse occurred in Pierce, King and Chelan Counties.

The person is identified as "T.T." in court papers filed by Tamaki Law Office in Yakima. According to those papers:

 T.T. endured years of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and extreme neglect in her biological mother’s home as an infant through age six. CPS did not remove her from her mother’s home until CPS had received at least 17 reports expressing concern regarding T.T.’s safety in the home."

After being removed from the home, the suit claims T.T. was placed in foster care. She told school officials she was being sexually assaulted and raped by a 16-year-old boy, but Child Protective Services took no action. This person had access to her even after she was moved to a respite house frequently utilized by the foster parents. This male individual was eventually tried and convicted.

Again, from the court documents:

CPS compounded its neglect by placing T.T. back in the home of her biological mother, where T.T. continued to suffer from extreme sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Because her mother was incapable of parenting and keeping her safe, T.T. ended up on the streets, scrounging through garbage cans for food, and ultimately forced into childhood prostitution. Throughout this time frame, CPS failed to take steps required by law to remove T.T. from danger and keep her safe."

The suit also names the foster parents and respite care provider as defendants.