ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
PHILADELPHIA FOSTER CARE SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: October 30, 2025
We recognize the incredible strength and courage it takes for survivors of sexual abuse to pursue justice. At Andreozzi + Foote, we are dedicated to supporting them throughout their journey. As one of the leading law firms in the nation representing survivors of sexual abuse, our compassionate and trauma-informed Philadelphia sexual abuse lawyers work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of victims and their families. We have achieved transformative results in some of the most significant child sexual abuse cases.
We believe that the heart of our role as lawyers is to truly listen to our clients and develop a personalized approach that honors each survivor’s unique healing process. At Andreozzi + Foote, we pride ourselves on our ability to carefully navigate the delicate balance between diligently pursuing legal resolutions and respecting the individual paths toward recovery. Your journey is important to us, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
“Working with Andreozzi & Foote has been a fantastic experience. Their team is highly professional, organized, and great to collaborate with. Nate and Anna are both incredible—knowledgeable, responsive, and always a pleasure to work with. Their dedication and attention to detail make every interaction seamless and productive.
It’s always great to partner with a firm that values efficiency, teamwork, and excellence. I highly recommend Andreozzi & Foote for their outstanding professionalism and the quality of service they provide.”
- Bodie R.
“They are very friendly and very concerned about the well-being of their clients. They will answer any question you have, and if you do not understand, they will break it down so you do. I highly recommend this law firm. You will be extremely satisfied as I am. You’re very unique because you care about your clients. They are constantly in touch with you, bringing you updates on how your case is going.”
- Vincent R.
“I contacted Andreozzi and Foote with a serious issue I needed help with. Beyond being one of the most professional companies I reached out to, and getting back to me immediately, their team was extremely empathetic to my situation and genuinely expressed care and concern, and a desire to help me. I felt so comfortable after our very first conversation and feel I’m being represented by a truly compassionate company that has my absolute best interest at heart. I know I made the right choice having them represent me.”
- Meghan R.
How Abuse Happens in Foster Care Settings
Abuse in foster care can be a heartbreaking reality, often perpetrated by those meant to provide a safe and nurturing home environment—foster parents, foster siblings, and even professional staff. This abuse can manifest in various ways, including physical harm, emotional manipulation, or constant exposure to unsafe individuals.
No matter how subtle the signs may be in a survivor, all forms of abuse can carry deep and lasting trauma. Institutions have a legal duty to protect vulnerable children under their care from such harm, and when they fail in this duty, they may be legally liable.
Studies show that children in foster care are about twice as likely to experience lifelong trauma compared to their peers in the general population. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ 2023 Annual Child Protective Services Report, sexual abuse was the most common type of substantiated abuse.
Institutions responsible for protecting children from sexual abuse often fail at their jobs. We are committed to representing clients across the nation in holding accountable those who facilitate childhood sexual abuse.
Why Foster Youth Are Especially Vulnerable
Many children who enter foster care have faced significant challenges, including neglect, physical abuse, and instability in their living situations. When they find themselves in a new environment, it can be natural for them to feel uncertain and apprehensive about whom they can trust. If they have previously reached out for help and their pleas for help have been dismissed, it’s understandable that they might hesitate to seek support again, fearing their concerns won’t be taken seriously.
Additionally, research shows that children are often less likely to speak out about abuse if they live with their abuser. Offenders—whether adults or figures of authority—may exploit the power dynamics and threaten to label the child as a troublemaker if they dare to voice their experiences. This can leave children feeling isolated and powerless, making it even harder for them to seek the help they so desperately need.
Your Rights and Legal Options in Philadelphia
Statute of Limitations & Filing Deadlines
In 2019, Pennsylvania lawmakers overhauled the statutes of limitations for both criminal charges and civil claims over sexual abuse of minors. Pennsylvania’s statutes of limitations now provide the following:
- Civil Statute of Limitations: Survivors who were under the age of 18 at the time of their abuse can file a lawsuit until their 55th birthday. Those who were between the ages of 18 and 23 at the time of their abuse have until their 30th birthday to initiate legal action.
- Criminal Statute of Limitations: Pennsylvania lawmakers completely abolished the statute of limitations for serious offenses committed against children under 18. For other sexual crimes, the statute of limitations has been extended to allow victims to seek justice.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit, a foster care abuse attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether you still have time to take action.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Foster Care Abuse
Even if a single abuser carries out the actual act of abuse, other parties may still be held accountable for enabling the abuse to occur or failing to protect the child. The following are examples of those who could be liable for sexual abuse in foster care:
- Foster parents and caregivers
- Social workers and case managers
- Private and state-operated foster care agencies
- Group homes
- State or county child welfare departments and agencies
How Andreozzi + Foote Handles Your Case
Legal action can be taken confidentially. You might be eligible to pursue a lawsuit in ways that protect your identity. At Andreozzi + Foote, we respect your privacy and choices. All consultations are free and strictly confidential, and there is no obligation. We are here to inform, empower, and support you, regardless of your decision. If you decide to pursue a claim, we will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and file a civil lawsuit on your behalf.
What to Do Next: How to Start Your Case
Begin your path to justice with a free and confidential consultation with a foster care abuse attorney. Contact us online or call (866) 311-8640.
It is crucial to act promptly before the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations passes. You’re not alone; we’re here to help you be heard and seek the justice you deserve.
Realistic Outcomes & What to Expect
Compensation can differ significantly based on the severity and lasting impact of both your emotional and physical injuries, as well as the strength of the evidence supporting your claim.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we conduct comprehensive investigations into these incidents and leave no stone unturned to ensure that every detail is explored. This allows us to build the strongest case possible on your behalf. We are devoted to advocating for your rights and well-being and are fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing settlements and verdicts for our clients and handling complex, high-stakes cases.
Philadelphia Residential Foster Care Sexual Abuse FAQ's
Am I Eligible To File a Lawsuit if My Abuse Was in Foster Care?
A child in foster care has the same rights as any other child, including the right to live in a safe and secure environment, free from danger and harm. Institutions that have failed to protect children in their care from sexual abuse can and should be held accountable.
If you were sexually abused while in foster care and are uncertain about pursuing a lawsuit, our attorneys can review your case and inform you of your legal options.
What Types of Compensation Can I Seek?
If you choose to pursue legal action, you may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Therapy and counseling expenses
- Medication and medical treatment
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Lost educational or career opportunities
Do I Need Proof Before Reaching Out to a Lawyer?
You do not need concrete proof to take action. It is important to remember that no two cases are the same, so it is important to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options and the types of evidence needed to support your case. Here are examples of the types of evidence that can help strengthen your claim:
- Statements from friends, family members, or others who may have witnessed signs of abuse
- Medical or mental health records showing the emotional impact over time
- Psychological evaluations
- Written or digital communications, including letters, emails, or text messages
- Photographs and journal entries
- DNA evidence
If you’re considering taking the next steps, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. At Andreozzi + Foote, we provide free, confidential consultations with no obligation to proceed.
Contact us today for a free confidential consultation with a foster care abuse attorney.
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.