Facts

Barbara Hickman and others including a mandated reporter, made several calls to the Department of Children and Family Services on behalf of Hickman's two minor grandchildren. The children eventually died while still in custody of their alleged abusers. As a result, Hickman and her family filed a complaint against the County of Los Angeles and DCFS for both minors' deaths.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that defendants ignored plaintiffs various calls to the child protection hotline reporting abuse. Plaintiffs also contended that defendants failed to protect the minors or investigate the claims made on the child protection hotline. Plaintiffs' contended that defendants were liable for the minors' deaths based on their conduct.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants denied the contentions and contended that the deaths were caused by a delay in approving Automated Referral Entry System entries, and not defendants' negligent conduct. Defendants also contended that there was a discrepancy between the date plaintiffs alleged the call was made and when defendants referred personnel to the matter.

Result

The court approved a $1.5 million settlement among the parties. The settlement was approved by the County Board of Supervisors who at the same time approved defendants' action plan to provide additional training to staff regarding phone interviews and screenings, review of the Automatic Referral Entry System, and additional staff to provide extra support for mental health concerns.