Lawsuits over sex abuse of children in state custody could cost NJ $340M+

There are 350 active lawsuits against New Jersey over sex abuse of children in state custody. The state has paid millions to settle past claims.

By: Dana DiFilippo

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: April 20, 2026

Words: 675

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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Ongoing lawsuits filed by people who say they were sexually abused as children while in juvenile detention centers, foster care, and other state-supervised placements could cost New Jersey at least $340 million, judging by past payouts.

The state has already shelled out tens of millions of dollars to resolve such claims, with the median cost of the settlements at $975,000 as of March, according to budget documents. Two past lawsuits over sex abuse …

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