Judge awards $1.6M to family of 9-year-old sexually abused at N.J. city’s aftercare program

Key points

• Judge awarded $1.6 million settlement to family of 9-year-old abuse victim
• The alleged assailant was hired without a required background check
• The abuse occurred at a municipal aftercare program in New Jersey
• Settlement highlights failures in the program's hiring and safety protocols
• Case raises concerns about child protection in city-run youth programs

FAQ

What happened to the child?

A 9-year-old was sexually abused by an aide at a New Jersey city's aftercare program. The aide was hired without undergoing a background check, which was a required part of the hiring process.

How much did the family receive?

The judge awarded $1.6 million to the family as compensation for the abuse and the city's failure to properly screen the employee who committed the assault.

What does this case reveal about hiring practices?

The case demonstrates that the aftercare program failed to conduct required background checks before hiring staff, creating a dangerous situation that allowed an unvetted individual to work with children.