Sexual Abuse and DHS

On Tuesday, the Missisippi Court of Appeals decided Andrew Cornell f/k/a Andrew Faulkner v. Mississippi Department of Human Services located here.   Andrew was placed in the foster home (and later adopted) by Ricky Faulkner. MDHS did not frequently visit the home as policy required and ignored a report from another foster parent that the Faulkner foster home was not safe. Ricky Faulker was ultimately convicted of unlawful touching of a minor and sexual assault. 

Circuit Court granted summary judgment ruling that causation was "too remote" The Court of Appeals reversed and remanded 8-1. This case is a huge win for sexual abuse victims and giving them some ways to recover against the State for negligence in the foster system.