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Abused Foster Children Win $3.3 Million Settlement

Originally published by The Associated Press, May 25, 2001

CHICAGO (AP) — A federal jury awarded $3.3 million to three children who were physically and emotionally abused while in foster care.

Jurors on Thursday found the state liable for damages and said Department of Children and Family Services caseworker Clifton Woodard failed to safeguard the children.

Ronald Stearney Jr., an assistant attorney general, said he plans to appeal.

Witnesses testified that the two younger children—a 1-year-old girl and her 3-year-old brother—were beaten daily while living with their aunt, Cornelia Anderson, and her boyfriend, Perry Robinson. The children's 10-year-old sister was not beaten, but was emotionally traumatized, her attorney said.

Robinson was sentenced to 15 years in prison and Anderson to 10 years for aggravated battery.

The 10-year-old girl and a cousin who also lived in the home testified that they saw the caseworker at the apartment once during the five months the abuse occurred.

Cook County Public Guardian Patrick Murphy said he hopes the verdict sends a message to DCFS to provide "decent foster care and get rid of lousy caseworkers."

© 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.