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How to Report Foster Care Abuse in New York

Reporting foster care abuse takes courage, and you have options — a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, or both — and you choose the path that feels right for you.

Laurence P. Banville Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Last updated June 2026
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Laurence P. Banville, New York personal injury attorney
Laurence P. Banville Managing Partner · NY & D.C. Bars

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between reporting abuse to authorities and filing a civil lawsuit?

A criminal report asks the government to prosecute the abuser, while a civil lawsuit is a separate legal action that can hold the foster care agency or supervising institution accountable for failing to protect you. You can pursue one, both, or neither — the choice is yours.

Can I still file a civil claim if the abuse happened when I was a child?

Yes. Under New York's Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file civil claims until age 55, or within 2.5 years of discovering that the abuse caused psychological or physical injury.

What if I am not ready to talk about details yet?

That is completely understood. Banville Law works at your pace — you are never required to share more than you are comfortable with, and there is no obligation to proceed after an initial conversation.

Is my conversation with Banville Law confidential?

Yes. Attorney-client privilege protects everything you share with Banville Law from the moment you first reach out. If you need immediate support, RAINN's free, confidential hotline is available 24/7 at 800-656-4673.

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Laurence P. Banville

Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.

Managing Partner, Banville Law · New York & D.C. Bars

Laurence Banville is a New York personal injury attorney and the Managing Partner of Banville Law. Born in County Wexford, Ireland, he earned his law degree summa cum laude from University College Dublin and once defended insurance companies in product-liability litigation — experience he now uses for injured New Yorkers. He has been named to the Irish Legal 100 and the Irish Echo’s Top 40 Under 40, and is an AVVO Rated attorney.

NY Bar D.C. Bar Irish Legal 100 AVVO Rated AAJ Member

Read Laurence’s full bio →

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Laurence P. Banville, Esq., New York personal injury attorney
Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Managing Partner — he personally reviews every case review request.
Sex Abuse Form

This form takes about 2 minutes. You don't need to share any details about what happened — just enough for us to understand who may be legally responsible.

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