Was your child abused at a daycare? You decide what happens next.
Confidential. Your story stays private. We explain your options, and you choose. Free case review, no fee unless we win, and a real person answers 24/7.
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Four things to know
Take them at your own pace.
What you can get paid for
A claim can cover the harm done to you, now and later.
Find out what your case is worthDeadlines vary. Act early.
How long you have depends on the type of case and who is responsible. Some claims, such as those against a government agency, have deadlines measured in months, not years. Call early, and we find the deadline that applies to you.
Questions we get every day
Straight answers. No fine print.
It happened years ago. Is it too late?
Will my name be public?
How much do you charge?
Sexual abuse cases in nine states
Staffed offices in Irvine, Chicago and Las Vegas, and satellite offices by appointment. We also come to you.
More about your options
Read the full guide
Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Sexual abuse at a daycare: what to know
Parents trust a child care center or home daycare with their child's safety. When a child is sexually abused in care, the center, its owner or its operator can be responsible for poor hiring, poor supervision, or ignoring warnings. Adults who were abused in daycare as young children may also have claims today.
If you are in danger now, call 911. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 24/7 at 800-656-4673.
Licensing records
Most child care in California is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Its public records can show a facility's license status, inspections and substantiated complaints (CDSS public information).
Rules that shape your case
- Mandated reporters. Child care workers in California must report suspected child abuse.
- More time than before. Many states, including California, have changed their laws in recent years to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse much more time to bring a claim, and in some cases there is no deadline (California School Boards Association summary). Other claims can still have short deadlines, for example some claims against public agencies. Call to find out what applies to you.
- Your privacy. The conversation with us is confidential. In many cases, a survivor can bring a case without their name in public court records. You decide how fast to go and what to share.
What a case looks at
- Background checks and staff training
- Staff-to-child ratios and supervision
- Earlier complaints and licensing violations
- What the facility did when concerns were raised
What to do now
- Make sure the child is safe, and take the child to a doctor. Ask about a child abuse specialist.
- Report to the police or child protective services, and to Community Care Licensing.
- Keep the daycare contract, sign-in sheets, messages, photos and any reports the daycare gave you.
- Do not sign anything from the daycare or its insurer before you get advice.
- Call us when you are ready. The call is confidential, and there is no fee or cost unless we recover money for you.
Not sure if you have a case? Call anyway. It's free to ask.
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New clients 888.845.9696Existing clients 888.222.8286
This is a paid advertisement for TORKLAW, not an offer or guarantee of results. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Some matters may be referred to partner firms as appropriate. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Tracy R. Horn, Esq. is responsible for this advertisement. Main Office: 18650 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612.