Fighting for Survivors of Alameda County’s "Hands-Off" Foster Care Abuse
If your child was hurt or exploited while in an Alameda County foster care facility, our dedicated trial team is here to help you hold the system accountable.
A Systemic Failure Across Alameda County
For years, children and young adults in Alameda County’s foster care system have been left unprotected. While recent news has focused on the Hayward Children’s Assessment Center* (AC Center), our investigation shows that these problems exist at facilities throughout the entire county.
The County of Alameda made a dangerous choice: they removed Sheriff’s deputies from these centers and replaced them with private security who were bound by a “hands-off” policy. This protocol allegedly prevented staff from intervening when children, some as young as 10 years old, were targeted by predators or led away by traffickers.
This wasn’t just an accident; it was a betrayal of the County’s duty to keep your children safe.
* Hayward Children’s Assessment Center (AC Center), the court records in Case No. 23CV036574*
Are You Eligible to Join the Campaign?
We are currently taking on cases for survivors and families who were impacted by abuse, neglect, or exploitation in any Alameda County transitional facility or assessment center.
You should contact us if:
- You or your child stayed at the Hayward AC Center or any Alameda County shelter.
- You are a non-minor dependent (age 18 to 21) who was victimized while in the system.
- Your child was exposed to drugs, physical assault, or sexual exploitation due to a lack of security.
- You were impacted by the “hands-off” policy that allowed predators to access foster youth.
Meet Your Trial Team: Darryl Meigs and Mia Hong
Institutional abuse cases are complex and deeply personal. You deserve a legal team that handles your story with the care it deserves, not a “billboard firm” that will just sell your case to someone else.
At Karns & Karns, your case is led in-house by Darryl Meigs and Mia Hong:
- Darryl Meigs: With a background in psychology, Darryl provides a safe, trauma-informed environment. He understands the emotional weight of these cases and fights to ensure your voice is heard.
- Mia Hong: As a former insurance defense attorney, Mia knows the exact playbook the County and their insurance companies will use to try to devalue your claim. She uses that “inside” knowledge to stay one step ahead.
The “Trial-First” Difference: Before you hire a lawyer, ask them: “When was your last jury trial?” At Karns & Karns, we are trial lawyers. We prepare every case to win in front of a judge and jury.
The Karns & Karns No-Fee Guarantee
We believe that every family in Alameda County deserves a powerhouse legal team, regardless of their income.
- Zero Upfront Costs: You pay nothing to start your case.
- We Advance All Expenses: We pay for the investigators, experts, and court fees.
- No Win, No Fee: Our firm only receives a legal fee if we successfully win money for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a penny.
Stand Up to the System. Start Your Fight Today.
Don’t let the County ignore what happened to your family. Contact Darryl and Mia today for a confidential, no-pressure talk about your rights.
Call our team at 888-779-1180 or contact us online to schedule your free case consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This policy allegedly prohibited staff at foster care centers from physically intervening to stop children from leaving with unauthorized adults. Combined with the removal of law enforcement, this created a "security vacuum" that predators used to exploit vulnerable youth.
Yes. We are representing foster youth and "non-minor dependents" up to age 21, as well as their families. If you were hurt by the system as a young adult, you still have the right to seek justice.
No. While the Hayward AC Center is a major focus, evidence shows that these security failures and "hands-off" protocols were used at various facilities across all of Alameda County. We are investigating claims county-wide.
Need more answers? Browse our Legal Resource Center for answers to your most commonly asked questions.
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