By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Los Angeles County last week announced the launch of a 211 hotline to take reports of known or suspected child sexual abuse committed by County employees, contractors or volunteers.
The 24/7 hotline is a part of a series of reforms following the settlement of thousands of childhood sexual abuse claims under Assembly Bill 218, which significantly expanded the statute of limitations for filing civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse.
The law allowed survivors of past abuse, even from decades ago, to file civil claims, leading to a massive influx of lawsuits against LA County, especially for abuse in its youth facilities. This, in turn, led the County to agree to massive settlements, including a landmark $4 billion settlement in April 2025 and another $828 million in October 2025, to resolve thousands of these claims.
“Our new 211 hotline is a critical tool to help us identify, intervene, and take swift action against anyone who would harm the children they are entrusted to protect,” said LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “As the safety net for our most vulnerable, every County employee, contractor, and volunteer has a responsibility to do right by our youth. We will work diligently to raise awareness of 211 as a safe and trusted place to report abuse—especially for youth in the County’s care—because broad awareness is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of this new reporting tool.”
“This new resource is an essential part of a much broader plan to ensure that abuse does not go unreported or unpunished,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer Joe Nicchitta. “The County is committed to enforcing its Zero Tolerance policy.”
The 211 LA hotline and website reporting tools are not intended to replace the Child Protection Hotline. They should not be used to report child abuse or neglect committed by a child’s family member or guardian. 211 is for reporting the actions of County workforce members, including employees, contractors and volunteers.
“At 211 LA, our commitment has always been to be there for people when they need support the most,” said 211 LA Executive Director Maribel Marin. “We are grateful to partner with Los Angeles County on this effort, and we want the community to know that 211 LA is a safe and confidential place to reach out for help. “
The hotline is just one of several reforms the County has undertaken. Other steps being taken include:
- An enhanced countywide Zero Tolerance policy to ensure the County takes immediate action to the fullest extent of the law when allegations of child sexual abuse are substantiated;
- Mandatory countywide training to identify and prevent childhood sexual abuse; and
- Planned reform of Civil Service Rules related to egregious conduct.
More information about reforms made by individual departments can be found here: AB 218 LA County Summary of Reforms.
