l really need help. Are Parents financially responsible for their children is actions? This girl is 14, we will call her ''Ann''. ''Ann'' has been a Foster Child for the last 8 years or so in the care of her natural father is former girlfriend, who we will call ''Beth''. ''Beth'' received Legal Guardianship of ''Ann'' last year. My children is natural father, my ex, who we will call ''Joe'' and ''Beth'' dated for a year or so before they were married last year. ''Beth'' and ''Joe'' were aware that ''Ann'' had a history of sexual abuse perpetrated upon her by her own natural father (not ''Joe''). They did not inform me of this fact before my children were having overnight is at ''Beth's'' house to visit their father ''Joe''. ''Joe'' and ''Beth'' live in a 2 bedroom condo and the children were left to sleep in ''Ann's'' room. Upon my discovery of the sexual abuse ''Ann'' was perpetrating upon my 5 year old son, while my 4 year old daughter was watching, which happened over an approximate 1 year period, l called CPS and hired an Attorney. ''Joe'' and ''Beth'' fought me in Family Court for Custody, despite the fact that ''Ann'' admitted to molesting my son. l was awarded temporary sole legal and physical custody of the children, with a No Contact Order for ''Ann'' and ''Joe'' must have Supervised Visitation of the children. The Children is Hospital Therapists at the Trauma center suggested l apply for the Victims of Crime (VOC) Program and my son, my daughter and myself were accepted. They cover the costs that my insurance does not (co-pays, etc) for the Therapy that we all attend. They do not, however, cover my Attorney is costs. ''Beth'' does own her own condo where they live, so must have home owner is insurance. Can l make a claim? Do l have a case? Exactly how would l pursue this properly? PLEASE HELP! l NEED ANSWERS!

A claim against homewners' insurance? For what, specifically? Homeowners' insurance will not ''pay'' for criminal activity, if that is what you're asking.

Homeowners or Condo Unitowners Insurance does not cover this type of lawsuit. An Umbrella policy would cover this situation but l doubt she has one of those.

But l am not an attorney.

You should post this question under law to see if u can sue in small claims court for any money.

l kind of got lost in who is who. But u should post this question in another category. l am sorry for this horrible experience u have gone through. l hope ur post helps others. That is why people in today is world have to learn never to leave their kids alone with anyone.

That does not mean this is ur fault because it is not. You have done everything right. You have gone through some difficult steps & done the right thing all along. l wish u the best of luck. Hang in there & post ur question under law so hopefullly u can get some help. Try the website below.

You should discuss this with your attorney, who will give you the correct answer.

Good luck.

Any Condo Unit Owner is policy (actually any policy for that matter, Persoanl or Commercial) excludes claims arising from sexual, physical, psychological or emotional abuse, molestation or harassment or the failure of any person insured by the policy to take steps to prevent such abuse, molestation or abuse. So while you are free to sue the legal guardian(s) of ''Ann any judgement awarded against them would have to be paid out of their own pocket, including legal costs.

1. Parents r usually held responsible for damage caused by minor children who live in their household, with some exceptions; they r not responsible for damage caused by adult children who do not live with them; & adult children who do live with them, it depends on the type of damage & the circumstances.

2. Homeowners liability specifically EXCLUDES all coverage for sexual molestation & abuse.

3. Many people who own condos, do NOT carry their own coverage - they rely on the master policy. However, even if she does have her own policy, see #2.

4. You can not make a ''claim'' on someone else is homeowners policy. You have to sue them, & it is up to THEM to notify their insurance company, if they have one.

So. You can not file a claim. You can sue them, but even if u win, their homeowners wo not cough up any judgement. Do u have a case? You'd have to prove that the guardian had reasonable belief that the child would abuse ur kids, & did nothing to prevent it. Her being a victim of abuse, is not enough. A lawyer would let u know if u have a case, & be able to pursue it, but likely u will have to pay them up front, as the homeowners liability would not apply.


***I've never seen an umbrella policy that would cover sexual abuse. l am thinking maybe the guy that said that, is guessing. If not, I'd love to know which carrier covers sexual abuse under their umbrella policy.**