Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger today reflected on the Board of Supervisors’ approval of a $20 million settlement to the grandmother and siblings of Noah Cuatro.
“The death of Noah Cuatro was a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “While nothing can undo the harm he suffered, today’s $20 million settlement provides some measure of support to his surviving family. Noah’s life was not in vain. His case has reinforced the need for ongoing review of child welfare cases, stronger partnerships with our schools, and a stabilized child welfare workforce to better protect children in the Antelope Valley. Noah leaves behind a legacy—he will not be forgotten.”
Noah’s tragic death sparked meaningful reforms in Los Angeles County’s child welfare system. Efforts led by Supervisor Barger have included stabilizing the Department of Children and Family Services workforce, reducing caseloads, and limiting staff transfers out of the region; embedding social workers in schools serving foster youth; establishing a continuous quality improvement branch within the Department of Children and Family Services; and strengthening career pathways to build a dedicated social worker workforce in the Antelope Valley.
“While nothing can erase the pain of Noah’s loss, the reforms driven by his memory are strengthening protections for children and families in the Antelope Valley today,” Barger added.
The settlement resolves Evangelina Hernandez, et al. v. County of Los Angeles, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCV24771. The Board has directed the Auditor-Controller to implement the settlement from the Department of Children and Family Services’ budget.