Judge Kidd Orders DHS to Pay $500,000 to Sexually Abused Child
Monday's Clarion-Ledger had this article covering Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd's Order that the Mississippi Department of Human Services (DHS) must pay $500,000 in damages to a child who was sexually abused while in DHS custody.
The case stems from a Judge Kidd's 2004 ruling awarding the child $750,000 and the 2007 Mississippi Court of Appeals that affirmed on liability, but remanded the case for a new trial on damages.
In one part of its decision, the Court of Appeals said DHS' investigation of the youth's claim was "grossly inadequate."
Jackson attorney Cliff Johnson represented the child and characterized the damages as follows:
"Our client suffered horrific abuse while under the care of the state of Mississippi, and we hope that the state will at long last accept responsibility for its conduct," Johnson said.
