City of Philadelphia, Tabor Children's Services and Defender Association of Philadelphia

In August 1999, an 8-year-old girl was placed in the care of her half sister's father. John Lyles was a convicted bank robber who had previously been charged with physically assaulting a stepson. Seven months after the girl had been living with Lyles, his girlfriend pressed rape charges against him. After the little girl was removed from the home, she came forward with her own rape charges. She had contracted HIV from Lyles, a city approved caregiver. A lawsuit was filed against the three defendants for allegedly failing to do a back ground check and failing to provide a safe environment for the young girl. The city of Philadelphia has agreed to pay a $3.5 million settlement; Tabor Children's Services will award the girl $1 million and $850,000 will be awarded from the Defender Association of Philadelphia. (Mar-28-06) [SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER]

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