TACOMA, Wash. — Insurance companies are paying a $6 million settlement in a lawsuit brought against Kiwanis International and local Kiwanis clubs by seven men who were sexually abused at a Centralia group home for boys decades ago.
Washington state agencies placed foster children at the Kiwanis Vocational Home, which operated from 1979 to 1994, but the facility proved to be a nightmare for many.
Boys were molested by other boys, staff and directors, and in some cases, they were sent to do odd jobs at homes in the community where they were further abused.
Attorney Darrell Cochran said that in recent years, Washington state has paid $29.6 million to settle claims brought by 54 former residents.
Cox Media Group
