For years, the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California had been the primary insurer for the state’s foster family agencies, which house some of the most vulnerable children, including many LGBTQ+ youth, those with severe behavioral or medical needs or who have previously suffered abuse. But in August, NIAC announced it would no longer insure these agencies – a decision, if maintained, that fos...
**Steelman:** NIAC’s decision is framed as a pragmatic response to an unsustainable legal environment where insurers are held financially responsible for abuse cases even when foster agencies follow state protocols. The $24.8 million jury award in the Martinez case—where an abuser passed background checks but failed to complete screening questions—exemplifies the risk. NIAC argues that foster family agencies, unlike other care models, cannot guarantee 24/7 oversight, making "perfect" safety impo...