BOSTON (AP) — A trial is set to begin in a lawsuit alleging the abuse and neglect of thousands of Massachusetts children in foster care.

Opening statements are scheduled Tuesday in federal court in a class-action lawsuit filed in 2010 by the national advocacy group Children’s Rights.

The lawsuit alleges that the state Department of Children and Families violated children’s constitutional rights by placing them in dangerous and unstable situations. The suit seeks broad reforms on behalf of approximately 7,500 children in state care.

After the suit was filed, the department said it shares the goal of protecting children. The agency said it has increased the number of children being safely cared for at home, and has met and exceeded the national standard for timeliness to adoption and reunification.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.