Utah tried to close a teen treatment program over safety concerns. Here’s why a judge is allowing it to stay open
Triggers: child death, medical neglect
Programs mentioned: Maple Lake Academy
Author: Jessica Schreifels
An attempt to renew the license for Maple Lake Academy’s girls program was denied by DHHS recently
4th District Court Judge Sean Peterson signed a temporary restraining order
The restraining order allows Maple Lake Academy’s girls program to stay open while MLA appeals DHHS’s decision
Sofia Soto died at MLA in 2022 after being medically neglected by staff
“Katie England, a spokesperson for DHHS, said licensers did a full investigation, and considered the facility’s 36-month history before making the decision to deny the license application.”
Maple Lake Academy’s boys program will remain open regardless of what happens to the girls program
This is the second attempt to close MLA’s girls program – the first came shortly after Sofia Soto’s death in 2022.