Facility profile Iowa

Clarinda Academy

Closed Clarinda, Iowa

Clarinda Academy was a residential treatment center in Clarinda, Iowa, operated by Sequel TSI. It operated from 1992 to 2021.

About Clarinda Academy

It opened in 1992. Youth Services International opened Clarinda Academy in February 1992 as its first academy (YSI website, 1997); in 1999 it became the first facility run by the newly founded Sequel (Senate Finance Committee, 2024, p. 27), which closed it in February 2021.source 1, source 2 It was taken over by Sequel Youth & Family Services in 1999.source It was owned and operated by Sequel.source

Its address was 1820 N 16th St, Clarinda, IA 51632.source Stays lasted 6 to 12 months.source Phoenix Program for girls 12-18 opened January 2003.source

Timeline

From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.

19921999200920152016201720182020202119922021

  1. 1992

    1. Ownership

      Youth Services International began running it

      It ran the program until 1999.

    2. Opened

      Opened in Clarinda, Iowa

  2. 1999

    1. Ownership

      Sequel Youth and Family Services took it over from Youth Services International

      It ran the program until 2021.

  3. 2009

    1. OwnershipDecember 30, 2009

      Sequel TSI: Acquired Three Springs, Inc. (TSI) of Huntsville, Alabama

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Clarinda Academy at the time.

      Sequel TSI: Acquired Three Springs, Inc. (TSI) of Huntsville, Alabama December 30, 2009

      Sequel announced its acquisition of the privately held Three Springs, Inc. The announcement said the combined companies would operate 22 programs across the country. The Three Springs programs later carried the Sequel TSI name.

      source 1, source 2

  4. 2015

    1. IncidentNovember 2015

      Lawsuit

      A civil lawsuit alleged Clarinda Academy and Clarinda Youth Corp.

      Lawsuit November 2015

      A civil lawsuit alleged Clarinda Academy and Clarinda Youth Corp. were negligent in hiring a counselor who sexually assaulted a 17-year-old in November 2015.

      source

  5. 2016

    1. IncidentFebruary 2016

      Sexual abuse

      In February 2016 a 17-year-old resident reported sexual abuse by a night staff member who was charged with a felony and convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor...

      Sexual abuse February 2016

      In February 2016 a 17-year-old resident reported sexual abuse by a night staff member who was charged with a felony and convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor of sexual misconduct with a juvenile.

      source

    2. IncidentSeptember 2016

      Criminal charge

      In September 2016 a 19-year-old resident alleged sexual touching by a 39-year-old staff member who was charged with felony exploitation; charges were dismissed...

      Criminal charge September 2016

      In September 2016 a 19-year-old resident alleged sexual touching by a 39-year-old staff member who was charged with felony exploitation; charges were dismissed when the alleged victim would not testify.

      source

  6. 2017

    1. OwnershipSeptember 1, 2017

      Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Clarinda Academy at the time.

      Sequel TSI: Sold a majority stake to Altamont Capital Partners September 1, 2017

      Altamont Capital Partners announced a majority equity investment in Sequel through a holding company, SYFS Parent; terms were not disclosed. At the time Sequel ran 44 programs in 19 states, and APM Reports counted 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. CEO John Stupak stayed on and co-founder Jay Ripley remained board chairman. Altamont's portfolio page lists the investment as active and says SYFS Parent later acquired Rebecca & Aaron Schools (2017) and Pine Cone Therapies (2020).

      source 1, source 2, source 3

    2. IncidentAugust 2017

      Sexual abuse

      In August 2017 forcible sodomy and lascivious conduct with a minor was reported involving an 18-year-old and a 37-year-old staff member; unclear whether charged.

      Sexual abuse August 2017

      source

    3. IncidentDecember 5, 2017

      Sexual abuse

      On December 5, 2017 a 15-year-old male student alleged a female staff member performed oral sex on him; per Iowa court records she was never charged.

      Sexual abuse December 5, 2017

      source

  7. 2018

    1. Incident

      Incident

      Records showed Clarinda staff forged student signatures on service plans after a runaway incident was reported to the state.

      Incident

      source

    2. IncidentOctober 2018

      Investigation

      Disability Rights Washington reported in October 2018 that Washington foster youth at Clarinda Academy alleged physical abuse and painful restraints...

      Investigation October 2018

      Disability Rights Washington reported in October 2018 that Washington foster youth at Clarinda Academy alleged physical abuse and painful restraints; Washington then said it would stop placing children there.

      source

    3. IncidentDecember 2018

      Restraint

      Iowa Department of Human Services documents (Dec 2018) showed some Clarinda staff slammed children to the ground and injured them while punishing them.

      Restraint December 2018

      source

  8. 2020

    1. Essential reportingDecember 16, 2020

      Sequel Youth Facilities Face Abuse Allegations Amid Profit Claims

      NBC News: NBC News on the money Sequel's youth facilities made while children in its care were reportedly abused.

      Sequel Youth Facilities Face Abuse Allegations Amid Profit Claims December 16, 2020

      The article reports that Sequel youth facilities have generated significant revenue while facing allegations of abuse toward children in their care. It highlights concerns about the facilities' operational practices and oversight mechanisms.

      Read the article

  9. 2021

    1. Ownership

      Vivant Behavioral Health: Founded by Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley and bought most of Sequel's remaining centers

      Sequel Youth and Family Services ran Clarinda Academy at the time.

      Vivant Behavioral Health: Founded by Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley and bought most of Sequel's remaining centers

      Jay Ripley, one of Sequel's three founders, founded Vivant Behavioral Healthcare in 2021. Sequel sold most of its centers that had not closed to Vivant, which now controls most former Sequel treatment centers still open.

      source 1, source 2

    2. In the newsNovember 2, 2021

      Provo Canyon School Closure

      1 article in The Imprint.

      Provo Canyon School Closure November 2, 2021

      A report by the National Disability Rights Network documents widespread civil rights violations, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and inappropriate use of psychotropic medication across for-profit youth residential programs in 18 states.

    3. Closed

      Closed

Incidents on record

  1. November 2015 Lawsuit

    A civil lawsuit alleged Clarinda Academy and Clarinda Youth Corp. were negligent in hiring a counselor who sexually assaulted a 17-year-old in November 2015.source

  2. February 2016 Sexual abuse

    In February 2016 a 17-year-old resident reported sexual abuse by a night staff member who was charged with a felony and convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor of sexual misconduct with a juvenile.source

  3. September 2016 Criminal charge

    In September 2016 a 19-year-old resident alleged sexual touching by a 39-year-old staff member who was charged with felony exploitation; charges were dismissed when the alleged victim would not testify.source

  4. August 2017 Sexual abuse

    In August 2017 forcible sodomy and lascivious conduct with a minor was reported involving an 18-year-old and a 37-year-old staff member; unclear whether charged.source

  5. December 5, 2017 Sexual abuse

    On December 5, 2017 a 15-year-old male student alleged a female staff member performed oral sex on him; per Iowa court records she was never charged.source

  6. 2018 Incident

    Records showed Clarinda staff forged student signatures on service plans after a runaway incident was reported to the state.source

  7. October 2018 Investigation

    Disability Rights Washington reported in October 2018 that Washington foster youth at Clarinda Academy alleged physical abuse and painful restraints; Washington then said it would stop placing children there.source

  8. December 2018 Restraint

    Iowa Department of Human Services documents (Dec 2018) showed some Clarinda staff slammed children to the ground and injured them while punishing them.source

News coverage

  • NBC News Dec 16, 2020 Expose

    Sequel Youth Facilities Face Abuse Allegations Amid Profit Claims

    Essential reporting

    NBC News on the money Sequel's youth facilities made while children in its care were reportedly abused.

    The article reports that Sequel youth facilities have generated significant revenue while facing allegations of abuse toward children in their care. It highlights concerns about the facilities' operational practices and oversight mechanisms.

  • The Imprint Jul 22, 2025 Closure

    ‘State-sponsored Abandonment’ No More: California Stops Paying for Adoptees Sent to Out-of-State Treatment Centers

    California has ceased funding residential treatment placements for adopted foster youth in other states, closing what advocates termed a dangerous loophole. The decision follows revelations that hundreds of children were sent to facilities with histories of violations, including several since-shuttered programs. At least 676 adoptees were placed in out-of-state centers since 2020, with many attending problematic facilities. Among them were Sequel Youth and Family Services programs like Iowa’s Clarinda Academy and Utah’s Red Rock Canyon School, both closed after abuse scandals. Other placements included Utah’s Havenwood Academy, disciplined for improper restraints, and Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center, sanctioned for excessive punishments. Three Points Ranch ceased operations in 2025 following violations, while White River Academy continues accepting California-funded youth under existing contracts.

  • KMAland Jun 16, 2023 Event

    Clarinda board renews Clarinda Academy agreement

    The Clarinda School Board renewed an agreement with the state of Iowa to continue using the facilities of the former Clarinda Academy, which closed in 2021. The district utilizes the gymnasium, athletic fields, and parking areas for school sports and community youth programs.

  • APM Reports Dec 3, 2021 Closure

    Sequel to close New Mexico youth facility amid more abuse allegations | APM Reports

    Sequel Youth & Family Services agreed to close Bernalillo Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a state investigation documented physical abuse, excessive restraints, and inadequate supervision of autistic residents. The closure follows multiple prior investigations and the shutdown of several other Sequel facilities nationwide.

  • The Imprint Nov 2, 2021 Corporate

    Federal Watchdogs Find Abuse at For-Profit Youth Residential Programs in 18 States

    A report by the National Disability Rights Network documents widespread civil rights violations, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and inappropriate use of psychotropic medication across for-profit youth residential programs in 18 states. The findings highlight systemic issues driven by profit-seeking models, prompting calls for increased federal oversight and accountability.

  • WOWT Feb 5, 2021 Closure

    Clarinda Academy Residential Facility for Youth Announces Closure

    Clarinda Academy, a residential facility for at-risk youth operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services, is closing following the termination of its contract by its owner. The closure follows multi-year investigations by media outlets into allegations of abuse and inappropriate physical restraints at the facility.

  • NBC News Feb 5, 2021 Closure

    After years of abuse allegations, Iowa youth home to close

    Sequel Youth & Family Services announced the voluntary closure of Clarinda Academy in Iowa following multiple investigations by state agencies and watchdogs. The facility faced documentation falsification, physical restraints, unsanitary conditions, and allegations of staff misconduct, including sexual abuse and physical assault.

  • APM Reports Dec 14, 2020 Closure

    California hands Sequel a major setback

    The California Department of Social Services announced it will cease sending children to Sequel Youth & Family Services facilities, and Ohio revoked Sequel's license for its Columbus residential center. The actions follow documented incidents of physical restraint, sexual misconduct, unsanitary conditions, and the death of a 16‑year‑old survivor while in Sequel care.

  • Mother Jones Jul 1, 2020 Expose

    Lawsuit and Investigation Detail History of Abuse and Death at Lakeside Academy

    Following the death of 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks at Lakeside Academy in Michigan after staff used a prolonged physical restraint, a lawsuit was filed detailing a pattern of negligence, improper restraint usage, and safety violations at the facility. The operator, Sequel Youth and Family Services, faced increased scrutiny regarding systemic abuse, lack of oversight, and safety incidents across multiple residential facilities nationwide.

  • Refinery29 Jun 25, 2020 Lawsuit

    Death of 16-Year-Old at Lakeside Academy Leads to Legal Action

    A 16‑year‑old resident of Lakeside Academy died from restraint asphyxia after staff applied physical restraint for an extended period. The incident prompted charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse against staff members and a lawsuit by the family seeking damages. The facility has since lost its license and staff have been terminated.

  • The Des Moines Register Jul 18, 2019 Expose

    Firm accused of abusing troubled teens in Iowa, elsewhere under fire again

    Sequel Youth and Family Services faced renewed scrutiny from advocacy groups and state agencies following allegations of sexual abuse, excessive physical restraint, and policy violations at several of its facilities. While the company announced the closure of two locations in Utah following riots and investigations, facilities in Iowa continued to operate despite documented incidents of staff members using physical force and prolonged seclusion against residents.

  • The Salt Lake Tribune Jul 15, 2019 Closure

    Sequel Youth and Family Services Closes Two Utah Treatment Facilities Amid Regulatory Scrutiny and Misconduct Investigations

    Sequel Youth and Family Services announced the closure of Mount Pleasant Academy following the closure announcement of Red Rock Canyon School, both located in Utah. The facilities faced intense scrutiny, regulatory threats, and police investigations involving allegations of staff misconduct, sexual misconduct, and physical abuse.

8 more articles

Staff

Administration

  • Paul Cade

  • Jeff Nichols

    Former Executive Director (1999, r/troubledteens wiki)source

Notable staff

Connections on the network map

The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.

Ownership

  • Sequel Youth and Family Services operated 1999-2021

Documents

Documents on file (7)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (1)

From the Unsilenced archive

34 documents about Clarinda Academy that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: Clarinda Academy.

Documents (33)
News (1)

From SCIAD NET

1 document about Clarinda Academy that Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. SCIAD NET keeps it on Google Drive, where it opens.

Wiki entries

Materials and links

External links

A program's own website is linked as an archived snapshot, so the page reads as it did when it was captured.

Government records

5 of these from SCIAD NET.

Survivor posts and discussion

Reference and research

2 of these from SCIAD NET.

Archived pages

Other links

Record updated . Generated from the Kids Over Profits facility database. Suggest a correction