Facility profile Utah
Lakeside Academy
Also known as Youth Health Associates – Lakeside Academy
Lakeside Academy was a substance abuse treatment in Clearfield, Utah, operated by Sequel TSI. It closed in 2020.
Deaths on record
Lawsuits
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Tenia Goshay, Personal Representative of the Estate of Cornelius Frederick v. Lakeside for Children d/b/a Lakeside Academy, et al.
Outcome: Settled Dec 2021; terms confidential.
Tenia Goshay, as personal representative of the estate of Cornelius Frederick, sued Lakeside Academy, several Sequel Youth and Family Services companies and ten staff members in federal court in Michigan on September 30, 2021. The complaint alleges that on April 29, 2020, staff at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo restrained the 16-year-old state ward on the floor for throwing a sandwich and suffocated him while he said he could not breathe, then gave no aid, and that he died at Bronson Methodist Hospital on May 1, 2020. It alleges he had been restrained many times before, that Sequel was warned by Oregon Senator Sara Gelser about its restraint practices, and that the state had cited the facility for restraint and staffing violations since 2016. It states the state revoked Lakeside Academy's license after his death. The document shows only the filing of the complaint.
News coverage
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same company responsible for the death of a client
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy were sentenced to 18 months of probation for involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks, who died after a 12‑minute restraint. The Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by restraint asphyxia. The case highlights concerns about safety practices at the private youth facility.
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Former Lakeside Academy workers sentenced to probation for teen's restraint death
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy were sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks. The teen died after a 12‑minute restraint following an incident in the cafeteria. The case highlights concerns about restraint practices and oversight at the facility.
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Warning signs missed before teen's fatal restraint
The article reports that a teen named Cornelius Frederick died after being restrained in a facility. The report indicates that warning signs were missed and that the restraint may have contributed to the fatal outcome. The case highlights concerns about safety protocols in residential treatment settings.
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MDHHS speaks on changes following Lakeside Academy death
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services announced policy changes after the death of a teenager at Lakeside Academy. The changes aim to improve oversight and safety protocols for residential treatment facilities. The article reports on the state's response and planned reforms.
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Lakeside Staffers Plead No Contest to Charges from Cornelius Fredericks’ Death
Cornelius Fredericks, a 16‑year‑old foster youth, died after being restrained by staff at Lakeside Academy in Michigan. Two former staff members pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter, while a nurse was charged with child abuse for failing to provide care. The case highlights concerns about safety practices in for‑profit group care facilities.
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Former workers enter plea in Lakeside Academy teen's death
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks, who died after a prolonged restraint by the staff. The plea follows a criminal investigation that found the restraint violated ordinary care and resulted in the teen’s death. The case is scheduled for sentencing in December.
20 more articles
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fake shell of a company that John Ripley (Founder) used to buy out Sequel
Sequel Youth & Family Services, a former chain of residential treatment centers, has closed or sold most of its facilities following repeated allegations of staff misconduct, sexual misconduct, and safety violations. The company’s operations were scrutinized after a 2020 incident in which a 16‑year‑old boy died after being restrained by staff. In response, Sequel has transferred many centers to new ownership under Vivant Behavioral Healthcare and other entities while settling lawsuits with affected families.
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Family Reaches Settlement in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Michigan Youth Facility
The family of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Frederick reached a settlement with Lakeside Academy after his death in 2020. The death was ruled a homicide following staff smothering, and the settlement was approved by a judge in December 2022. The case has prompted broader scrutiny of residential treatment facilities in Michigan.
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Another Sequel-run Facility Closes Amid Abuse Claims
A New Mexico residential facility operated by Sequel Youth & Family Services is scheduled to close after state investigators documented physical abuse, inadequate care, and peer violence among children. The closure follows a settlement with the state and follows similar shutdowns of other Sequel-run programs where staff misconduct and neglect were reported.
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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.
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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.
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Behavioral Health Contractor Sequel Absorbs Two Blows
Sequel Youth & Family Services announced the closure of its Torii Behavioral Health facility in Columbus, Ohio, after state warnings regarding staff violence, improper restraints, and other safety concerns. Separately, a civil lawsuit alleges that eight staff members at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan restrained a 16‑year‑old survivor, leading to his death by lack of oxygen.
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Michigan to ban restraints in youth facilities after Cornelius Frederick's death
A 16‑year‑old foster child, Cornelius Frederick, died after being restrained for more than ten minutes by staff at Lakeside Academy, a residential treatment center in Kalamazoo. The incident prompted Michigan officials to propose new regulations banning restraints in group homes and to increase oversight of facilities operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services. Several former staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse.
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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.
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Normative Services Academy Announces Facility Closure in Sheridan
Normative Services Academy, Inc. announced plans to close its residential facility in Sheridan, Wyoming, following an evaluation of program viability. The closure comes amid broader scrutiny of its parent company, Sequel Youth Services, and decisions by state agencies to remove youths from out-of-state facilities following a death by suicide at another company location.
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Allegations of Abuse at U.S. Troubled‑Teen Boarding Schools Involving Canadian Teens
The article reports allegations of physical restraint, solitary confinement, and sexual misconduct at several U.S. troubled‑teen boarding schools that housed Canadian teenagers. Survivors describe harsh punishments, forced medication, and isolation, and the facilities have faced legal and regulatory scrutiny. The piece highlights gaps in oversight and the impact on the survivors’ mental health.
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"It's still not right." An investigation into Lakeside Academy.
An investigative report details systemic failures at Lakeside Academy, a residential facility for troubled teens, including repeated use of physical restraints, inadequate oversight, and the death of a resident. The investigation highlights the state's failure to prevent harm and the subsequent closure of the facility. Survivors and former staff describe ongoing concerns about the safety and well‑being of youth placed in such settings.
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Starr Commonwealth cuts ties with contractor, ends residential programs
Starr Commonwealth announced the termination of its residential programs and its partnership with Sequel Youth and Family Services following state directives and investigations into safety violations and improper restraints. The decision impacts 135 students and 270 employees, prompting the facility to transition youth to alternative care settings and evaluate future uses for the campus.
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Cornelius Frederick death: Attorney releases video showing 16-year-old being restrained and given chest compressions later
In April 2020, 16-year‑old Cornelius Frederick was restrained by staff at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and later received chest compressions while unresponsive. He suffered cardiac arrest and died two days later; three staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse.
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Attorney releases video showing incident preceding Lakeside Academy teen's death
A video released by the Kalamazoo County prosecutor shows staff restraining 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks for over ten minutes, after which he was left unattended before medical care was provided. The restraint led to his death by restraint asphyxia, and the incident has resulted in criminal charges against several staff members and a wrongful‑death lawsuit filed by his family.
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Starr Commonwealth severs Sequel ties
In May 2020, a 16-year-old was restrained by staff from Sequel Youth and Family Services at Lakeside Academy and died two days later, with the death ruled a homicide. Following the incident, Starr Commonwealth terminated its contract with Sequel, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services revoked Sequel's state license.
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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.
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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.
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Three Charged in Death of Michigan Teenager Restrained at Youth Academy
A 16-year‑old resident of Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, died after staff restrained him, resulting in death by restraint asphyxia. Three staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, and the facility faces licensing revocation and civil litigation.
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Gov. Whitmer issues statement on Lakeside Academy death | WKZO | Everything Kalamazoo | 590 AM · 106.9 FM
A 16‑year‑old youth died after being restrained at Lakeside Academy, a residential treatment facility in Kalamazoo. Governor Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would suspend the facility’s license and remove staffing services from Sequel Youth and Family Services. The state plans to permanently close the facility following the death.
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Lakeside Academy Employee Arrested on Charges of Unlawful Sexual Relations with Resident
A staff member of Lakeside Academy was taken into custody on allegations of unlawful sexual relations with a minor. The arrest follows an investigation by local law enforcement into the alleged misconduct.
Videos
Documents
Woodbury Reports Mentions (1)
From the Unsilenced archive
13 documents about Lakeside Academy that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy.
- 2023-05-17 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-Announced, Annual Inspection Checklists on this day-(If no chec.pdf
- 2023-09-27 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-Unannounced, Annual Inspection Checklists on this day-(If no ch.pdf
- 2023-12-12 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-2nd Unannounced Checklists on this day-(If no checklist button.pdf
- 2024-03-11 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-3rd Unannounced Checklists on this day-(If no checklist button.pdf
- 2024-05-22 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-Announced, Annual Inspection Checklists on this day-(If no chec.pdf
- 2024-08-22 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-Unannounced, Annual Inspection Checklists on this day-(If no ch.pdf
- 2024-10-23 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-2nd Unannounced Checklists on this day-(If no checklist button.pdf
- 2025-01-14 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-3rd Unannounced Checklists on this day-(If no checklist button.pdf
- 2025-06-19 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-Announced, Annual Inspection Checklists on this day-(If no chec.pdf
- 2025-07-29 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-Unannounced, Annual Inspection Checklists on this day-(If no ch.pdf
- 2025-12-17 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-2nd Unannounced Checklists on this day-(If no checklist button.pdf
- 2026-03-26 Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - INSPECTION DATE- INSPECTION TYPE(S)-3rd Unannounced Checklists on this day-(If no checklist button.pdf
- Youth Health Associates Inc dba Lakeside Academy - Facility Page.pdf
Research notes
- Operator: operated by Youth Health Associates (source)
- Ages: boys ages 13-17
- Ages 13-17 (source)
- Type: Substance Abuse Treatment (source)
- Closed per news report: The Imprint, "Behavioral Health Contractor Sequel Absorbs Two Blows", 2021-10-25 source
- Announced closing (2020-06-20) per news report: WKZO, "Gov. Whitmer issues statement on Lakeside Academy death | WKZO | Everything Kalamazoo | 590 AM · 106.9 FM", 2020-06-20 source
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.
Survivor posts and discussion
- Lakeside Academy
- witness to lakeside academy death
- Lakeside Academy students tell police about restraint that killed 16-year-old
Archived pages
- documented at least seven violations, including concerns with "types of physical intervention possibly being utilized."
- seven reports of child abuse or neglect, 16 assaults and 15 calls regarding criminal sexual conduct
- died after he was restrained by multiple staff members for 10 minutes
- We’ve heard in at least eight different states, a history of physical abuse, sexual abuse, abuse of restraints. Sequel is going into states, buying facilities and running programs that are supposed to be treatment facilities to help young people. But rather than actually helping young people get ove
- remove foster children from out-of-state facilities
- Montana
- contracts worth more than $68 million from Alabama’s DHR
- alleged staff maltreatment, improper/frequent restraints, inappropriate language, bullying and provoking residents
- backing from Altamont Capital
- Ohio
- 72 calls for service over a six month period, including calls for runaways and assaults
- alleged a staff member had punched him in the ribs
- a staff member “choked, pushed and punched” a female resident