Facility profile Indiana
The Refuge Girls Academy
The Refuge Girls Academy was a program in Lebanon, Indiana, operated by Teen Challenge. It closed in 2026.
About The Refuge Girls Academy
A news report says it closed in September 2026.source
Lawsuits
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DuPuis et al. v. Indiana Teen Challenge, Inc. (S.D. Ind. 1:26-cv-00700)
Multiple plaintiffs filed a civil lawsuit against Indiana Teen Challenge, Inc. and associated leadership alleging various grievances related to their time at the residential facility. The case involves multiple amended complaints and defense filings regarding operations at the youth program. The litigation remains active in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
News coverage
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The Refuge Girls Academy closes amidst federal lawsuit from former residents
The Refuge Girls Academy, a faith‑based residential program for teenage girls in Lebanon, Indiana, closed on September 10, 2026. The closure follows a federal lawsuit filed by former residents alleging abuse, forced labor, and exploitation.
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Facing federal suit, Indiana Teen Challenge shuts down home for girls
More than three dozen former residents have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging isolation, humiliation, forced labor, and unsanitary conditions at the Refuge Girls Academy, a Teen Challenge program in Lebanon, Indiana. The organization announced the facility’s closure because it could not sustain operations while defending the suit.
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Lebanon Faith-Based Teen Program Closes Following Federal Lawsuit by Former Residents
Refuge Girls Academy, formerly known as Central Indiana Teen Challenge, has closed following a federal lawsuit filed by 35 former residents. The amended complaint alleges systemic mistreatment including forced isolation, physical labor, religious coercion, and restricted access to basic necessities between 2011 and 2024.
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Faith‑based teen program in Lebanon, Indiana closes after federal lawsuit filed by former residents
A faith‑based residential program for teen girls in Lebanon, Indiana, known as Refuge Girls Academy, ceased operations after the parent organization cited the inability to defend a federal lawsuit and secure insurance. The lawsuit, filed by 35 former residents, alleges systemic abuse including forced isolation, physical restraint, forced labor, and spiritual coercion.
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Survivors at Refuge Girls Academy fight back against abuse and exploitation
Survivors of the Refuge Girls Academy, formerly known as Central Indiana Teen Challenge, are speaking out against the abuse and exploitation they experienced while at the facility. The survivors, now numbering 35, are part of an ongoing legal case against the academy. The academy is alleged to have committed various forms of abuse, including physical abuse, labor trafficking, and forced malnutrition, against children in its care.
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Survivors Detail Isolation & Neglect at Millions-Funded IN Facility
A federal lawsuit has been filed against Central Indiana Teen Challenge, now operating as Refuge Girls Academy, alleging severe abuse, medical neglect, and forced child labor. Survivors detail experiences of isolation, solitary confinement, and exploitation. The facility generated millions of dollars in revenue despite allegations of neglect and abuse.
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Survivors rally, Lawsuit expands over teen facility abuse
A federal civil lawsuit has been expanded to represent 35 young women who claim they were exploited, neglected, and abused as minors at Refuge Girls Academy, formerly known as Central Indiana Teen Challenge. The facility is accused of using forced unpaid labor, severe psychological coercion, and conversion therapy tactics. Survivors and supporters are demanding the immediate closure of the facility and an end to conversion therapy practices.
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Protest Targets Lebanon Youth Facility Accused of Abuse; Forced Labor
A protest was held outside Refuge Girls Academy in Lebanon, Indiana, where survivors allege decades of institutionalized cruelty, physical abuse, and labor trafficking. The facility, formerly known as Central Indiana Teen Challenge, is facing a federal civil lawsuit from 35 young women who claim they were exploited, neglected, and abused as minors. The lawsuit details broader patterns of trafficking and medical neglect, including forced unpaid labor and conversion therapy practices.
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Central Indiana Teen Challenge Abuse Lawsuit Update
A federal civil lawsuit has been filed against Central Indiana Teen Challenge, now operating as the Refuge Girls Academy, alleging forced labor, human trafficking, and institutional abuse. The lawsuit represents 35 young women who claim they were exploited and mistreated as minors at the faith-based facility. The allegations include physical and emotional abuse, medical neglect, and forced labor.
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Negligence lawsuit grows to 35 who lived in Lebanon home for troubled girls
A lawsuit has been filed against Central Indiana Teen Challenge, alleging negligence and abuse of 35 girls who lived at the facility. The allegations include humiliating discipline, forced labor, and inadequate therapy. The lawsuit also claims that the facility's staff made false accusations against the girls, including allegations of sexual promiscuity.
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Abuse Lawsuit Against Faith-Based Lebanon Therapy Program Adds 26 Plaintiffs
A federal lawsuit alleges abuse and exploitation at a faith-based residential program for teenage girls in Indiana. The plaintiffs claim they were subjected to a coercive environment, including prolonged isolation, public humiliation, and deprivation of basic necessities. The lawsuit also alleges that the program forced residents to perform extensive unpaid labor and subjected them to religious deliverance rituals.
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26 more plaintiffs join lawsuit against Lebanon faith-based therapy facility
A lawsuit against a Lebanon faith-based therapy facility has been joined by 26 additional plaintiffs. The facility is alleged to have engaged in abusive practices. The lawsuit is ongoing, with the plaintiffs seeking justice for the alleged mistreatment they experienced.
7 more articles
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Adam Krupp out as Indiana Department of Child Services director
Jennifer Dorfmeyer has been appointed as the new Director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, effective immediately, following the transition of former director Adam Krupp into a role as Special Advisor to the Governor on Child Welfare. Krupp’s departure follows a medical leave of absence that began in January 2026, and while state officials clarified his transition was not related to disciplinary action, it occurs amid a federal lawsuit involving allegations of misconduct at a faith-based residential program he had previously promoted.
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Nine women sue Lebanon facility for abuse
Nine women are suing The Refuge Girls Academy and its operator, Central Indiana Teen Challenge, alleging they experienced humiliating discipline and forced labor while at the facility. The women claim that questioning their conditions could lengthen their stay. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for Southern Indiana.
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Woman shares story of alleged abuse at Lebanon faith-based program for teens
A woman has filed a lawsuit against a faith-based program in Indiana, alleging systemic abuse, neglect, and exploitation during her time at the facility. The plaintiff claims she was forced to eat moldy food, was subjected to pelvic exams, and was isolated in a room for extended periods. The facility's attorney has responded, stating that the program has a history of achieving positive results and that the lawsuit is an opportunistic claim.
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Lawsuit alleges abuse at Lebanon faith-based residential program
Nine women who were minors at a Lebanon, Indiana faith‑based residential program allege they experienced forced isolation, forced labor, and coercive religious practices. The lawsuit filed in federal court claims the program subjected them to unsafe food conditions, extensive unpaid work, and other abusive treatment.
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Lawsuit filed against Lebanon faith-based residential program
A lawsuit has been filed against a faith-based residential program in Indiana, alleging that nine women were subjected to abuse, forced labor, and exploitation during their time at the facility. The women claim they were forced to perform labor without pay and were subjected to extreme conditions, including being placed in isolation for extended periods. The facility has responded, stating that the allegations are unproven and unverified.
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Suit accuses Lebanon-based program of abusing, isolating teens during treatment
A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of nine former residents accuses a Lebanon-based residential program of subjecting teenagers to isolation, forced physical labor, and restrictive communication policies between 2011 and 2018. The complaint alleges that the facility operated without licensed educational or mental health professionals and utilized coercive disciplinary practices.
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‘Troubled teen’ program accused of abusing, isolating residents during treatment
A 'troubled teen' program in Indiana has been accused of abusing and isolating its residents during treatment. The program's actions and policies are under scrutiny. The allegations highlight concerns about the treatment of residents in such programs.
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