Trails Carolina

Deaths on record

• Clark Harman age 12 | February 3, 2024 | Asphyxia while zipped into a bivy sleeping bag used as a restraint; ruled a homicide FOX – Chattanooga
• Alec Sanford Lansing age 17 | November 2014 | Hypothermia after a fall that broke his hip (autopsy) NBC 4 WYFF

The memorial

Lawsuits

• Jane Doe L.Y. and June Doe A.D. v. Trails Academy, LLC, et al. 2024 | Ruling issued | United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division | 1:24-cv-00254-MOC-SCR

  Outcome: The court entered an order on the motion to dismiss. On September 9, 2026, the court granted Defendant's Motion to Compel Arbitration and stayed the matter pending arbitration proceedings.

  Two Florida parents, Jane Doe L.Y. and June Doe A.D., filed a proposed class action on October 11, 2024 in federal court in Asheville against Trails Academy, Trails Carolina and their Oregon parent companies doing business as Family Help & Wellness. They seek to represent everyone in the United States who bought residential program services from the defendants, with a Florida subclass, and seek repayment of tuition. The complaint alleges the companies misrepresented the Trails Momentum program, which their son attended in 2021, as safe and therapeutic, pressured families through an admissions salesperson, and charged a 3,900 dollar enrollment fee plus 585 dollars a day, 24,570 dollars for the first 42 days. On December 30, 2024 the defendants moved to dismiss or compel arbitration under the family's enrollment agreement; the documents do not show a ruling or a class certification decision.

• John Doe M.D.Y. v. Trails Academy, LLC, et al. 2024 | In progress | United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Asheville Division | 1:24-cv-00253-MOC-SCR

  Outcome: Defendant's Motion to Compel Arbitration was granted to the extent that the court ordered parties to proceed with arbitration, and the matter is stayed pending arbitration proceedings. On September 8, 2026, a Notice of Substitution of Counsel was filed.

  A young man identified as John Doe M.D.Y. sued Trails Academy, Trails Carolina and their Oregon parent companies, which do business as Family Help & Wellness, in federal court in Asheville on October 11, 2024. He enrolled at 18 in the Trails Momentum young-adult wilderness program and stayed 93 days, from March to June 2021 (the defense gives March 3 to June 3, 2021). The complaint alleges an invasive strip search on arrival in which a staff member touched his genitals, two weeks isolated in a cabin, censored letters and a single muted phone call home, unpaid cleaning, cooking and landscaping work, days in freezing weather with frozen boots and limited food and water, threats that he would be arrested if he left, and little mental health care, and says his mental health collapsed afterward, including a suicide attempt in October 2021. It also alleges an admissions employee misled his parents. The plaintiff asked for a Rule 9(j) extension for any medical malpractice claims, which the defendants opposed, and on December 30, 2024 the defendants moved to dismiss or compel arbitration under a March 2021 enrollment agreement; the documents do not show rulings on those motions.

• Siegel v. Trails Carolina, LLC, et al. 2024 | Settled | U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina | 1:24-cv-00046-MOC-WCM Names this facility

  Outcome: On August 5, 2024, the court denied defendants' motions to dismiss and to strike. The case settled through mediation in September 2024; terms were not disclosed. The supplied complaint alleges that the plaintiff was sexually assaulted by another minor while at Trails Carolina and that defendants failed to protect her.

  Gertrude A. Siegel sued Trails Carolina, its owner and manager Wilderness Training & Consulting, and therapist Derry O'Kane. Her February 2024 complaint alleges that, while she was 12 and in the program, another minor sexually assaulted her and defendants failed to provide adequate screening, supervision, and protection. These are allegations, not findings.

Every case in the lawsuit directory

Incidents on record

1. 2011 Lawsuit

   A 2011 lawsuit alleged a girl transferred from New Leaf Academy was placed in a mostly male co-ed group and raped by a male student on a camping trip in South Carolina; the case was dismissed over jurisdiction.source

2. 2014 Death

   The page states two children have died while attending Trails Carolina (2014 and 2024).source

3. November 2014 Investigation

   An investigation found Trails staff waited over 5 hours before contacting authorities about the missing 17-year-old.source

4. November 10, 2014 Death

   On November 10, 2014 a 17-year-old walked away from his counselor and was found dead in Pisgah National Forest on November 22; the cause of death was hypothermia and he had a broken hip.source

5. February 23, 2022 Lawsuit

   A February 23, 2022 lawsuit alleges a 14-year-old was repeatedly sexually abused by another resident and staff forced her to keep sleeping next to the older resident; it alleges negligence and violation of the NC UTPA.source

6. February 2024 Investigation

   A search warrant states Trails Carolina staff prevented police from speaking to the four other juveniles in the bunk house and refused to give their names or birth dates.source

7. February 2024 Lawsuit

   A lawsuit filed about a week after the February 2024 death alleges staff ignored a sexual assault in 2016, forced residents to sleep in a single line under a tarp, and the therapist did not report it; it also alleges a broken water filter went unreplaced for three weeks.source

8. February 2024 License action

   After the February 2024 death, NC DHHS sent a letter prohibiting Trails Carolina from accepting new clients during the investigation.source

9. February 3, 2024 Death

   On February 3, 2024 a 12-year-old boy died at Trails Carolina less than 24 hours after arriving; police found his body in the bunk house cold and in rigor mortis, and the death is being investigated as manslaughter.source

10. Abuse

    Survivors report severe medical neglect, attack therapy, malnourishment and cruel punishments.source

News coverage

• 

  The Associated Press Jan 17, 2026 Expose

  Adopted and Locked Away: Kids promised ‘forever homes’ instead confined in for-profit institutions

  Essential reporting

  The Associated Press found adopted children sent to for-profit treatment programs, where many were restrained, abused or neglected.

  The article investigates the 'troubled teen industry', a network of for-profit residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and boarding schools, and its impact on adopted children. Many adopted children are sent to these facilities, where they often experience physical restraint, abuse, and neglect. The industry is largely unregulated, and facilities often prioritize profits over the well-being of the children in their care.

• 

  AP News Apr 28, 2026 Expose

  AP investigation: Adopted kids confined in private for-profit facilities

  This Associated Press investigation uncovers a "shadow orphanage system" where adopted children are disproportionately placed in for-profit residential treatment facilities. These institutions often market themselves to families by misusing the diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder to justify expensive and unregulated "tough-love" programs. Rather than finding support, many children experience systemic abuse, isolation, and neglect in environments focused on profit margins. The report emphasizes that these institutional settings often cause more harm than healing, failing the vulnerable children they were meant to protect.

• 

  WSOC TV Jan 7, 2026 Lawsuit

  Federal lawsuit details alleged abuse, coercion at now-closed teen programs

  A federal lawsuit has been filed against Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC, alleging that four young adults were subjected to abuse, neglect, and forced labor while minors at Trails Carolina and Solstice East. The plaintiffs claim they were marketed therapeutic treatment but instead experienced coercion, humiliation, and physical restraint. The lawsuit also alleges violations of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.

• 

  Asheville Citizen Times Jan 5, 2026 Lawsuit

  New lawsuit claims abuse, neglect at two Asheville-area teen centers

  A federal lawsuit has been filed against two now-shuttered teen treatment centers in the Asheville area, alleging that residents suffered physical abuse, neglect, and forced labor. The lawsuit claims that the facilities, Trails Carolina and Solstice East, failed to provide adequate care and supervision, and instead used punitive measures to control residents. The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to various forms of abuse, including physical restraints, strip searches, and humiliation.

• 

  Asheville Citizen Times Jul 11, 2025 Lawsuit

  In Asheville Academy suit, lack of supervision led to self harm, child and parent say

  A parent and their child, identified as M.C., filed a lawsuit on July 9, 2025 against the now-closed Asheville Academy for Girls and its parent company, Family Help & Wellness, alleging neglect and failure to supervise. The suit claims M.C., then 12, repeatedly self-harmed, ingested dangerous items, and ran away from campus while staff failed to intervene. It also alleges the child was isolated from their parent and denied adequate therapy, despite documented high suicide risk.

• 

  WLOS ABC 13 News Jun 25, 2025 Closure

  NC state investigation continues despite Asheville Academy's voluntary closure

  Asheville Academy in Weaverville, NC, voluntarily closed in June 2025 after two student suicides in May. Despite the closure, a state investigation continues into conditions described as detrimental to client health and safety. Asheville Academy was fined $45,000 for licensing violations, including inadequate staff training. The facility, previously known as Solstice East and Magnolia Mill, was managed by Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC, which also operated Trails Carolina.

• 

  Asheville Watchdog Jun 25, 2025 Lawsuit

  Federal lawsuit alleges abuse, exploitation of teen at Asheville Academy for Girls, Trails Carolina

  A South Carolina woman has filed a federal lawsuit against Asheville Academy for Girls, Trails Carolina, and 15 related entities owned by Family Help & Wellness, alleging abuse, humiliation, sexual assault, forced labor, and false advertising during her time as a teen resident. The complaint follows two recent suicides at Asheville Academy and a 2024 death at Trails Carolina. The lawsuit describes a pattern of neglect, coercion, and unqualified staff. After the suicides, North Carolina regulators fined the operator and suspended the Weaverville facility's license, prompting its closure.

• 

  WLOS May 8, 2025 Event

  Investigation Initiated Following Death at Weaverville Therapeutic School Connected to Trails Carolina

  A 14‑year‑old student died by suicide at Asheville Academy for Girls, a therapeutic school in Weaverville, North Carolina. The incident has prompted an investigation by local authorities and raised concerns about the facility’s ties to the former Trails Carolina wilderness program, which was closed by state regulators after a prior child death. The school has issued a statement expressing condolences and noting the presence of crisis counselors on campus.

• 

  WLOS Feb 4, 2025 Expose

  1 year after 12-year-old's death, advocates urge stricter oversight of therapeutic camps

  One year following the death of a 12-year-old resident at Trails Carolina wilderness camp, state regulators have revoked the facility's license and are investigating an unlicensed program operated by the same management company. Advocates and former clients are calling for increased regulatory oversight and legal accountability, citing ongoing concerns regarding safety violations and consumer protection issues.

• 

  WBTV Nov 6, 2024 Event

  District Attorney Declines Involuntary Manslaughter Charges in Death of 12-Year-Old at North Carolina Wilderness Camp

  The Transylvania County District Attorney's office announced it will not pursue involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of 12-year-old Clark Joseph Harman at Trails Carolina Wilderness Camp. The child died from suffocation on his first night at the camp after being placed in a personal sleeping bivy equipped with an alarm mechanism.

• 

  NBC News Sep 2, 2024 Lawsuit

  Former students report injuries and isolation at Elevations RTC

  Staff Mentioned: David Faust (Elevations RTC), Jennifer Wilde (Elevations RTC) Survivor stories from Chloe Gilliland, Stella Downey, Miranda Goodwill, Sabrina Jonas, Finn Pool Chloe Gilliland attended Elevations from July 2023 to June 2024 Elevations RTC is owned by Family Help & Wellness (FHW) Other FHW programs have been cited for regulatory violations Disability Law Center of Utah has received complaints about Elevations RTC Stella Downey attended Elevations from June 2020 to February 2021 Elevations RTC has been making more calls to the police as the years go on In 2023, there were 56 police calls. That number is expected to be higher for 2024. Elevations RTC is a NATSAP member Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) is a bipartisan bill that would make it easier for officials to communicate across state lines regarding child welfare SICAA would also “create the first national database of restraints and seclusion in youth treatment centers” Sabrina Jonas’ mother reported Sabrina’s abuse to her local school district, who is no longer doing business with Elevations California Department of Education investigated Elevations in 2023 The investigation concluded that Elevations failed to handle allegations of sexual abuse properly 28 school districts in 7 states have paid to send students to Elevations FHW bought Island View in 2014 and turned it into Elevations A survivor sued Elevations in 2018 for permanent injuries resulting from abuse The 2018 lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount Elevation’s maximum capacity is 90 students Tuition at Elevations is over $500/daily David Faust, an Elevations RTC therapist, plead guilty in 2023 for failure to report Finn Pool’s child abuse “From May 2023 to May 2024, Elevations reported at least 105 incidents of self-harm and 138 uses of physical restraints, according to state records.” “In Idaho, North Carolina and Utah, where the Family Help & Wellness youth programs are based, officials said they do not take violations at affiliated facilities in other states into account when evaluating programs. Only the child welfare agency in New Mexico, where one treatment center is, said it is currently looking into that program’s association with Family Help & Wellness, though its actions are limited to the facilities in its state.” “Katie England, a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees facilities like Elevations, said that it ‘does not have the statutory authority to use facility violations or adverse incidents in other states when making Utah-specific licensing decisions.’”

• W

  WGHP Aug 8, 2024 Lawsuit

  Judge denies Trails Carolina’s ‘threadbare’ attempts to strike, dismiss sexual assault lawsuit

Staff

Administration

• Graham Shannonhouse

  Former Executive Director, Founder

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Executive Director- SUWS of the Carolinas
  • SUWS Idaho program director

• Jeremy Whitworth

  Former Executive Director

• Jason McKeown

  Former Clinical Director

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Phoenix Outdoor therapist - SUWS of the Carolinas therapist
  • SUWS of the Carolinas Family Therapist & Adolescent Therapist
  • Alternative Youth Adventures therapist

• Jeniveve Rollins

  Former Clinical Director

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Santiam Crossing (Catherine Freer Wilderness Program) Clinical Director

Notable staff

• Alec Rothschild

  Former Therapist

• Amanda Mojave

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Asheville Academy for Girls therapist, 2015-2019

• Ashley Brown

  Former Therapist

• Carla Shorts

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • a variety of other controversial TTI programs throughout her career
  • Aspiro Wilderness Adventure Therapy Therapist - Cherokee Creek Boys School Marketing & Admissions Director - Black Mountain Academy Director of Client Relations
  • Magnolia Mill School Founder and Executive Director, Executive Director, before 2024
  • Cherokee Creek Boys School Therapist
  • Black Mountain Academy Marketing & Admissions Director

• Carlyn Daubs

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Stone Mountain School therapist

• Derry O'Kane

  Former Therapist

• Jana Eilermann

  Former Therapist

• Jim Johnston

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Black Mountain Academy Clinical Director
  • WinGate Wilderness Staff
  • Asheville Academy for Girls Former Therapist

• Jose Arizmendi

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Lone Star Expeditions Former Staff (2009)

• Justin Messinger

  Former Therapist

• Leigh Uhlenkott

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • SUWS of the Carolinas Field Supervisor/Therapist, 2003
  • Stone Mountain School Clinical Director, 2008-2020
  • Aspiro Wilderness Adventure Therapy Therapist, 2017
  • Elevations RTC Therapist, 2025

• Mary Flora

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Asheville Academy for Girls Clinical Director
  • Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Counselor
  • Phoenix Outdoor Staff

• Melissa Pearl

  Former Therapist

• Sarah Hutchison

  Former Therapist

• Sarah James

  Former Therapist

• Sarah McGahran

  Former Therapist

• Shalene Pierce

  Former Therapistsource

• Taisir El-Souessi

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • River Point Behavioral Health Staff, 2009
  • Youth Villages Family Counselor, 2011
  • SUWS of the Carolinas Seasonal Therapist/Field Supervisor, 2011
  • Phoenix Outdoor Family Program Manager, 2014
  • Asheville Academy for Girls Staff, 2013

• Todd Green

  Former Therapist

• Travis Wireback

  Former Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Youth Villages Family Counselor, 2014
  • Asheville Academy for Girls Family Counselor - Youth Villages Therapist

• Beth Venable

  Former Referral Relations Director (2012)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Cherokee Creek Boys School Communication and Development Specialist, Head of the Cherokee Creek Family Center, Family Activity Coordinator/Communicator, 2008-2012

• Jeff Johnson

  Former Admissions Director (2012)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Mount Bachelor Academy Admissions Director, 2000
  • Aspen Education Group Director of Special Projects/Wilderness Division, Director of Marketing and Admissions, 2000
  • Auldern Academy Interim Admissions Director, Admissions Director, 2007
  • Onpoint Consultants, LLC Founder, Owner, 2007-2008
  • Association of Mediation and Transport Services (AMATS) Executive Director, 2007-2008
  • AMATS (Association of Mediation and Transport Services) Executive Director, 2007
  • SunHawk Academy Director of Admissions, Admissions Director, 2008-2021
  • Association of Mediation and Transportation Services Executive Director, before 2008
  • SUWS Idaho Admissions Director, before 2012
  • Allynwood Academy Enrollment Development & Referral Relations, Admissions Director, 2014
  • Reflections for Youth Executive Director, 2020
  • Skyline Journey Admissions Director
  • Wilderness Quest Admissions Director
  • Ascent Wilderness Therapy Admissions Director
  • Adirondack Leadership Expeditions Admissions Director
  • Three Rivers Montana Admissions Director
  • Lone Star Expeditions Admissions Director
  • SUWS of the Carolinas Admissions Director
  • Boulder Creek Academy Admissions Director

• Mark Oerther

  Former Admissions, Admissions Director, Director of Admissions (2009-2010)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • SUWS of the Carolinas Admissions Director, 2007
  • InnerChange Clinical Outreach Manager, 2011

• Dottie Lank (Kopple)

  Former Admissions Directorsource

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Cedars Academy Admissions Director, Admissions, 2009-2021

• JD Daubs

  Former Director of Admissions (2012)source

• Jeremy Nunnelley

  Former Staff (before 2012)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Cherokee Creek Boys School Primary Counselor, 2003
  • Whetstone Academy Clinical Director, Executive Director, 2012-2020
  • Pacific Quest Therapist, 2015
  • Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Therapist, 2017

• Sharon Laney

  Former Director of Operations (before 2011)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Natsap President, 2007
  • Three Springs Paint Rock Valley Program Administrator, 2009
  • Lake House Academy Executive Director, 2011-2013
  • National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) President, 2011
  • Sequel TSI Kissimmee NATSAP Ex-Officio Board member, COO, Chief Operating Officer, 2008

• Jackson Riley Hunt

  Former Staff member (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

• Jacob Thomason

  Former Family Therapist (2019, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Foundation House Staff
  • New Vision Wilderness Therapy Lead Wilderness Therapist and Family Service Director
  • Passages to Recovery Therapist, Wilderness Therapist, 2010-2012

• John L. Singleton

  Former Director of Business Development (2015, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Aspen Education Group Staff
  • Brandon Hall School President/Head of School
  • Whetstone Academy Owner/CEO, Owner and CEO
  • Pathway Family Center Board Member
  • Maple Hall Academy Owner/CEO, Founder, CEO and Owner
  • Stone Mountain School Program Director, Academic Director
  • New Leaf Academy of North Carolina Staff, before 2009
  • Cedars Academy Executive Director, 2007-2009
  • NATSAP board of directors

• Julia Andrick

  Former Admissions and Outreach Directorsource

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Catherine Freer Wilderness Program Marketing Director, Marketing Communications Director, Media Contact, 2006-2009
  • Santiam Crossing Marketing Communications Director, Marketing Director, Admissions Director, 2007-2012
  • Boulder Creek Academy Director of Outreach and Marketing
  • Northwest Academy Director of Admissions, Admissions Director, 2018

• Scott Hess

  Former Therapist (2015, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Fulshear Treatment to Transition – The Ranch Staff, 2004
  • Ascent Wilderness Program Clinical Director, later Executive Director, before 2004
  • Wingate Wilderness Therapy Clinical Director, Partner, Primary Therapist, Therapist, 2008-2025
  • Outback Therapeutic Expeditions Staff
  • Aspen Ranch Clinical Director, 2000
  • Fulshear Ranch Staff, 2004
  • Fulshear Treatment to Transition helped found

• Emily Smith

  Therapist

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • First Light Wilderness Therapy therapist
  • Journey Home therapist

• Kathleen Jamila Minnifield

  Field instructor

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • First Light Wilderness Therapy lead therapist

Connections on the network map

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

Wiki entries

• Trails Carolina Lake Toxaway, NC | 2008-present

Other programs run by Family Help & Wellness

• Asheville Academy for Girls Black Mountain, North Carolina | Closed
• BlueFire Wilderness Therapy Gooding, Idaho | Open
• Discover Seven Stars Syracuse, Utah | Open
• Elevations RTC Syracuse, Utah | Open
• Equinox RTC Hendersonville, North Carolina | Closed
• Foundations Asheville Asheville, North Carolina
• Magnolia Mill School Weaverville, North Carolina | Closed
• New Focus Academy Heber City, Utah | Open
• Red Mountain Colorado Greeley, Colorado | Closed
• Red Mountain Sedona Sedona, Arizona | Open
• ROOTS Transition Park City, Utah | Open
• Sandhill Child Development Center Los Lunas, New Mexico | Open
• Sedona Sky Academy Rimrock, Arizona | Closed
• Solstice West Layton, Utah | Open
• Triple Divide Lodge Marion, Montana | Closed
• Uinta Academy Wellsville, Utah | Open
• Viewpoint Center Syracuse, Utah | Open
• Wingate Wilderness Therapy Kanab, Utah | Closed

Materials and links

Materials the project holds for this facility. Ask through the correction form to see any of them.

Other documentation

• Note10/11/2024: Case No. 1:24-cv-00253 John Doe filed a lawsuit against Trails Carolina and Family Help & Wellness, claiming gross negligence, labor trafficking, deceptive marketing, and unfair trade practices. John was 18 when he attended Trails Momentum in 2021. The lawsuit details the program’s abuse, neglect, and forced labor of John and other residents, as well as how Trails intentionally omitted abuse and neglect. Of note, “John met with his assigned therapist once a week for an hour meaning that only .5% of his time in Trails was engaging with a mental health staff person.” Despite John Doe being a legal adult, he was prevented from leaving the program, which included threats from staff “that he would be forced back or even arrested if he attempted to leave.” As of 3/31/2026, the case is currently pending arbitration proceedings. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f6b390e0674315a2fc101e6/t/67165acd5f76d510325cc484/1729518285994/10.11.24+Complaint_Filed_Trails.pdf https://www.justicelawcollaborative.com/newsandupdates/press-release-justice-law-collaborative-files-lawsuit-against-trails-carolina 10/11/2024: Case No. 1:24-cv-00254 Jane Doe and June Doe, parents of plaintiff John Doe, filed a class action complaint against Trails Carolina and Family Help & Wellness. They are seeking refunds of tuition for themselves and Class members, as well as asking the court to award additional funds for damages, including deceptive and unfair practices, negligent misrepresentation, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Although the total price of the financial damages was not listed, the complaint states that Jane Doe and June Doe paid $24,570 for the first 42 days of Trails Momentum. As of 2/3/2026, legal proceedings are still ongoing. 6/20/2025: Case No. 1:25-cv-00187 Plaintiff R.B. filed a complaint against Asheville Academy, Trails Carolina, and FH&W, claiming gross negligence, forced labor trafficking, and deceptive business practices. The complaint details R. B.’s abuse, neglect, and forced labor while enrolled at Trails Carolina and Asheville Academy. R.B. was 14 when she was brought to Trails in 2016. In the 77 days she was held here, she lost approximately 70 pounds. The complaint provides background into FH&W’s complex collection of organizations and individuals, describing the Defendants’ as “a web of interconnected entities and investment entities that operated these facilities as profit centers while systematically failing to protect the children in their care.” 12/31/2025: Case 1:2025cv00457 Plaintiffs C.C., V.M., L.R. and K.G. filed a lawsuit against FH&W, Asheville Academy, and Trails Carolina with claims of forced labor trafficking, negligence, deceptive practices, and civil conspiracy. The complaint claims the actions arise out of the “systematic abuse, neglect, exploitation and forced labor of the Plaintiffs at a corporate-controlled residential facility that had promised to provide the vulnerable minors with therapeutic treatment.” The lawsuit details a pattern of systematic abuse, coercion, punishment, threats and forced labor at both Solstice East and Trails Carolina. Plaintiffs were subjected to forced labor, physical restraints, food restriction, punitive isolation, and attack therapy.

External links

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

• trailscarolina.com (archived copy) live site

Government records

• cdc.gov: water treatment hiking camping

Survivor posts and discussion

• statement

Staff listing or directory

• Alec Sanford Lansing (1997-2014), Find a Grave

Reference and research

• unsilenced.org: the industry
• Jack (Yelp)

Archived pages

• Tim Dupell, Trails Partner, Discusses History

From SCIAD NET.

Other links

• trailsmomentum.com: faq
• trailsmomentum.com: daily life
• trailsmomentum.com: campus
• famhelp.com: trails momentum
• trailsmomentum.com: grow
• famhelp.com: owners (archived copy) live site
• famhelp.com: wilderness therapy
• trailsmomentum.com: therapeutic programs young adults
• 'Trails Carolina: “Ugly Truth” Behind The Fancy Walls' (archived copy) live site