⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Humiliating Punishments⚠️ Forced Labor⚠️ Child Death
Wilderness TherapyForced LaborNorth CarolinaTrails CarolinaSolstice East
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.
A Sapulpa native, John Moody, shares his story of experiencing physical abuse and trauma at Bethel Boys Academy in Mississippi. Moody is now advocating for increased regulation of behavioral boarding schools. The academy has since shut down, but many states still lack oversight of these types of facilities.
A state watchdog report found unsanitary and unhygienic living conditions in Maryland's youth detention centers, including rodent infestations and medical neglect. The report documented chronic staffing shortages and allegations of verbal abuse and unnecessary physical restraints. The Department of Juvenile Services has taken steps to address the issues, but some lawmakers are calling for further action.
Facilities:Maryland youth detention centers, Baltimore City facilities
Key Figures:Betsy Fox-Tolentino, Del. Lauren Arikan, Gov. Wes Moore
Juvenile JusticeEscapeMaineLong Creek Youth Development Center
Following the escape of four juveniles from the Long Creek Youth Development Center, the Maine Department of Corrections has reinforced windows and strengthened security inspections. The escapes occurred in July and August, with the juveniles fleeing through a window and a gymnasium door. The Department of Corrections states that the escapes are unrelated to staffing levels or a recent increase in the number of youth at the facility.
Juvenile JusticeEscapeMaineLong Creek Youth Development Center
The Maine Department of Corrections has shared details about two separate incidents in which four teenagers escaped from the Long Creek Youth Development Center in the summer of 2025. One teenager escaped using an item in their cell, while three others escaped through an open door in the facility's gymnasium. The DOC has made security improvements following the incidents.
A mother is seeking a retrial for claims of emotional abuse at a boarding school. The article reports on the mother's pursuit of justice, focusing on the allegations of emotional abuse. The case is currently in the process of being retried.
Wilderness TherapyNorth CarolinaTrails CarolinaSolstice EastAsheville Academy For Girls
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.
Facilities:Trails Carolina, Solstice East, Asheville Academy for Girls
Joe Duhownik •
Courthouse News Service •
Jan 5, 2026
⚠️ Emotional Abuse⚠️ Humiliating Punishments
ArizonaSpring Ridge Academy
A mother, Kimberly Sweidy, is seeking a retrial for her claims of emotional abuse against a boarding school, Spring Ridge Academy, where her daughter was enrolled. The school was previously ordered to pay $2.5 million in damages for fraud. The mother alleges that her daughter was subjected to extreme emotional and psychological abuse, including ritualized shaming and coercive exercises. The case is currently being considered by a Ninth Circuit panel.
Juvenile JusticeMarylandBaltimore City Juvenile Justice Center
An independent watchdog report documented unsanitary and unhygienic conditions at the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, including a rodent infestation and inadequate medical care. The report also noted chronic staffing shortages and unprofessional behavior by some staff members. The facility houses approximately 82 children, with about half facing adult criminal charges.
A 16-year-old girl in state care died by suicide due to contractor negligence, according to a Maryland Department of Human Services report. The girl had a history of mental health challenges and previous suicide attempts. The contractor, Fenwick Behavioral Services, was hired to provide one-on-one hourly supervision but assigned a single caretaker to work a 53-hour shift without notifying the relevant authorities.
⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Child-on-Child CSA⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Sexual Assault
IllinoisHartgrove Behavioral Health HospitalPavilion HospitalCumberland HospitalUniversal Health Services
Former patients have filed lawsuits against Universal Health Services Inc., alleging physical, sexual, and psychological abuse at youth residential treatment centers in Illinois. The allegations include sexual assault by staff members and other patients. The company has consistently denied wrongdoing despite multiple lawsuits and large damage awards.
Facilities:Hartgrove Behavioral Health Hospital, Pavilion hospital, Cumberland Hospital, Universal Health Services
Former students of Hyde School in Bath, Maine, have come forward with allegations of abuse, including physical labor and humiliating punishments, which they say have had long-lasting effects on their lives. The school has denied these allegations, citing a different time period and practices. A federal lawsuit has been filed, seeking class action status to represent those who experienced forced labor at the school.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Joseph Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Laura Denton Gauld, Laurie Gauld Hurd, Don MacMillan, Gigi Gauld MacMillan
Former students of Hyde School in Bath, Maine, have come forward with allegations of abuse, including physical labor and humiliating punishments, which they say have had long-lasting negative impacts on their lives. The allegations have been denied by the school. A federal lawsuit has been filed against the school, seeking class action status to represent anyone who experienced forced labor at the school since 2015.
Susan Szuch •
Springfield News-Leader •
Dec 23, 2025
⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Emotional Abuse
SettlementAgape Boarding SchoolMissouri
A former student of Agape Boarding School reached a settlement with Cedar County and its law enforcement regarding allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at the school. The settlement is not an admission of liability. The former student, Joshua Bradney, hopes the settlement will encourage other former students to come forward.
Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, attended a wilderness therapy program in Utah as a teenager. Former attendees have described harsh living conditions and emotional mistreatment at the program. Nick Reiner has spoken about the negative impact the program had on his life, including introducing him to heroin. His parents have expressed regret over their decision to send him to the program.
Youth in the Oregon juvenile justice system filed 956 complaints this year, the highest number since 2019. The complaints range from reports of abuse to concerns about facility conditions. Officials have been encouraging youth to report incidents and have worked to investigate and address the complaints.
A family has filed a lawsuit against the Florida Youth Challenge Academy, alleging the organization failed to provide proper mental health care and supervision, leading to their daughter's death. The lawsuit claims the academy was aware of the teen's mental health challenges and propensity for self-harm but failed to implement required safety protocols. The family seeks answers and hopes to ensure no other family experiences a similar tragedy.
A federal lawsuit against Hyde School in Bath, Maine, is at risk due to attorney errors. The lawsuit, filed by Jessica Fuller, alleges that she and other former students were subjected to abuse, neglect, and forced labor. The errors, which include inaccurate and unsupported legal citations, may impact the case's progress.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Kelly Guagenty, John Steed, Martha Gaythwaite, Sarah Grossnickle, Laura Denton Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Laurie Gauld Hurd, Malcolm Gauld, Gigi Gauld MacMillan, Don MacMillan
Group HomeDisruptionDevelopmental DisabilitiesUtahCrimson Heights
A group home for teens with developmental and behavioral issues in Spanish Fork, Utah, has been the source of frequent police visits and disruptions to the neighborhood. The home, operated by Crimson Heights, has been the subject of complaints from neighbors. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has licensed the facility, but the city has urged the home to obtain a business license, which it has not done.
A St. George treatment center, Crimson Heights, is unable to accept new patients after an employee injured a client. The incident occurred on August 3, when a staff member engaged in conduct that caused physical harm to a client, resulting in multiple lacerations and a fractured elbow. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has issued a Notice of Agency Action, requiring the facility to implement staff behavioral management training and increase inspections.
A teen treatment facility in St. George, Utah, was cited by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services after a staff member physically restrained a client, resulting in injuries that required surgery. The facility, Crimson Heights, has been prohibited from admitting new patients and must retrain staff on de-escalation and restraint protocols. The incident is under investigation and the facility has stated its commitment to transparency and collaboration with the state.
Sebastian Murdock and Taiyler Mitchell •
HuffPost •
Oct 10, 2025
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Humiliating Punishments⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Self-harm⚠️ Suicide
Wilderness TherapyArizonaSpring Ridge AcademyBlue Ridge Wilderness TherapyProvo Canyon School
Former students of Spring Ridge Academy have come forward with allegations of abuse and trauma, including physical restraint, psychological games, and humiliating punishments. The facility's founder, Jeannie Courtney, denies the allegations, but court records and police reports suggest a pattern of mistreatment. Many former students have struggled with long-term effects, including addiction and survivor's guilt.
Facilities:Spring Ridge Academy, Blue Ridge Wilderness Therapy, Provo Canyon School
Key Figures:Jeannie Courtney, Brandon Courtney, Suzanne Courtney
A lawsuit has been filed against Hyde School, alleging forced labor and abuse. The school has denied the claims and is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit. The plaintiff, Jessica Fuller, attended the school in 2014 and 2015 and alleges she was physically restrained and forced to do manual labor as punishment.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Dana McAvity, Malcolm Gauld, Laura Denton Gauld, Don MacMillan, Gigi Gauld MacMillan, Laurie Gauld Hurd
An investigation into the use of psychotropic medications in foster care reveals inconsistent enforcement of federal requirements to monitor prescriptions. Some states have made efforts to oversee and reduce the use of these medications, while others have not. The issue affects the well-being and safety of foster youth.
A former student of Hyde School shares their negative experience at the school, stating that they were subjected to extreme situations that caused psychological and physical distress. The student expresses gratitude towards other survivors who have come forward to share their stories. The school's tactics and punishment methods are described as cruel and traumatic.
Peter D. St. Phillip Jr. •
Central Maine •
Jul 21, 2025
⚠️ Forced Labor
Hyde SchoolEducationMaine
A parent of a current Hyde School student wrote a letter to the editor expressing concern over the school's coverage in a recent lawsuit. The parent argues that the school's approach to character development and ethics is more meaningful than other schools. The letter defends the school's practices, stating that requiring students to perform light chores is not equivalent to forced labor trafficking.
A letter to the editor discusses the author's positive experience with Hyde School, which their son attended in the 1990s. The author contrasts their experience with recent lawsuits filed by former students who allege they suffered from various issues, including sexual abuse and depression. The author defends Hyde School's philosophy and character education program.
Former students of Hyde School have come forward with allegations of mistreatment, including physical and emotional abuse, at the private school in Bath, Maine. The allegations include a discipline system of forced labor and shame-based group therapy. Some former students and parents have defended the school, stating that it provided a positive and transformative experience.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Joseph Gauld, Laura Denton Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Martha Gaythwaite
Former students of Hyde School in Bath, Maine, have alleged emotional and physical mistreatment, including forced labor and neglect, which had lasting negative effects on their mental health. The school denies the claims, calling them 'patently false.' A federal lawsuit has been filed against the school and its leaders, alleging human trafficking, forced labor, and negligence.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Joseph Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Laura Denton Gauld, Dana McAvity
The 'troubled teen industry' in Arizona has been criticized for its lack of accountability, with some facilities using methods such as 'attack therapy' that can be harmful to the teenagers in their care. Survivors have reported experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other long-term effects after attending these programs. There have been legal issues with some of these companies, including a recent $2.5 million judgment against Spring Ridge Academy.
Former students of Spring Ridge Academy have alleged harsh treatment at the boarding school. The allegations are based on journal entries from the students, which describe their experiences. A lawsuit has been filed related to the allegations.
A federal jury found Spring Ridge Academy liable for multiple counts of fraud, ordering the school to pay over $2.5 million in punitive damages. Former students described a regimen of coercion, isolation, and abuse at the school. The lawsuit alleged that the school deceptively marketed itself as a therapeutic boarding school but instead subjected students to cultish rituals without adequate oversight.
Spring Ridge Academy, a facility for troubled teens in Arizona, has been ordered to pay $2.5 million in a lawsuit claiming fraud. The facility, which closed in 2023, used outdated therapies and procedures born out of a cult from the 1950s. Survivors of the facility report experiencing physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to participate in humiliating group therapy sessions.
Riley Board •
The Portland Press Herald •
Jan 16, 2013
Private SchoolAdministrationLeadershipMaineHyde School
Don MacMillan, the headmaster of Hyde School, has announced his decision to step down from his position at the end of the school year. Laura Gauld, a Hyde graduate and current executive director of Hyde's boarding schools, will take over as head of school. MacMillan has spent nearly 30 years at Hyde School, including the past five as headmaster.
