Annmarie Timmins •
New Hampshire Public Radio •
May 26, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Seclusion
Juvenile JusticeNew HampshireSununu Youth Services Center
An investigation by the Legislature's Oversight Commission on Children’s Services found that the state's lack of oversight, leadership, and staff training has failed children and staff at the Sununu Youth Services Center. The report cited shortcomings in the facility's therapeutic approach and staff training, as well as a lack of transparency and oversight. The investigation was prompted by allegations of illegal restraints and seclusions, and a lockdown at the center.
Laura A. Bischoff •
The Columbus Dispatch •
May 13, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Abuse⚠️ Neglect⚠️ Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
Juvenile JusticeOhioMohican Young Star Academy
A report by Disability Rights Ohio found systemic abuse and neglect in Ohio's youth residential treatment facilities, including the use of chokeholds and punches. The report recommends reforms to address these issues. The facilities in question provide intensive behavioral health care to vulnerable children.
Wilderness TherapyNorth CarolinaAsheville AcademySolstice EastMagnolia Mill SchoolFamily Help & WellnessWilderness Training & Consulting
Asheville Academy, a residential treatment center in North Carolina, closed suddenly after two student deaths, leaving families who had sent their children there for treatment scrambling to find alternative care. The facility had a history of allegations of abusive practices, including physical restraint and seclusion. Former students have filed lawsuits alleging abuse and misconduct at the program.
Facilities:Asheville Academy, Solstice East, Magnolia Mill School, Family Help & Wellness, Wilderness Training & Consulting
Akiya Dillon •
Las Vegas Review-Journal •
May 11, 2026
⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual MisconductNevadaSpring MountainUniversal Health Services
A lawsuit has been filed against Universal Health Services, alleging that a 16-year-old patient was sexually abused by a staff member at the Spring Mountain facility in 2004. The lawsuit claims that the company knowingly enabled and tolerated a culture of abuse and exploitation within its facilities. The plaintiff, identified as F.D., alleges that she was repeatedly assaulted by a staff member and was threatened with disruption of her treatment schedule if she reported the abuse.
Facilities:Spring Mountain, Universal Health Services
Andrew Kennard •
Wisconsin Examiner •
May 11, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
Juvenile JusticeWisconsinJonathan Delagrave Youth Development And Care Center
A lawsuit has been filed against Racine County and two staff members at the Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center, alleging excessive force was used against a teen with emotional and psychological disabilities. The incident occurred on May 27, 2025, and the teen was struck repeatedly by staff. The county has implemented changes since the incident, including additional training on de-escalation and trauma-informed care.
Facilities:Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center
Annmarie Timmins •
New Hampshire Public Radio •
May 10, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse
Juvenile JusticeNew HampshireSununu Youth Services Center
Former residents of New Hampshire's state-run youth detention center are speaking out about their experiences with abuse and neglect. An investigation is currently underway into recent allegations of abuse and neglect at the facility. The investigation was prompted by reports of a child suffering a broken bone during an illegal restraint and not receiving proper medical care.
Agape Boarding SchoolKidnappingMissouriCircle Of Hope Girls Ranch
A California mother was sentenced to three years in federal prison for arranging the transportation of her 16-year-old son to Agape Boarding School in Missouri, despite a protection order. The son was taken from California and held at the facility. Agape Boarding School has since closed down amid reports of abuse and concerns about employee background checks.
Facilities:Agape Boarding School, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Suicide⚠️ Death by suicide
Documentary
The documentary 'The Kids Are Not Alright' explores the experiences of survivors of the troubled teen industry, including wilderness programs and other facilities that promised therapeutic help but instead inflicted physical and emotional abuse. The film follows the stories of several survivors, including Liz Ianelli and Cadilina 'Cady' Deville, as they seek justice and recovery. The documentary also examines the case of Erica Harvey, who died in a wilderness program.
Riley Board •
The Portland Press Herald •
May 7, 2026
⚠️ Abuse⚠️ Neglect
MaineHyde School
A lawsuit against Hyde School alleging abuse and neglect is ongoing, despite the attorney for the former student being sanctioned for using artificial intelligence to generate inaccurate legal citations. The attorney has accepted responsibility and will continue to work on the case. The lawsuit claims the school violated human trafficking, forced labor, and negligence laws.
Foster CareWhistleblowerMarylandSilver Oak Academy
A former Silver Oak Academy worker has come forward alleging a culture of fear and violence at the facility. The worker reported that physical altercations and property destruction were common occurrences. An 18-year-old former resident also shared his experience, describing the facility as a 'hellhole' where he was subjected to a 'bad altercation'.
The Michigan House of Representatives voted to restrict certain practices in the 'troubled teen industry', including the use of physical restraints and blindfolding during transport to residential treatment programs. The legislation aims to protect children from inhumane treatment. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
The Michigan House has voted to restrict the 'troubled teen' industry. The legislation aims to regulate facilities that provide treatment and care for teenagers with behavioral or emotional issues. The move is intended to protect the welfare and safety of the teenagers in these facilities.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed a national system of 'wellness farms' to treat addiction, citing San Patrignano in Italy as a model. Critics argue that the approach, which rejects the use of scientifically-proven medications, is dangerous and could lead to more fatalities. San Patrignano's leaders have expressed confusion and frustration over Kennedy's interest in their program, which has been marred by past scandals and controversies.
⚠️ Confinement⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Seclusion⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Suicide⚠️ Humiliating Punishments⚠️ Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
AdoptionUinta AcademyFamily Help & WellnessTrails CarolinaAsheville Academy For GirlsAspen Education GroupElevations RTCSolstice EastMagnolia Mill SchoolCALO ProgramsThree Points CenterDiscovery Ranch
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.
Facilities:Uinta Academy, Family Help & Wellness, Trails Carolina, Asheville Academy for Girls, Aspen Education Group, Elevations RTC, Solstice East, Magnolia Mill School, CALO Programs, Three Points Center, Discovery Ranch
Lucas Brady Woods •
Sentinel Colorado •
Apr 28, 2026
⚠️ Conversion Therapy
Conversion TherapyLegislationColorado
Colorado lawmakers are proposing a new bill to outlaw conversion therapy, despite a recent US Supreme Court ruling that sided with a Christian counselor who argued the current ban violates her free speech rights. The proposed bill would consider conversion therapy as harmful professional conduct and allow victims to sue their mental health providers for damages. The bill aims to protect LGBTQ individuals from the harmful practice, which has been discredited by major medical organizations.
Child Sexual AbuseNorthern IrelandKincora Boys' Home
A man who was physically and sexually abused as a teenager at the Kincora Boys' Home in Belfast has settled his claim for damages. The plaintiff alleged that the authorities failed to properly investigate or prevent the abuse, which was perpetrated by the home's housemaster, William McGrath. The settlement provides a significant six-figure sum to the plaintiff, who has endured a lifetime of trauma as a result of the abuse.
John Paul Barajas, Matthew Craig, Andrea K. Moreno, Katrina Webber •
KSAT •
Apr 27, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint
MedicaidTexasLaurel Ridge Treatment Center
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center is laying off nearly 650 employees due to being cut off from Medicaid and Medicare payments over safety violations. The facility has previously been reported to have staffing shortages and unsecured items that could be used for self-injury. The layoffs will be effective June 26.
Youth ServicesSexual MisconductArrestColoradoGrand Mesa Youth Services Center
A parole officer at the Grand Mesa Youth Services Center was arrested and charged with sex crimes against an 18-year-old parolee. The investigation began in December 2025 and was reopened in March 2026 after new allegations surfaced. The officer, Nycole Power, turned herself in and faces multiple charges, including illegal sexual conduct by an officer and harassment.
Juvenile JusticeChild DeathCaliforniaBarry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment FacilityLos Padrinos Juvenile HallCentral Juvenile Hall
A settlement of $2.5 million has been recommended in the death of 18-year-old Bryan Diaz, who died from a fentanyl overdose at the Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility. The facility was found to have critical staffing issues and inadequate supervision, which contributed to Diaz's death. The county has since taken steps to improve security and train staff on the use of Narcan.
Facilities:Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Central Juvenile Hall
Department Of Child ServicesIndianaRefuge Girls AcademyCentral Indiana Teen Challenge
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.
Facilities:Refuge Girls Academy, Central Indiana Teen Challenge
MedicareMedicaidSafety ViolationsTexasLaurel Ridge Treatment Center
The Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio is facing the termination of its Medicare and Medicaid agreements following federal and state investigations into repeated safety violations. Reports highlighted serious concerns regarding patient well-being, including staffing shortages, inadequate check-in times, and the presence of unsecured items that could lead to self-harm. While federal funding for new admissions is set to end on April 30, 2026, the facility remains open and operational, with leadership stating they are working to address compliance issues and ensure that current patients continue to receive uninterrupted care. State officials are also assisting in finding alternative placements for those impacted to ensure their safety and continued support during this transition.
Unknown Author •
The Salt Lake Tribune •
Apr 16, 2026
⚠️ Abuse
Residential Treatment CentersOversightUtah
The author, a survivor of a Utah residential treatment center, is demanding change in the troubled teen industry due to inconsistent oversight that can lead to exploitation. The author's experience in a residential treatment center was traumatic. Some facilities provide legitimate care, but it is difficult for families to distinguish between trauma-informed treatment and exploitation.
The Michigan House Families and Veterans Committee has advanced legislation to protect children from abusive practices within residential childcare programs. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cam Cavitt, aims to bar transportation companies from using restraints, such as blindfolds and handcuffs, while transporting youths to residential programs. The legislation also seeks to prohibit nighttime pickups between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Charles E. Ramirez •
The Detroit News •
Apr 14, 2026
⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Emotional Abuse
Vista MariaMichigan
Six former patients of Vista Maria, a residential treatment facility in Dearborn Heights, have filed a lawsuit alleging they were subjected to sexual and physical abuse during their stays.
Forced LaborIndianaThe Refuge Girls AcademyCentral Indiana Teen Challenge
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.
Facilities:The Refuge Girls Academy, Central Indiana Teen Challenge
Faith-based ProgramIndianaCentral Indiana Teen ChallengeThe Refuge Girls Academy
A woman has filed a lawsuit against a faith-based program for teens in Lebanon, Indiana, alleging systemic abuse, neglect, and exploitation during her time at the facility from 2011 to 2014. The lawsuit claims that staff forced residents to eat moldy food, limited their communication with family, and subjected them to humiliating punishments. The woman is one of nine plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court.
Facilities:Central Indiana Teen Challenge, The Refuge Girls Academy
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Humiliating Punishments
Vista MariaMichigan
Six former residents of Vista Maria, a nonprofit facility in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, have filed a lawsuit alleging years of psychological and physical abuse, including sexual assault and neglect. The lawsuit claims that the facility's staff failed to provide a safe environment and instead subjected residents to humiliating punishments, restraints, and abuse. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and assert multiple counts, including assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and gross negligence.
Facilities:Vista Maria
Key Figures:Kathy Regan, Moose Scheib, Kamal Abou Darwiche, Ahmed Haidar
Forced LaborFaith-based ProgramIndianaCentral Indiana Teen ChallengeThe Refuge Girls Academy
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.
Facilities:Central Indiana Teen Challenge, The Refuge Girls Academy
Maura Johnson •
Inside INdiana Business •
Apr 9, 2026
⚠️ Abuse⚠️ Isolation
IndianaTeen ChallengeThe Refuge Girls Academy
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.
Facilities:Teen Challenge, The Refuge Girls Academy
Juvenile JusticeSouth AustraliaMagill Training CentreCavan Youth Training Centre
A class action has been filed in the South Australian Supreme Court on behalf of survivors of alleged abuse in South Australian youth detention centres. The alleged abuse occurred over several decades and included physical and sexual violence. The claim centres on alleged abuse at the Magill and Cavan youth training centres between 1970 and December 2015.
Facilities:Magill Training Centre, Cavan Youth Training Centre
Devin Thomas O'Shea and Samir Knox •
Missouri Independent •
Apr 8, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Humiliating Punishments⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Forced Labor
TraffickingSouthwest MissouriWings Of Faith AcademyAgape Boarding SchoolRefuge Of Grace
A lawsuit has been filed against the operators of a now-shuttered Missouri boarding school, alleging trafficking, abuse, and coerced labor of a former student. The lawsuit claims the operators isolated the student from her family, moved her across state lines and into Mexico, and used coercion and punishment to obtain her labor. The allegations are part of a larger pattern of abuse and neglect at the facility.
Facilities:Wings of Faith Academy, Agape Boarding School, Refuge of Grace
Devin Thomas O'Shea and Samir Knox •
Missouri Independent •
Apr 8, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Humiliating Punishments⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Forced Labor
TraffickingSouthwest MissouriWings Of Faith AcademyAgape Boarding SchoolRefuge Of Grace
A lawsuit has been filed against the operators of a now-shuttered Missouri boarding school, alleging trafficking, abuse, and coerced labor of a former student. The lawsuit claims the operators isolated the student from her family, moved her across state lines and into Mexico, and used coercion and punishment to obtain her labor. The allegations are part of a larger pattern of abuse and neglect at the facility.
Facilities:Wings of Faith Academy, Agape Boarding School, Refuge of Grace
⚠️ Physical Abuse⚠️ Emotional Abuse⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse
CanadaRobert Land Academy
An investigation is underway into allegations of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at Robert Land Academy, a military-style boarding school. Former students have expressed hope and skepticism about the investigation. The academy is under scrutiny for its actions and policies.
Alex Viveros •
Jackson Hole News and Guide •
Apr 1, 2026
Wilderness TherapyWyomingRed Top Meadows
Red Top Meadows, a residential treatment program for adolescent boys, is temporarily suspending its wilderness program due to concerns about staff experience and risk management. The program will be rebuilt over the next eight months, with a focus on training staff and hiring a new wilderness therapist.
Two staff members at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in Red Hook, New York, have been charged in connection with an alleged incident of abuse involving a 16-year-old resident. The incident, which occurred on March 6, was not reported to authorities. An internal audit of classroom video footage revealed the alleged abuse, which included physical force and falsification of records.
The US Supreme Court struck down a Colorado law banning conversion therapy for minors, citing free speech protections. Utah also bans conversion therapy, but supporters believe the law is likely to survive due to its unique approach. Utah's law allows neutral speech and bans harmful conversion practices, and it includes explicit prohibitions on aversive treatments.
Conversion TherapyLgbtq RightsMichiganCatholic Charities Of Jackson, Lenawee And Hillsdale Counties
A US Supreme Court ruling has raised questions about the validity of Michigan's 2023 ban on conversion therapy for minors. The ruling, which sided with a Christian licensed counselor, found that Colorado's conversion therapy ban censored speech based on viewpoint. Michigan's ban, which was enjoined by a federal appellate panel in December, may be affected by the Supreme Court's decision. The state's attorney general and governor have expressed disappointment with the ruling, citing concerns about the harm caused by conversion therapy to LGBTQ youth.
Facilities:Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties
Key Figures:Kaley Chiles, Emily McJones, Luke Goodrich
Peel Regional Police are investigating allegations of historical child abuse at Robert Land Academy, a former private military-style boarding school for boys. The school, which operated from 1978 to 2025, has been accused of fostering a culture of physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Survivors have come forward to share their experiences, including allegations of physical punishment and isolation.
Senator Will Barfoot, Representative Joe Lovvorn, and Paris Hilton •
Alabama Daily News •
Mar 30, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Child Death⚠️ Suicide
LegislationAlabamaSequel Youth And Family ServicesCamp Sayla
Alabama lawmakers and Paris Hilton are pushing for child safety reform after reports of abuse and neglect in residential facilities. The proposed reform aims to close oversight gaps and strengthen transparency and reporting. Several incidents of staff violence and abuse have been documented in facilities operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services and Camp SAYLA.
Facilities:Sequel Youth and Family Services, Camp SAYLA
Sara Gentzler •
Flatwater Free Press •
Mar 24, 2026
⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse
NebraskaYouth Rehabilitation And Treatment Center
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services fired the top administrator at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney. The facility has been under scrutiny due to allegations of sexual abuse by staff members. An internal investigation and an independent investigation by the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare are ongoing.
Facilities:Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center
Key Figures:Cindy Krolikowski, Mark LaBouchardiere, Rich Williams
Juvenile JusticeColoradoDivision Of Youth ServicesPueblo Youth Services Center
A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the Colorado Department of Human Services, alleging that children are being kept in juvenile detention facilities beyond their court-ordered release dates. The lawsuit claims that the facilities are 'dangerous and harmful' and that the state is failing to provide community-based services to youth offenders. The mothers of two children currently in detention are speaking out about the conditions and the impact on their children.
Facilities:Division of Youth Services, Pueblo Youth Services Center
A California bill, known as the Hug Act, aims to allow youth in detention to engage in nonsexual physical contact with visitors. The bill's supporters argue that physical touch with loved ones is vital for rehabilitation and can lead to better mental health and reduced violent behavior. The Los Angeles County Probation Department has expressed concerns about the potential for contraband to enter facilities through physical contact.
Facilities:Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, Campus Kilpatrick
Key Figures:Guillermo Viera Rosa, Isaac Bryan, Janice Hahn
InternationalIndiaKarnatakaEkalavya Model Residential School
An investigation is underway after students at a residential school in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, alleged they were locked in an underground room and physically assaulted by school authorities. The incident reportedly occurred after the students were found playing, which allegedly angered the school administration. The students were rescued by police and taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.
A proposed bill in Kansas could undo recent juvenile justice reforms by implementing a 'two strikes' law, which would automatically detain minors after two intake incidents within a year. This legislation has raised concerns among state officials and advocates, who argue that it would lead to increased detention costs and worsen outcomes for youths. The bill's opponents argue that it would undermine the progress made in reducing juvenile crime and incarceration rates in Kansas.
Juvenile JusticeTeen DeathGeorgiaDalton Regional Youth Detention Center
A judge dismissed criminal charges against 5 people tied to the death of 16-year-old Alexis Sluder, who died after ingesting toxic substances while in custody at the Dalton Regional Youth Detention Center. The family's attorneys plan to continue pursuing accountability in civil court. The case has raised questions about how staff responded during a medical emergency.
Facilities:Dalton Regional Youth Detention Center
Key Figures:Sam Horton, David McNeil, Harold Boone
Alison Langley •
Niagara Falls Review •
Mar 19, 2026
⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse
InternationalCanadaOntarioRobert Land Academy
A former teacher at Robert Land Academy has pleaded guilty to sex-related charges involving minors. The charges do not relate to former students of the academy. The teacher was employed as a physical education teacher and coached varsity teams at the all-boys boarding school.
Juvenile JusticeColoradoGilliam Youth Services CenterGrand Mesa Youth Services CenterMarvin W. Foote Youth Services CenterRocky Mountain Youth Services CenterPlatte Valley Youth Services CenterPueblo Youth Services CenterPrairie Vista Youth Services CenterZebulon Pike Youth Services Center
A federal class-action lawsuit alleges that Colorado state officials are holding hundreds of children in juvenile detention for longer than legally allowed, despite judges deeming them releasable. The lawsuit claims that this practice harms children physically, socially, and psychologically. The plaintiffs, including two minors with disabilities, are seeking an end to this practice and the provision of community-based services instead of detention.
Facilities:Gilliam Youth Services Center, Grand Mesa Youth Services Center, Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center, Rocky Mountain Youth Services Center, Platte Valley Youth Services Center, Pueblo Youth Services Center, Prairie Vista Youth Services Center, Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center
AdoptionInternationalHaitiYouth Of Vision School Academy (yova)
Joie Laughlin, a 21-year-old Haitian adoptee with disabilities, has returned to the United States after being sent to Haiti and left stranded for months. She alleges years of abuse in the U.S. and at a Jamaican boarding school. Joie is now seeking freedom and stability, and her attorney plans to sue the boarding school and her adoptive parents for labor trafficking and failing to support a disabled adult.
AdoptionInternationalHaitiYouth Of Vision School Academy (yova)
Joie Laughlin, a 21-year-old Haitian adoptee with disabilities, has returned to the United States after being sent to Haiti and left stranded for months. She alleges years of abuse in the U.S. and at a Jamaican boarding school. Joie is now seeking freedom and stability, and her attorney plans to sue the boarding school and her adoptive parents for labor trafficking and failing to support a disabled adult.
Alexandria Bournonville •
My UP News •
Mar 18, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse
TransportLegislationMichiganHigh Impact
A Michigan bill aims to prevent the use of restraints during the transportation of minors to residential treatment programs. The bill was supported by Paris Hilton, who shared her own experience of being taken from her home in the middle of the night and restrained. Other survivors also testified about their experiences, including Elizabeth Bennett-Faucett, who described being transported to a facility in Mexico against her will.
