Survivor StoriesDocumentaryLegislationCelebrityOversightUtahProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton discusses her experiences as a teenager at Provo Canyon School, where she alleges she was subjected to seclusion and abuse. She has since engaged in advocacy work, supporting legislative efforts such as the Accountability for Congregate Care Act and collaborating with the organization Breaking Code Silence to address institutional practices in congregate care facilities.
Private SchoolsSurvivor StoriesDocumentaryCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
In an episode of her Peacock series 'Paris in Love,' public figure Paris Hilton discussed her experiences attending Provo Canyon School in Utah in 1996. Hilton stated that she experienced psychological and physical abuse while enrolled at the youth residential treatment center and that discussing these past events continues to be traumatic.
Physical RestraintSeclusionFood RestrictionInvoluntary Transport
Survivor StoriesTransportLegislationDocumentaryCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton and other former program participants discuss their experiences at Provo Canyon School in a podcast series examining congregate-care facilities. Hilton has publicly alleged experiencing physical and psychological harm at the facility and is advocating for federal legislation to establish a bill of rights for youth in residential facilities.
Gregory J. Holman •
Springfield News-Leader •
Jan 13, 2022
Child Sexual AbuseSexual MisconductPhysical Restraint
Faith-Based ProgramsSexual MisconductArrestTrialOversightMissouriAgape Baptist AcademyAgape Boarding SchoolStockton Lake Walk-In Clinic
Dr. David Smock, the physician associated with Agape Boarding School, pleaded not guilty to three felony sexual misconduct charges in Greene County, Missouri, while additional felony charges remain pending in Cedar County. A preliminary hearing was scheduled, and the court is considering bond conditions amid disputes over evidence handling and attorney‑client privilege.
Facilities:Agape Baptist Academy, Agape Boarding School, Stockton Lake Walk-In Clinic
Key Figures:Dr. David Smock, Stacie Bilyeu, Craig Heidemann, Megan Vincent, Ron Carrier, Ty Gaither, Eric Schmitt, Brandi L. McInroy, Scott Dumar
SettlementStaff MisconductDeathFoster CareJuvenile JusticeMichiganLakeside AcademySequel Youth & Family Services
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.
Facilities:Lakeside Academy, Sequel Youth & Family Services
Faith-Based ProgramsStaff MisconductSexual MisconductArrestArkansasAgape Baptist AcademyAgape Boarding School
Dr. David E. Smock, the physician at Agape Boarding School, was arrested in Harrison, Arkansas after Missouri authorities issued warrants charging him with multiple felony sexual offenses involving minors. He is being held in Boone County jail pending bond hearings and further court proceedings.
Facilities:Agape Baptist Academy, Agape Boarding School
Physical RestraintChemical RestraintChild Sexual AbuseChild-on-Child CSAPeer ViolenceChild Death
Foster CareGroup HomeSettlementClosureStaff MisconductNew MexicoBernalillo AcademySequel Youth & Family ServicesLakeside AcademyNormative Services Academy
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.
Facilities:Bernalillo Academy, Sequel Youth & Family Services, Lakeside Academy, Normative Services Academy
Foster CareGroup HomeChild Protective ServicesOversightCelebrityProvo Canyon SchoolHays HousePatriot CenterIdaho Youth RanchIdaho Department of Health and Welfare
Logan, a 12‑year‑old placed in Idaho foster care, was moved among several group homes and treatment facilities where he reported physical assaults, isolation, and restraint. His aunt Trisha Leon sought assistance from advocacy groups and public figures, including Paris Hilton, to address the alleged abuse and ultimately secure his return to his mother.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Hays House, Patriot Center, Idaho Youth Ranch, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Key Figures:Paris Hilton, Caroline Cole, Guy Stephens, Patrick Dowd, Niki Forbing-Orr
Survivor StoriesDocumentaryCelebrityStaff MisconductPrivate SchoolsProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton disclosed that she experienced physical and emotional abuse while attending Provo Canyon School, describing continuous torture, bullying, and the use of violent restraints. She reported that her mother changes the subject when the topic is raised, and other former students have corroborated claims of physical, chemical, and seclusion practices at the facility.
Survivor StoriesLegislationStaff MisconductDocumentaryCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton discussed her experiences and allegations of physical, verbal, and psychological mistreatment during her adolescence at a Utah residential facility. She noted that her family has been hesitant to engage in discussions regarding the events, which she detailed in a documentary and during legislative testimony.
Lynne Terry •
Oregon Capital Chronicle •
Nov 3, 2021
Sexual Misconduct
Juvenile JusticeStaff MisconductSafety ViolationsOregonOak Creek Correctional FacilityOregon Youth Authority
Kelly Carpenter, a former part‑time cook at Oak Creek Correctional Facility, filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Youth Authority alleging retaliation for whistleblowing. The complaint claims the authority failed to follow progressive disciplinary procedures and that her dismissal caused severe emotional distress. The case seeks $750,000 in damages.
Facilities:Oak Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon Youth Authority
Key Figures:Mike Riggan, Christopher Weiss, Audrey Adams, Kelly Carpenter
Physical RestraintChemical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating PunishmentsChild Sexual AbuseChild DeathSelf-harmUnsanitary ConditionsMedical Neglect
Foster CareJuvenile JusticeClosureCorporate GovernanceDisability RightsD.C.Youth for TomorrowSequel Youth & Family ServicesLakeside AcademyClarinda AcademyNormative ServicesMingus Mountain AcademyStarr Albion PrepRed Rock Canyon SchoolNorthern Illinois AcademySequel PomegranateAnderson Health ServicesDesert HillsAcadiaDevereux Advanced Behavioral HealthProvo Canyon SchoolUniversal Health Services
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.
Facilities:Youth for Tomorrow, Sequel Youth & Family Services, Lakeside Academy, Clarinda Academy, Normative Services, Mingus Mountain Academy, Starr Albion Prep, Red Rock Canyon School, Northern Illinois Academy, Sequel Pomegranate, Anderson Health Services, Desert Hills, Acadia, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Provo Canyon School, Universal Health Services
Key Figures:Curtis Decker, Shawn Coughlin, K. Ricky Watson Jr.
Safety ViolationsLegislationSurvivor StoriesStaff MisconductFloridaJudge Rotenberg Educational CenterThe School of the FutureJudge Rotenberg Center
A private school in Miami, Florida, known as The School of the Future, reportedly used electric shock devices as a form of discipline. Senators have expressed support for an FDA ban on such devices. The incident has raised concerns about safety violations and staff misconduct at the facility.
Facilities:Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, The School of the Future, Judge Rotenberg Center
Survivor StoriesLegislationOversightDocumentaryCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Public figure Paris Hilton announced a forthcoming podcast titled 'Trapped in Treatment,' detailing allegations of institutional mistreatment at Provo Canyon School. Hilton also advocated in Washington, D.C., for the Accountability for Congregate Care Act, which proposes a bill of rights for youth in residential facilities and increased industry transparency.
AMANDA GIAMPAGLIA •
The Ramapo News •
Oct 25, 2021
Chemical RestraintHumiliating PunishmentsConversion TherapyInvoluntary Transport
Survivor StoriesConversion TherapyWilderness TherapyCelebrityViralD.C.Provo Canyon School
Public figure Paris Hilton spoke at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol advocating for reform in the troubled teen industry and recounting experiences of physical and verbal abuse, forced medication, and lack of privacy during her time as an adolescent at Provo Canyon School. The article also notes various individuals sharing accounts of institutional mistreatment on social media platforms.
The Imprint staff reports •
The Imprint •
Oct 25, 2021
Physical RestraintChild DeathPeer Violence
ClosureLicensingStaff MisconductDeathTrialMichiganTorii Behavioral Health (formerly Sequel Pomegranate)Lakeside AcademySequel Youth & Family Services
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.
Facilities:Torii Behavioral Health (formerly Sequel Pomegranate), Lakeside Academy, Sequel Youth & Family Services
Physical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating PunishmentsChild Sexual Abuse
Survivor StoriesLegislationOversightGroup HomeCelebrityProvo Canyon SchoolLakeside Academy
Paris Hilton testified before Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill about alleged physical restraint, seclusion, and other abusive practices she experienced at Utah congregate care facilities as a teenager. The testimony was used to introduce the Accountability for Congregate Care Act of 2021, which would establish federal oversight and a bill of rights for youths in such programs.
LegislationOversightSurvivor StoriesCelebrityProvo Canyon School
Survivor and advocate Paris Hilton met with federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for the Accountability for Congregate Care Act. Hilton publicly thanked Cindy McCain for supporting legislative efforts to address institutional child abuse within congregate care facilities.
Congressional leaders announced pending legislation to establish national standards and a bill of rights for youth in congregate care facilities, following survivor testimonies of physical, chemical and emotional abuse. The proposed Accountability for Congregate Care Act aims to increase oversight, prohibit restraints and seclusion, and improve reporting mechanisms for survivors.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Sequel Youth & Family Services, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Healthcare, Glen Mills School, Teen Challenge
Paris Hilton testified before Capitol Hill lawmakers about alleged physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in residential treatment facilities, citing her own experiences at multiple centers. She advocated for a legislative "Bill of Rights" to protect the emotional and physical rights of youth placed in congregate care settings.
LegislationOversightSurvivor StoriesCelebrityD.C.Provo Canyon School
Paris Hilton visited Capitol Hill to advocate for the Accountability for Congregate Care Act, which would increase oversight of residential programs for troubled teens. She referenced personal experiences of physical assault and forced medication at such facilities and urged lawmakers to address abuse within the industry.
LegislationSurvivor StoriesCelebrityOversightProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton and a group of congressional Democrats are advocating for new legislation that would require youth facilities to allow children to contact parents, prohibit restraints, and ensure access to clean water and nutritious meals. Hilton cited personal experiences of choking, slapping, privacy violations, and sleep deprivation while in multiple troubled‑teen programs.
Physical RestraintChemical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating PunishmentsMedical NeglectInvoluntary Transport
LegislationOversightTransportSurvivor StoriesCelebrityD.C.Provo Canyon School
Paris Hilton advocated on Capitol Hill for the Accountability for Congregate Care Act, detailing personal experiences of physical violence, isolation, and privacy violations during her time in youth residential facilities. She and lawmakers called for increased federal oversight, transparency, and funding to address systemic institutional abuse.
Survivor StoriesLegislationOversightCelebrityD.C.Provo Canyon School
Paris Hilton visited Capitol Hill to advocate for the Accountability for Congregate Care Act, detailing her experiences with institutional abuse during her time in youth residential facilities. Lawmakers and survivors called for increased transparency and federal protections for children placed in congregate care.
Jessica Miller and David Fuchs •
The Salt Lake Tribune •
Oct 20, 2021
Physical RestraintChild Sexual AbusePeer ViolenceInvoluntary Transport
OversightLegislationSurvivor StoriesDocumentaryCelebrityD.C.Provo Canyon School
Advocates, including public figure Paris Hilton and the nonprofit Breaking Code Silence, have announced proposed federal legislation to establish a national bill of rights for youth in congregate care facilities. The legislative push follows prior state-level regulatory reforms in Utah and aims to address inconsistent licensing and oversight standards nationwide.
A survivor who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a staff member at Turn-About Ranch has filed a lawsuit against television personality Phil McGraw and media companies, including ViacomCBS. The complaint claims that show staff pressured the family to send the minor to the Utah facility immediately following an appearance on the television program in October 2019.
Physical RestraintChemical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating PunishmentsChild Death
KidnappingLegislationSurvivor StoriesOversightCelebrityProvo Canyon SchoolLakeside Academy
Paris Hilton testified that she experienced physical and psychological abuse, including forced medication and solitary confinement, while placed in several youth behavior‑modification facilities, notably Provo Canyon School in Utah. She is advocating for federal legislation to establish a youth‑rights bill and increased oversight of congregate care programs.
The New Yorker on the programs struggling children are sent to, Teen Challenge among them, and the transport agents who take them there.
Staff Mentioned: Shane Thompson (transport agent, director Teen Challenge Men’s Center in Jacksonville, FL), Greg and Essie Del Valle (directors of Lakeland Teen Challenge), Izella Walls (staff Lakeland Teen Challenge), David Wilkerson (Teen Challenge founder), Henry Lozano (director Teen Challenge in CA, deputy assistant to President George W Bush), Molly Fitzpatrick (ex-staff Lakeland Teen Challenge), Katy Prince (ex-staff, Lakeland Teen Challenge), Jasmine Smith (ex-staff Lakeland Teen Challenge), Dan and Holly Williams (directors Lakeland Teen Challenge)
Survivor stories from Emma Burris, Brittany Hotte, Cambrie Elle Hall-Senn, McKaila Aguiar, Madison Koref, Megan*, Quade Pike, Shea Vassar, Deanna Doucette, Amber Foster, Samantha Oscar
Teen Challenge took over a building in 2001 that had previously been occupied by a home for unwed pregnant mothers called Help Unfortunate Girls Inc. (Lakeland, Florida)
Shane Thompson was retaliated against for filing grievances against Teen Challenge
A Teen Challenge of Oklahoma student named Amaya Rasheed filed a lawsuit for unlawful restraint
A mother sued Teen Challenge in Jacksonville FL for negligence
Parents sign a contract “waiving the right to file a lawsuit in any civil court” when they enroll kids in Teen Challenge
A student named Naomi Wood died at Lakeland Teen Challenge in 2020 due to medical neglect
State investigators and a lawsuit from the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services detailed extensive regulatory violations and dangerous disciplinary practices at the DeSisto therapeutic boarding school. Documentation revealed instances of prolonged seclusion, physical restraints administered by untrained staff and peers, food deprivation, and privacy violations, ultimately contributing to the facility's closure in 2004.
Five employees of the Agape Boarding School in Missouri were charged with a total of 13 third-degree felony assault counts following an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The local prosecutor filed fewer charges than recommended by the state attorney general's office, prompting criticism from former students and advocates regarding accountability.
Facilities:Agape Baptist Academy, Agape Boarding School, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch
Key Figures:Scott L. Dumar, Seth Duncan, David Smock, Christopher R. McElroy, Everett L. Graves, Trent E. Hartman, Boyd Householder, Stephanie Householder
Paris Hilton discusses her experience as a teenager at Provo Canyon School, a residential treatment center in Utah, where she experienced emotional and physical abuse. Following the release of her documentary, she partnered with Breaking Code Silence to advocate for legislation regulating troubled teen facilities and banning practices such as chemical sedation and unauthorized mechanical restraints.
Chemical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating Punishments
Wilderness TherapySurvivor StoriesDocumentaryCelebrityLegislationProvo Canyon School
The opinion piece references Paris Hilton’s 2020 documentary in which she describes abuse she experienced at Provo Canyon School, a Utah wilderness‑program facility. Hilton alleges non‑consensual medication, physical punishment, solitary confinement, and other mistreatment during her teenage years. The article also notes her recent testimony supporting Utah legislation that bans punitive practices toward children.
