Following media appearances regarding behavioral difficulties, a teenager was placed in a wilderness therapy program in Utah. The survivor later reported experiencing harsh conditions during the program, including extreme weather exposure, restrictive meal options, and physical exhaustion.
Judy L. Thomas and Laura Bauer •
The Kansas City Star •
Jul 15, 2021
Physical RestraintChild Sexual AbuseSexual Misconduct
Faith-Based ProgramsOversightLegislationLicensingSurvivor StoriesMissouriAgape Baptist AcademyCircle of Hope Girls RanchAgape Boarding SchoolBethesda Home for GirlsMountain Park Baptist Boarding AcademyUnlicensed Christian Boarding Schools
Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill 557, granting the state authority to register and inspect unlicensed Christian boarding schools in Missouri. The legislation requires health and safety inspections, background checks, and reporting of student information, aiming to address reported physical restraint and sexual abuse at facilities such as Circle of Hope and Agape Boarding School.
Facilities:Agape Baptist Academy, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, Agape Boarding School, Bethesda Home for Girls, Mountain Park Baptist Boarding Academy, Unlicensed Christian boarding schools
ImmigrationFoster CareOversightMichiganStarr Albion PrepAlbion Emergency Intake ShelterStarr Commonwealth CampusBethany Christian ServicesSamaritasFormer Starr Commonwealth CampusU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee ResettlementMichigan Immigrant Rights CenterSamaritas Transitional Foster Care Programs
Attorneys have raised concerns regarding the duration of stay and access to adequate language interpreters for unaccompanied migrant children at the Albion emergency intake shelter in Michigan. Legal representatives noted that extended stays in government-run facilities increase the risk of psychological distress, though recent data indicated a decrease in average lengths of stay.
Facilities:Starr Albion Prep, Albion emergency intake shelter, Starr Commonwealth campus, Bethany Christian Services, Samaritas, former Starr Commonwealth campus, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Samaritas transitional foster care programs
Multiple survivors have come forward with allegations of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse within various residential treatment facilities and behavioral modification programs. Former residents report practices including involuntary transport, isolation, forced labor, and peer-to-peer shaming sessions, prompting increased public scrutiny of the troubled teen industry.
Facilities:Spring Ridge Academy, Provo Canyon School, Turn-About Ranch, Synanon, The Seed, Straight Inc., Cross Creek Manor, Second Nature Wilderness Program, Eva Carlston Academy, Lighthouse of Northwest Florida
Key Figures:James 'Jimmy' Woolsey, Charles Dederich, Jeannie Courtney, Robert B. Lichfield, Devan Glissmeyer
LicensingOversightStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesDocumentaryUtahProvo Canyon SchoolUniversal Health Services Inc.
In April 2016, a teenager at Provo Canyon School was physically restrained by staff, resulting in a concussion that was not treated for eight days. State regulators documented the complaint but took no enforcement action at the time, reflecting historically lax oversight of Utah's youth treatment industry.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Universal Health Services Inc.
LicensingOversightLegislationStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesDisability RightsUtahProvo Canyon SchoolUniversal Health Services Inc.
An investigative report reveals that Utah regulatory agencies historically failed to cite residential youth treatment facilities for rule violations, leaving incidents of physical restraint and mistreatment largely unpunished. The report details a 2016 incident at Provo Canyon School involving the physical restraint of a resident, which resulted in an untreated concussion, and examines subsequent state efforts to increase regulatory oversight.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Universal Health Services Inc.
Key Figures:Brandon Grebe, T.J. O’Reilly, Amanda Slater, Mike McKell
Peter Medlin •
Northern Public Radio •
Jun 9, 2021
Physical RestraintSeclusionMedical Neglect
Disability RightsPrivate SchoolsOversightLicensingClosureIllinoisNorthern Illinois AcademySequel Youth & Family Services
An independent report by the watchdog group Equip for Equality detailed allegations of neglect, improper physical restraint, and seclusion at Northern Illinois Academy, a residential facility for students with disabilities in Aurora, Illinois. Following the findings, the Illinois State Board of Education changed the facility's status to non-approved, prompting state agencies to transition students out of the program before the facility's planned closure.
Facilities:Northern Illinois Academy, Sequel Youth & Family Services
Group HomeLicensingOversightStaff MisconductSafety ViolationsIllinoisNorthern Illinois AcademySequel Youth and Family Services
The State of Illinois announced plans to remove all students from Northern Illinois Academy, a residential treatment facility managed by Sequel Youth and Family Services, following a state-commissioned review by Equip for Equality that revealed findings of staff misconduct, improper restraints, seclusion, and neglect.
Facilities:Northern Illinois Academy, Sequel Youth and Family Services
Key Figures:Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, Marc Smith, Theresa Eagleson, Grace B. Hou
Disability RightsSafety ViolationsLegislationCorporate GovernanceStaff MisconductJudge Rotenberg Educational CenterJudge Rotenberg CenterMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The article outlines allegations that the Judge Rotenberg Center employs aversive and coercive practices, including physical and chemical restraints, and calls for an end to state and federal funding for the facility. It references documented safety violations and advocates for legislative action to protect individuals with disabilities.
Facilities:Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, Judge Rotenberg Center, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Survivor StoriesLegislationOversightTransportCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School
Paris Hilton and other advocates participated in a panel discussion in Salt Lake City regarding policy changes for youth residential treatment facilities. The discussion coincided with the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 127, 'Human Services Program Amendments,' into law. Panelists shared accounts of institutional conditions and advocated for increased oversight.
Danielle "Bhad Bhabie" Bregoli publicly described abuse she endured at Turn-About Ranch, a Christian-based residential program, including physical restraint, forced labor, and medical neglect. She also highlighted sexual misconduct allegations by a former student, Hannah Archuleta, and called for an apology from Dr. Phil for sending teens to the facility. The account underscores systemic failures in oversight and care for vulnerable youth.
Group HomeFoster CareChild Protective ServicesSafety ViolationsStaff MisconductMichiganLakeside AcademySequel Youth and Family Services
A 16‑year‑old foster child, Cornelius Frederick, died after being restrained for more than ten minutes by staff at Lakeside Academy, a residential treatment center in Kalamazoo. The incident prompted Michigan officials to propose new regulations banning restraints in group homes and to increase oversight of facilities operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services. Several former staff members have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse.
Facilities:Lakeside Academy, Sequel Youth and Family Services
Key Figures:Meghan Folkerson, Heather McLogan, Zachary Solis
Danielle Bregoli, known as Bhad Bhabie, released a video alleging that she was subjected to harsh conditions and physical restraint at Turn-About Ranch, a Utah-based troubled‑teen facility. She claims she was transported without notice, handcuffed, and denied basic amenities such as showers and proper bedding. The video also references a separate allegation of sexual assault by a former resident, Hannah Archuleta.
Musician Danielle Bregoli publicly detailed allegations of institutional abuses experienced while enrolled at Turn-About Ranch following an appearance on the Dr. Phil show. Bregoli's disclosures coincided with a lawsuit filed by another former participant alleging sexual assault at the facility and included accounts of physical restraint, arbitrary disciplinary punishments, and severe deprivations of basic necessities.
Survivor Danielle Bregoli publicly alleged that she experienced abusive conditions after being sent to Turn-About Ranch following an appearance on a television program. Following a separate lawsuit filed by another former participant alleging sexual assault by a staff member, Bregoli demanded public accountability and an apology from television personality Dr. Phil.
Rapper Danielle Marie Bregoli publicly stated that she experienced institutional abuses, including sleep deprivation and lack of basic necessities, while enrolled at Turn-About Ranch in Utah following an appearance on a television program. Bregoli's disclosures aligned with separate allegations made by another former attendee concerning sexual misconduct and subsequent retaliation by facility staff.
Involuntary TransportPhysical RestraintHumiliating PunishmentsForced LaborFood RestrictionChild Sexual AbusePeer Violence
CelebrityUtahTurn-About RanchProvo Canyon School
In a published video, former program attendee Danielle Bregoli detailed experiences of being involuntarily transported, subjected to sleep deprivation and forced labor, and witnessing physical restraints during her placement at Turn-About Ranch. Bregoli also cited allegations made by another former attendee regarding staff misconduct at the facility.
Danielle Bregoli, known as Bhad Bhabie, alleges that she was subjected to physical restraint and deprivation of basic comforts while attending Turn-About Ranch in Escalante, Utah, a facility that receives teenagers from Dr. Phil. She also reports witnessing other children being restrained and describes a lack of evidence due to restricted phone and camera use. A former resident, Hannah Archuleta, has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by staff at the ranch.
Musician Danielle Bregoli publicly alleged experiences of abuse, sleep deprivation, and coercive control at Turn-About Ranch in Utah after being transported there following an appearance on the television program hosted by Phil McGraw. Bregoli's statements supported a separate lawsuit filed by a former resident alleging negligence and sexual assault by a facility staff member. The facility and McGraw have faced public scrutiny regarding youth residential placement practices.
The article reports that Bhad Bhabie, a former guest on Dr. Phil, alleges that she was subjected to abusive conditions at the Turn-About Ranch in Utah, a wilderness therapy program. She claims she was transported against her will, handcuffed, and denied basic privileges, and that staff used physical restraint and manual labor as punishment. The piece also references a lawsuit by Hannah Archuleta alleging sexual assault by a staff member at the same facility.
Child Sexual AbuseForced LaborHumiliating PunishmentsFood RestrictionUnsanitary Conditions
Sexual MisconductForced LaborStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesCelebrityTurn-About Ranch
The article reports that former guests of the Turn-About Ranch, a troubled teen treatment center, allege sexual assault and punitive labor practices. Hannah Archuleta filed a lawsuit claiming repeated sexual misconduct by staff and punitive measures, while Danielle Bregoli has also spoken out about similar abuse. The allegations focus on the ranch’s treatment methods and the role of Dr. Phil McGraw in recommending the facility.
Paris Hilton has entered a new production deal with Warner Bros., forming Slivington Manor Entertainment to develop and executive produce unscripted television content. The partnership reunites Hilton with Warner Bros. president Mike Darnell, with whom she previously worked on The Simple Life. Hilton expressed enthusiasm for creating inspirational long‑form content for a global audience.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Warner Bros., Slivington Manor Entertainment, Fox
Public figure Danielle Bregoli released a video detailing allegations of physical and mental abuse experienced at Turn-About Ranch in Utah following a television appearance. Her testimony supported allegations raised by another former resident, Hannah Archuleta, who filed a negligence lawsuit against the facility regarding staff misconduct. The accounts describe unauthorized transport practices, physical restraint, and deprivations of basic needs during their residency.
Rapper Bhad Bhabie published a video detailing allegations of physical and emotional abuse, forced labor, and substandard living conditions experienced during her placement at Turn-About Ranch in Utah. She also expressed support for another survivor who reported sexual assault at the facility and issued demands for public accountability regarding placements at such programs.
Bhad Bhabie, an 18‑year‑old rapper, alleges that staff at Turn‑About Ranch forced her to remain awake for three days after her arrival. She claims she was denied basic hygiene and sleep, and that a staff member was later killed by a teen. The article also references a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by a ranch employee.
Paris Hilton signed an exclusive two-year overall deal with Warner Bros. Unscripted Television to develop, executive produce, and star in original unscripted programming. The partnership will be operated under the production banner Slivington Manor Entertainment, with Bruce Gersh and Mike Darnell serving as executive producers.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Warner Bros. Unscripted Television, Slivington Manor Entertainment, Paris Hilton Entertainment
Key Figures:Paris Hilton, Bruce Gersh, Mike Darnell
Heather Bellow •
The Berkshire Eagle •
Mar 17, 2021
Humiliating PunishmentsChild Sexual AbuseFood Restriction
Private SchoolsStaff MisconductSexual MisconductSurvivor StoriesMassachusettsJohn Dewey AcademyThe John Dewey Academy
Former students of The John Dewey Academy allege that the school employed coercive and shaming practices, including strict diets, degrading signage, and forced labor, as part of its therapeutic program. They also report sexual misconduct by the late founder, Thomas Bratter. The current owner, David Baum, states that such practices have been discontinued.
Facilities:John Dewey Academy, The John Dewey Academy
