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.
A teenage girl was found dead at Cornerstone Treatment Facility in Wadesboro, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The facility had previously been cited for deficiencies, including elopements and care gaps. State regulators have ordered the facility to correct the cited deficiencies and strengthen care planning and supervision.
Unlicensed FacilitiesFoster CareMissouriAgape Boarding SchoolCircle Of Hope Girls’ RanchWings Of Faith AcademyShow Me Christian Youth Home
A Missouri bill proposes to allow unlicensed Christian facilities to receive state placements of foster children, sparking concerns about lack of oversight and potential for abuse. The bill would create a new 'Child Protection Board' to oversee facilities registered with the Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Facilities. Critics argue that this could lead to inadequate protection for children in these facilities.
Facilities:Agape Boarding School, Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch, Wings of Faith Academy, Show Me Christian Youth Home
Key Figures:Chad Puckett, Bryan Clemensen, Bud Martin, Debbie Martin
Unknown Author •
Michigan House of Representatives •
Mar 17, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Involuntary Transport
Transport
A hearing was held to discuss a bipartisan plan to protect children from traumatic transport practices used by some private youth transportation companies. The plan aims to establish clear protections for children being transported to residential child care programs. Survivor Paris Hilton shared her personal experience of being taken from her home in the middle of the night and restrained during transport.
Child Sex AbuseStaff ArrestNebraskaYouth Rehabilitation And Treatment Center
A second staff member at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney has been arrested on allegations of sexually abusing youth in the state's care. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of child sex abuse at the facility. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services operates the center, which is a last resort for youth in the state's juvenile justice system.
Facilities:Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center
A teenager was sent to a wilderness program in Arizona after talking back to his parents. While there, he experienced peer violence and abuse, including an incident where another boy contaminated his food. The perpetrator was removed from the program by patrol officers.
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Emotional Abuse
Wilderness TherapyClosureCanadaVenture Academy
Venture Academy, a for-profit company operating residential treatment centres for struggling teens, is winding down operations after allegations of psychological and emotional harm to dozens of youth. The company has been subject to multiple investigations and breaches of child protection laws. Former clients and staff have reported a 'boot camp'-like atmosphere and inadequate care.
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Emotional Abuse
Wilderness TherapyClosureInternationalCanadaVenture Academy
Venture Academy, a for-profit treatment centre for struggling teens, is winding down operations after allegations of psychological and emotional harm to its clients. The facility faced concerns from provincial authorities and a local children’s aid society, which found breaches of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. Former clients described a 'boot camp'-like atmosphere and reported instances of physical and emotional abuse.
Youth Challenge AcademyClosureSouth CarolinaSouth Carolina Youth Challenge Academy
The South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy is closing due to years of managerial misconduct and scrutiny. The facility, which was designed to help at-risk teens, has been plagued by issues including violence and unsanitary conditions. Despite some positive outcomes, the program's leadership failures have led to its closure.
A disturbance at Vive Adolescent Care in St. George, Utah, escalated into a large-scale incident involving approximately 30 juveniles and several staff members. The situation began when staff intervened in an escape attempt, resulting in property damage and interactions with local law enforcement. Several adolescents were arrested and transported to the local youth detention center.
Sofia Szamosi, author of the graphic memoir 'Bad Kid: My Life as a “Troubled Teen”', recounts her experiences in multiple behavioral facilities as a teenager. She discusses the trauma and harm she suffered in these facilities and the need for reform in the troubled teen industry.
Immigration rights and youth organizations are calling for the shutdown of Abraxas Academy in Berks County, Pennsylvania, due to allegations of cruelty and neglect by staff. The allegations include reports of excessive force used by staff against children. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has revoked the academy's secure detention unit license.
Senators are calling for the Trump administration to end its contract with a Pittsburgh-based juvenile detention center that houses immigrant children. The facility, operated by Abraxas, has been the subject of controversy. The senators' request is based on concerns about the treatment of the children at the facility.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the license of a southern Utah youth treatment facility after a staff member was criminally charged for having a sexual relationship with a minor client. The facility, operated by Crimson Heights, failed to protect clients and did not restrict the staff member's access to vulnerable clients. The state also cited additional violations, including falsified documentation and inadequate staffing levels.
A proposed bill in the Tennessee General Assembly would allow courts to detain juveniles deemed 'at risk of violent behavior' without criminal charges. The bill would create a new legal category for youth considered to be in need of heightened supervision. Judges could detain a child if there is probable cause to believe the child has exhibited or threatened behavior consistent with certain violent crimes.
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
Disability RightsMassachusettsAmego, Inc.
A staff member at a residential program for people with disabilities in Franklin, Massachusetts, has been indicted on an assault charge after allegedly breaking an autistic student's arm. The incident occurred in October 2025, and the staff member's actions were deemed to be outside of the program's policies and procedures. The student required medical attention and physical therapy as a result of the incident.
A new bill in Tennessee would allow the Department of Children's Services to place foster youth in jail-like facilities. The bill aims to address violent behavior among foster youth, but critics argue it could lead to further trauma and incarceration. Former foster youth and advocates express concern that the bill prioritizes punishment over providing supportive environments for foster youth.
Joseph McCarty, Payton Steiner •
KSN-TV •
Feb 4, 2026
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Death
DeathKansasSedgwick County Juvenile Intake And Assessment Center
A federal jury found five corrections officers liable in the in-custody death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton. The jury awarded $8.3 million to Lofton's estate. The incident occurred when Lofton was taken to the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center after a mental health crisis, where he was physically restrained by corrections officers for 39 minutes, resulting in his death. The jury determined that the corrections officers used excessive force and failed to intervene.
Facilities:Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center
Key Figures:Five detention center employees (names not specified)
AdoptionUinta AcademyAsheville AcademyTrails CarolinaElevationsSolstice EastMagnolia MillChange Academy At Lake Of The Ozarks
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.
Facilities:Uinta Academy, Asheville Academy, Trails Carolina, Elevations, Solstice East, Magnolia Mill, Change Academy at Lake of the Ozarks
Key Figures:Brian Allen, Sloan Nova, Christy Nelson
Patrick Kelly •
The Portland Press Herald •
Jan 11, 2026
⚠️ Child Abuse
MaineHyde School
A letter to the editor questions the validity of a Maine court case involving a former pupil of Hyde School who alleges child abuse. The author suggests that the case may be flimsy and notes that the Maine lawyer for the plaintiff stepped away from the case. The letter also draws comparisons between Hyde School and private schools in England, highlighting the robust nature of their education systems.
⚠️ 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
