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
Forced LaborTraffickingExploitationMaineHyde School
A lawsuit has been filed against the Hyde School, alleging forced child labor, trafficking, and exploitation. The lawsuit claims that students were subjected to coercive labor practices, including food and water deprivation, physical restraint, isolation, and psychological manipulation. The school's attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss, citing errors in the lawsuit's filings.
Forced LaborTraffickingExploitationMaineHyde School
A lawsuit alleging forced labor and trafficking at the Hyde School is ongoing, with the defense arguing that the laws cited do not apply to the school's practices. The plaintiff's attorneys claim that the labor was commercial and coercive in nature, and that students were subjected to various forms of abuse. The case is currently focused on errors in court filings, which the defense argues should not be dismissed lightly.
Forced LaborTraffickingExploitationMaineHyde School
A lawsuit alleging forced labor and trafficking at the Hyde School is ongoing, with the defense arguing that the laws cited do not apply to the school's practices. The plaintiff's attorneys claim that the labor was commercial and coercive in nature, and that students were subjected to various forms of abuse. The case is currently focused on errors in court filings, which the defense argues should not be dismissed lightly.
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⚠️ Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries⚠️ Peer Violence⚠️ Child Death⚠️ Suicide⚠️ Self-harm⚠️ Substance Abuse⚠️ Victim Blaming⚠️ Spiritual Abuse
Spring Ridge AcademyLifespringBlue Ridge Wilderness Therapy
Former students of Spring Ridge Academy allege the school inflicted physical and emotional abuse, trauma, and manipulation, leading to long-term harm and struggles with addiction and relationships.
Facilities:Spring Ridge Academy, Lifespring, Blue Ridge Wilderness Therapy
Key Figures:Jeannie Courtney, Brandon Courtney, Suzanne Courtney, David Gilcrease
Sebastian Murdock and Taiyler Mitchell •
HuffPost •
Oct 10, 2025
⚠️ Physical Restraint⚠️ Humiliating Punishments⚠️ Child Sexual Abuse⚠️ Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries⚠️ Peer Violence⚠️ Child Death⚠️ Suicide⚠️ Self-harm⚠️ Substance Abuse⚠️ Victim Blaming⚠️ Spiritual Abuse
Spring Ridge AcademyLifespringBlue Ridge Wilderness Therapy
Former students of Spring Ridge Academy allege the school inflicted physical and emotional abuse, trauma, and manipulation, leading to long-term harm and struggles with addiction and relationships.
Facilities:Spring Ridge Academy, Lifespring, Blue Ridge Wilderness Therapy
Key Figures:Jeannie Courtney, Brandon Courtney, Suzanne Courtney, David Gilcrease
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.
A survivor shares their experience of attending Hyde School's Summer Challenge program, where they endured physical and emotional abuse, including forced labor, physical restraint, and humiliation. The survivor reflects on the long-term effects of their experience and the importance of reclaiming their voice. The article also mentions lawsuits and reports of abuse at the school.
