Foster CareLicensingOversightJuvenile JusticeClosureSilver Oak AcademyRite of PassageTabuteau LLC
State agencies removed foster youth from Silver Oak Academy and declined to renew its residential license after investigations identified safety and supervision concerns. The operator, Rite of Passage, is reportedly seeking approval for a new residential program at the same campus, though local officials say they were not consulted.
Facilities:Silver Oak Academy, Rite of Passage, Tabuteau LLC
Key Figures:Joe Vigliotti, Jim DeWees, Lilly Price, Richard Tabuteau
Sara Gentzler •
Flatwater Free Press •
Sep 25, 2026
Child Sexual AbuseStaff MisconductSexual Misconduct
Juvenile JusticeLegislationStaff MisconductSexual MisconductOversightNebraskaYouth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (yrtc) - Kearney, Nebraska
Allegations indicate that state employees sexually abused adolescents at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, Nebraska. Survivors and families face significant legal barriers to seeking compensation due to sovereign immunity and recent court rulings, prompting legislative efforts to modify the state's liability framework.
Facilities:Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC) – Kearney, Nebraska
Key Figures:Martha Ruiz Palacios, Katrina Fewkes, Tarah Ross
Group HomeLicensingClosureOversightStaff MisconductWisconsinWalker’s Point Youth and Family CenterUniversity of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeUniversity of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWisconsin Department of Children and Families
The Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center, a licensed group home in Milwaukee, was temporarily closed after the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families began a licensing investigation concerning staffing records and supervision practices. The executive director acknowledged compliance deficiencies and indicated that corrective actions are underway before reopening.
Facilities:Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Key Figures:Kali Daugherty, Victoria Garza-Nagel, Celeste Schulz
Foster CareSexual MisconductStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesMichiganFlint Children's Center
A former resident of a Michigan foster care facility alleges sexual and physical abuse that occurred at a Flint children's center. The court has allowed the survivor's claims to proceed.
Staff MisconductSafety ViolationsSurvivor StoriesChild Protective ServicesFamily LawJamaicaAtlantis Leadership Academy
Jonah Bevin, the adopted son of former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, alleges that he was subjected to physical beatings and waterboarding at the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica shortly after his arrival. The allegations were presented at a July hearing, and the case has involved legal actions over child support and protective orders. The facility has since closed, and the case remains pending in family court.
Amnesty International Australia •
Amnesty International Australia •
Sep 24, 2026
Juvenile JusticeLegislationOversightAustralia
Amnesty International Australia submitted a response to the Senate inquiry examining the country's youth justice and incarceration system, outlining concerns about the treatment of young people, including Indigenous children, and recommending reforms. The submission calls for changes to policies and practices affecting youth detention.
Sam Strangeways •
The Royal Gazette •
Sep 24, 2026
Physical RestraintSexual MisconductPeer Violence
Staff MisconductOversightChild Protective ServicesLicensingHarbour Point Behavioural Health CentreDevereux Advanced Behavioural Health (viera, Florida)Universal Health ServicesAcadia HealthcareVivant Behavioural Healthcare
A United States Senate Committee report identified multiple incidents of physical and verbal abuse, as well as sexual misconduct, at Harbour Point Behavioural Health Centre and other residential treatment facilities used for Bermudian children. The Bermuda Government stated that its child protection agency used Harbour Point only for assessment and denied that it placed children in residential treatment abroad, while acknowledging the facilities were selected by an overseas therapeutic programme committee.
Facilities:Harbour Point Behavioural Health Centre, Devereux Advanced Behavioural Health (Viera, Florida), Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare, Vivant Behavioural Healthcare
Key Figures:Tinée Furbert (Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors), Universal Health Services (owner of Harbour Point)
Faith-Based ProgramsSurvivor StoriesDocumentaryCanadaMohawk InstituteRoyal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is hosting an exhibit titled "Stolen Childhoods" that presents the experiences of survivors of the Mohawk Institute residential school. The exhibit is based on survivor testimonies and aims to document the history of the institution. The exhibit is open until October 5.
Group HomeFoster CareLicensingOversightStaff MisconductCanadaHatts Off
Ontario's Superior Court of Justice certified a class-action lawsuit alleging systemic physical restraints, isolation, overmedication, inadequate food, and other misconduct at Hatts Off group homes and foster placements between 1985 and 2021. The suit was initiated by former resident Jamar Morrison and is represented by Siskinds LLP.
Facilities:Hatts Off
Key Figures:Gordon Naylor, Ellen Naylor, Kirk Boggs, Michael Valente
Forced LaborMedicaidCorporate GovernanceStaff MisconductMichiganQuality Behavioral Health Inc.Packard Hotels Inc.
A federal civil forfeiture case alleges that Quality Behavioral Health Inc. defrauded Medicaid by billing for unprovided services and used forced labor involving Medicaid beneficiaries. The complaint claims beneficiaries were required to work long hours, live in controlled housing, and sign volunteer agreements with minimal compensation. The case seeks forfeiture of nearly $18.8 million in assets held in multiple bank accounts.
Facilities:Quality Behavioral Health Inc., Packard Hotels Inc.
Group HomeChild Protective ServicesOversightSafety ViolationsLicensingArizonaArizona Department of Child SafetyDepartment-Licensed and Contracted Group HomesArizona Auditor General's Office
A September 2026 audit by the Arizona Auditor General identified gaps in the Department of Child Safety's procedures for restricting access of staff under investigation for alleged abuse in licensed group homes. The audit found no systemic failures but highlighted risks related to delayed removal of alleged perpetrators, lack of written policies, and unclear statutory authority. The department agreed to implement the audit's seven recommendations and will be reviewed in six months.
Facilities:Arizona Department of Child Safety, Department-licensed and contracted group homes, Arizona Auditor General's Office
Juvenile JusticeSafety ViolationsOversightStaff MisconductLebanonWarwar Rehabilitation Center for Juveniles
A National Human Rights Commission inspection of the Warwar Rehabilitation Center for Juveniles identified isolation cells, physical violence, inadequate hygiene, lack of water, sanitation deficiencies, and absence of medical personnel. The commission called for immediate cessation of disciplinary isolation, an independent investigation, and provision of medical and sanitation services.
Facilities:Warwar Rehabilitation Center for Juveniles
Francisco Kjolseth •
The Salt Lake Tribune •
Sep 23, 2026
DeathSafety Violations
OversightDeathSafety ViolationsDisability RightsUtahProvo Canyon SchoolSafe and Sound Services
Advocates in Utah are urging stronger state oversight of care facilities after three men died from carbon monoxide poisoning and a nursing home resident died in a fire. The report indicates that warning signs were missed and that existing oversight mechanisms were insufficient.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School, Safe and Sound Services
Juvenile JusticeOversightLegislationSafety ViolationsNew YorkHorizon Juvenile CenterAdministration for Children’s Services
City Council members, including Council member Althea Stevens, toured the Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx and highlighted concerns about violence, overcrowding, and alleged abuse. They called for increased transparency, regular inspections, expanded education and mental‑health services, and the safe return of 150 youth to their communities when appropriate.
Facilities:Horizon Juvenile Center, Administration for Children’s Services
Family LawAdoptionArrestTrialCelebrityKentuckyLouisville Metro CorrectionsJefferson Family CourtKentucky Court of Appeals
Former Governor Matt Bevin was arrested on a civil contempt charge related to a child support case and served time at Louisville Metro Corrections before being released on appeal. The Court of Appeals stayed the remainder of his sentence, and further hearings in the family court remain pending.
Facilities:Louisville Metro Corrections, Jefferson Family Court, Kentucky Court of Appeals
Key Figures:Matt Bevin, Judge Allison E. Jones, Judge Angela Johnson, Melina Hettiaratchi, Jason Rapp, Mike Abate
Juvenile JusticeSelf-HarmSafety ViolationsOversightStaff MisconductGainesville State Juvenile Correctional FacilityEvins Regional Juvenile CenterMart State Juvenile Correctional FacilityGiddings Juvenile FacilityTexas Juvenile Justice Department
Internal records from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department show that a multi‑day lockdown across five youth prisons led to increased self‑harm, delayed medical and basic care, and multiple instances of pepper‑spray use and physical restraints. Staff shortages and policy constraints contributed to prolonged confinement, bathroom delays, and limited communication for the youth held in isolation.
Facilities:Gainesville State Juvenile Correctional Facility, Evins Regional Juvenile Center, Mart State Juvenile Correctional Facility, Giddings Juvenile Facility, Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Key Figures:Shandra Carter, Nathan McDaniel, Lisa Capers, Lindsey Emmons, Michele Deitch, Paul Flahive
Private SchoolsSexual MisconductStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesCelebrityUnited KingdomMaidwell Hall
Earl Spencer, brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, disclosed that he was sexually abused by a female staff member at Maidwell Hall boarding school when he was 11. The school reported the allegation to authorities, and Northamptonshire Police opened a historical‑abuse investigation, resulting in the arrest of a 67‑year‑old woman on bail.
Juvenile JusticeStaff MisconductSexual MisconductOversightTennesseeRichard L. Bean Juvenile Detention CenterKnox County
A former captain of the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center filed a lawsuit alleging sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation by county officials. The complaint asserts that male supervisors made inappropriate comments, spread false rumors, and failed to address reported safety concerns, leading to the plaintiff's resignation.
Facilities:Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center, Knox County
Key Figures:Twila Hulett, Brian Bivens, Cory Dauer, Brad Sabol, Antonio Smith, Tim Irwin
Faith-Based ProgramsForced LaborClosureSurvivor StoriesIndianaThe Refuge Girls AcademyCentral Indiana Teen Challenge
The Refuge Girls Academy, a faith‑based residential program for teenage girls in Lebanon, Indiana, closed on September 10, 2026. The closure follows a federal lawsuit filed by former residents alleging abuse, forced labor, and exploitation.
Facilities:The Refuge Girls Academy, Central Indiana Teen Challenge
Pearl Youth Residence announced it will cease operations in November 2026, resulting in staff layoffs. The decision follows financial pressures and recent regulatory scrutiny of the facility's licensing status.
Group HomeFoster CareLegislationOversightCorporate GovernanceArizonaSunshine Residential Homes
A formal legislative investigation has been announced to examine alleged contributions and rate increases involving Sunshine Residential Homes, a group home provider for children in Arizona’s foster care system. The investigation includes subpoenas for Gov. Katie Hobbs and requests for documents from the Attorney General’s office. The inquiry focuses on potential conflicts of interest and the impact of political donations on state funding decisions.
Facilities:Sunshine Residential Homes
Key Figures:Gov. Katie Hobbs, Sen. Jake Hoffman, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Michael Beyer, Richie Taylor
Juvenile JusticeDeathSurvivor StoriesForced LaborSafety ViolationsD.C.Preston School of Industry (california)Maryland House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored ChildrenTraining School for Girls (hudson, New York)Dozier School for Boys (florida)Industrial School in Golden, Colorado
A Georgetown University report identified 40 burial sites across the United States containing the remains of more than 1,000 children who died while in state custody. The findings highlight systemic failures in juvenile reform schools, including inadequate care, punitive practices, and insufficient record‑keeping. The report calls for memorialization and reforms to prevent future loss of life.
Facilities:Preston School of Industry (California), Maryland House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, Training School for Girls (Hudson, New York), Dozier School for Boys (Florida), Industrial School in Golden, Colorado
Physical RestraintChild Sexual AbuseSafety Violations
Juvenile JusticePrivate PrisonsOversightCorporate GovernanceSafety ViolationsWayne Halfway House
A ProPublica and WPLN investigation found that juvenile justice facilities operated by Wayne Halfway House failed to report multiple incidents of physical and sexual abuse, dangerous restraints, and injuries as required by state law. Four Democratic Tennessee lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Children’s Services requesting a transparent response and oversight measures.
Faith-Based ProgramsForced LaborStaff MisconductOversightSurvivor StoriesOklahomaNew Lifehouse AcademyAdult & Teen Challenge of Oklahoma
Former students of New Lifehouse Academy reported that the facility employed physical restraints, food restrictions, unpaid labor, and close monitoring of communications. The school, operated by Adult & Teen Challenge of Oklahoma, is not licensed to provide mental‑health treatment and describes its approach as unapologetically Christian.
Facilities:New Lifehouse Academy, Adult & Teen Challenge of Oklahoma
Cyn Mackley •
Scioto County Daily News •
Sep 18, 2026
Group HomeJuvenile JusticeArrestEscapeOhioPortsmouth Group Home
Portsmouth police and deputies responded to incidents at a local group home involving a juvenile who was reported to be kicking doors and acting unruly. The juvenile was taken into custody. Two teenage girls were reported missing after leaving the group home.
Juvenile JusticeSexual MisconductCorrectional OfficerTrialCampbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center
A former correctional officer at Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center was sentenced to prison after a sexual misconduct investigation involving female detainees. The sentencing follows findings that the officer engaged in inappropriate conduct while the individuals were in custody.
Facilities:Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center
ArrestTrialFamily LawCelebrityKentuckyJefferson County JailJefferson Family CourtKentucky Court of AppealsBourbon County Horse Farm
Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin was arrested and sentenced to 60 days in Jefferson County Jail for contempt of court after failing to produce all required financial documents in a family law dispute. The Kentucky Court of Appeals ordered his immediate release while it reviews whether the incarceration was appropriate, noting his appeal raises a colorable claim that continued detention may be unlawful.
Facilities:Jefferson County Jail, Jefferson Family Court, Kentucky Court of Appeals, Bourbon County horse farm
Juvenile JusticeStaff MisconductSexual MisconductTrialSettlementNew HampshireYouth Development Center (now Sununu Youth Services Center)
A New Hampshire judge declared a mistrial in the criminal case against former Youth Development Center staff member Jeffrey Buskey, who faces multiple counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault involving survivor David Meehan. The mistrial resulted from improper testimony that the judge instructed the jury to disregard.
Facilities:Youth Development Center (now Sununu Youth Services Center)
Human TraffickingForced LaborIllegal ImprisonmentPsychoneurological Boarding SchoolUkrainePsychoneurological Boarding School (ternopil Region)
Prosecutors in Ternopil have filed an indictment against the director of a psychoneurological boarding school for alleged human trafficking and unlawful deprivation of liberty. The investigation alleges that the director forced residents to perform labor for private clients and confined them in a locked wooden structure.
Facilities:psychoneurological boarding school (Ternopil region)
Key Figures:Director of psychoneurological boarding school
ClosureFaith-Based ProgramsForced LaborIndianaThe Refuge Girls AcademyIndiana Teen ChallengeTeen ChallengeCohenmalad LLP
More than three dozen former residents have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging isolation, humiliation, forced labor, and unsanitary conditions at the Refuge Girls Academy, a Teen Challenge program in Lebanon, Indiana. The organization announced the facility’s closure because it could not sustain operations while defending the suit.
Facilities:The Refuge Girls Academy, Indiana Teen Challenge, Teen Challenge, CohenMalad LLP
Key Figures:Jeffrey Roberts, Andrea Simmons, David Wilkerson
Physical RestraintChild Sexual AbuseMedical Neglect
ArrestOhioFox Run Center for Children and AdolescentsUniversal Health Services
Randall J. Mackendrick, former CEO of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, was arrested on August 29, 2026 on charges related to alleged sexual contact with a minor. The arrest follows prior reporting of unsafe restraints, physical and sexual assaults, and medical neglect at the facility.
Facilities:Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, Universal Health Services
Juvenile JusticeArrestMagill Training CentreAustraliaTask Force LiberoAdelaide Magistrates Court
A 73-year-old man, whose identity is suppressed, has been charged with 55 sexual offences alleged to have occurred over more than two decades involving 29 survivor‑survivors, many of whom were children at the time. The offences are linked to the former Magill Training Centre, and the accused remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Facilities:Magill Training Centre, Task Force Libero, Adelaide Magistrates Court
Key Figures:Assistant Commissioner Stuart McLean, Magistrate Patrick Hill
Staff MisconductSurvivor StoriesJuvenile JusticeFamily LawAdoptionCelebrityKentuckyLouisville Metro CorrectionsTexas Roadhouse
Surveillance cameras at a Louisville jail went dark for approximately six minutes during which a corrections lieutenant entered the facility and delivered a meal to former governor Matt Bevin. The incident follows allegations that Bevin’s adopted son, Jonah Bevin, was abused at multiple troubled‑teen facilities, and that Bevin was arrested for contempt of court related to a child‑support case. The event highlights concerns about staff conduct and oversight in the correctional setting.
Facilities:Louisville Metro Corrections, Texas Roadhouse
Key Figures:Daniel Johnson, Unnamed Louisville Metro Corrections lieutenant
Corporate GovernanceAcadia HealthcareAcadia Healthcare Company
Halper Sadeh LLC has opened an investigation into whether officers and directors of Acadia Healthcare Company violated fiduciary duties owed to shareholders. The inquiry may lead to corporate‑governance reforms and potential recovery of funds for investors.
Forced LaborChild Sexual AbuseHumiliating PunishmentsPhysical AbuseSurveillanceFood Restriction
Forced LaborFoster CareFaith-Based ProgramsMissouriShow-Me Christian Youth Home
Three former residents of Show-Me Christian Youth Home have filed federal lawsuits alleging they were compelled to perform hard manual labor and were subjected to sexual abuse while in the facility between 2007 and 2012. The lawsuits allege inadequate response by staff to reported abuse and raise questions about oversight of faith‑based, unlicensed group homes.
A documentary released by YouTuber Reckless Ben alleges that Provo Canyon School, a for‑profit residential treatment center in Utah, engaged in verbal and physical abuse, solitary confinement, and other questionable practices. The report describes the infiltration of the facility by Ben posing as a student and a friend posing as staff, and notes prior lawsuits and loss of licenses for the school’s campuses.
