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.
ArrestTrialCelebrityKentuckyBourbon County Sheriff's OfficeLouisville Metro JailJefferson County Court
Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin was taken into custody by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and transferred to the Louisville Metro Jail after a bench warrant for contempt of court was issued. A judge denied bond, ordering a 60‑day jail sentence with the possibility of early release after 30 days.
Facilities:Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Louisville Metro Jail, Jefferson County Court
Juvenile JusticeEscapeOversightOregonTillamook Youth Correctional FacilityTillamook County JailOregon Youth AuthorityOregon State Police
On September 2, 2026, three youths detained at the Tillamook Youth Correctional Facility escaped. One youth, Jonathon Haymond, was located later; the other two, Noah Martin and Jed "June" Alexander, remain at large, and authorities have issued a public request for information.
Facilities:Tillamook Youth Correctional Facility, Tillamook County Jail, Oregon Youth Authority, Oregon State Police
Forced LaborChild Sexual AbuseHumiliating PunishmentsFood Restriction
Foster CareFaith-Based ProgramsForced LaborMissouriShow-Me Christian Youth HomeAgape Boarding SchoolCircle of Hope Girls RanchMissouri Association of Christian Child Care AgenciesMissouri Children's Division
Former residents of Show-Me Christian Youth Home have filed federal lawsuits alleging forced labor, physical punishment, and sexual abuse while they were placed at the unlicensed facility. The lawsuits contend that the home and its staff failed to protect the survivors and that disciplinary measures intensified after reports of abuse were made.
Facilities:Show-Me Christian Youth Home, Agape Boarding School, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Agencies, Missouri Children's Division
Group HomeStaff MisconductSexual MisconductCanadaGroup Home in Centre Wellington
Jennifer Dean, a 24‑year‑old resident of Rockwood, pleaded guilty to sexual assault involving a young person at a group home in Centre Wellington. Charges of sexual interference and sexual exploitation remain pending, with sentencing and a victim impact statement scheduled for October 30, 2026.
Child Sexual AbusePhysical RestraintSuicideSelf-harm
Sexual MisconductArrestUniversal Health ServicesOhioFox Run Center for Children and AdolescentsLorain County Jail
Randall J. Mackendrick, chief executive of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, was arrested on four criminal counts including importuning and unlawful sexual contact with a minor. The arrest follows a recent investigation that identified numerous unreported assaults and safety failures at the Ohio residential psychiatric facility.
Facilities:Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, Universal Health Services, Lorain County Jail
OversightUniversal Health ServicesRhode IslandOhioFox Run Center for Children and AdolescentsRhode Island Department of Children, Youth and FamiliesBradley HospitalHope UnitHorton UnitMauran Unit
Investigative reporting highlights documented supervision and safety deficiencies at a private Ohio youth residential treatment center and notes similar regulatory concerns in Rhode Island facilities. State and federal oversight mechanisms are described as fragmented, limiting the ability to detect patterns of abuse and neglect.
Facilities:Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, Universal Health Services, Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, Bradley Hospital, Hope unit, Horton unit, Mauran unit
A four-part M‑Net documentary titled 'Bad Behaviour' investigates South Africa’s largely unregulated teen discipline and rehabilitation facilities, featuring input from psychologists, prosecutors, former participants and families. The program highlights allegations of physical assaults, poor conditions and limited oversight at camps, including a recent rescue of 21 teenagers from a camp in Mpumalanga.
Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. disclosed receipt of a voluntary information request from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and a grand jury subpoena from the Western District of Missouri related to its admissions, length of stay, and billing practices. A securities class action lawsuit alleges the company failed to disclose material information, and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC is investigating whether Acadia’s officers and directors breached fiduciary duties to shareholders.
Jeff McDonald •
San Diego Union-Tribune •
Aug 22, 2026
Child Sexual Abuse
Juvenile JusticeFoster CareOversightCaliforniaPolinsky Children’s CenterEast Mesa Juvenile Detention FacilitySan Diego County Juvenile HallsSan Diego County Probation DepartmentSan Diego County Health and Human Services AgencyJuvenile Justice CommissionDicello Levitt Law Firm
San Diego County faces multiple new lawsuits alleging that former wards were sexually assaulted by county employees while in juvenile detention and foster‑care facilities. Plaintiffs describe the abuse as systemic, involving threats of retaliation and insufficient oversight; the county has declined detailed comment while stating it is reviewing the claims.
Facilities:Polinsky Children’s Center, East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, San Diego County Juvenile Halls, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, Juvenile Justice Commission, DiCello Levitt Law Firm
Key Figures:Garcia, Officer G, Tim McClain, Terra Lawson-Remer, Jim Desmond, Joel Anderson, Douglas Rochen, Michael S. Groch
Juvenile JusticeSuicidePrisonDeathAustraliaDame Phyllis Frost CentreParkville Youth Justice CentreDepartment of Justice (victoria)ForensicareWestern Health
Tarsha Golightly, an 18‑year‑old mother on remand, died by suicide in the yard of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre on 27 July 2026. A coroner's inquest will examine the circumstances of her death, including the delay in locating her body and the conditions of her detention.
Facilities:Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Parkville Youth Justice Centre, Department of Justice (Victoria), Forensicare, Western Health
Child Sexual AbuseChild-on-Child CSAFood RestrictionUnsanitary ConditionsPeer Violence
OversightFood RestrictionChild Protective ServicesHungaryUnnamed Children’s Home in Bács-Kiskun CountyChurch-Run Institution in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg CountyChildren’s Homes in Budapest, Vas, Pest, Tolna, Nógrád Counties
Government‑ordered inspections of Hungarian children’s homes in 2024‑2026 documented severe deficiencies, including lack of food after 6:30 p.m. and instances where children exchanged food for sexual acts. The reports also described unsafe physical conditions, staff shortages, and insufficient psychological support for affected children.
Facilities:Unnamed children’s home in Bács-Kiskun County, Church‑run institution in Szabolcs‑Szatmár‑Bereg County, Children’s homes in Budapest, Vas, Pest, Tolna, Nógrád counties
ClosureUndercover InvestigationViralProvo Canyon School
Utah regulators revoked the licenses of Provo Canyon School's Provo and Springville campuses in August 2026, ordering the facilities to cease operations due to documented regulatory violations. An undercover video released by a YouTuber highlighted alleged deficiencies in recruitment, screening, and the use of restraint and humiliating disciplinary practices, adding public attention to the closure.
A jury at Bradford Crown Court found former Skircoat Lodge manager Malcolm Phillips responsible for sexual abuse of six children between 1976 and 1994. Survivors have criticised Calderdale Council for not offering personal apologies and have called for additional support.
Facilities:Skircoat Lodge, Calderdale Council, West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Crown Court
Paige Pfleger and Aliyya Swaby •
Tennessee Lookout •
Aug 13, 2026
Physical RestraintPeer ViolenceChild Sexual AbusePhysical AbuseSeclusionHumiliating Punishments
Juvenile JusticePrivate PrisonsOversightCorporate GovernanceMiddle Tennessee Juvenile Detention CenterMountain View AcademyWayne Halfway HouseWayne Halfway House Inc.
Investigative reporting uncovered multiple incidents of physical and sexual abuse, peer violence, and failure to report serious injuries at juvenile facilities operated by Wayne Halfway House in Tennessee. Facility leadership, including CEO Jason Crews, allegedly directed staff to keep incidents undocumented and to limit external emergency calls, prompting a state investigation.
Facilities:Middle Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center, Mountain View Academy, Wayne Halfway House, Wayne Halfway House Inc.
Key Figures:Jason Crews, Kim Watts, Tonya Webb, Heather Boyd, Jason Zaske, Brandi Buchanan, Mario Brown, Liz Ryan, Kevin Bunch
Juvenile JusticeClosureFloridaHillsborough Juvenile Detention Center
The state of Florida has announced the closure of the Hillsborough juvenile detention center, with children to be relocated to other counties. The facility, located near Raymond James Stadium and George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, will cease operations. The closure was reportedly unexpected, catching lawyers by surprise.
ProPublica and WPLN found that Wayne Halfway House did not report suspected abuse at its Tennessee juvenile facilities. The state opened an investigation after the reporting.
An investigation found that Wayne Halfway House, a company running juvenile facilities in Tennessee, failed to report suspected physical and sexual abuse to state officials. Former staff and youth reported a culture of secrecy and a lack of proper incident reporting, which put the lives of youth at risk. The state is now investigating incidents uncovered by the investigation.
Facilities:Wayne Halfway House, Middle Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center, Mountain View Academy
The Jetson Youth Center, which closed in 2014, is facing over 50 lawsuits alleging abuse, including sexual abuse by correctional officers. Advocates are pushing for the facility to remain closed, citing concerns about the safety and well-being of youth. The facility was previously plagued by issues, including escapes and poor conditions.
Facilities:Jetson Youth Center
Key Figures:Antonio Travis, Barbara Carpenter, Gina Womack
An investigation has been launched into allegations of physical abuse at the Rushi Academy in Zhejiang province, China. A 16-year-old girl, Lin, reported being beaten with a wooden ruler and witnessing her roommate being slapped. The academy's founder, Lai Zeming, has been accused of justifying the violence as a form of discipline.
ExploitationForced LaborIndianaRefuge Girls AcademyCentral Indiana Teen Challenge
Survivors of the Refuge Girls Academy, formerly known as Central Indiana Teen Challenge, are speaking out against the abuse and exploitation they experienced while at the facility. The survivors, now numbering 35, are part of an ongoing legal case against the academy. The academy is alleged to have committed various forms of abuse, including physical abuse, labor trafficking, and forced malnutrition, against children in its care.
Facilities:Refuge Girls Academy, Central Indiana Teen Challenge
The Maryland Child Victims Act, which eliminated the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits for sexual abuse claims, is being challenged by the state in a case before the Supreme Court of Maryland. The state argues that sovereign immunity bars many claims against state institutions, potentially limiting the reach of the Child Victims Act. This could prevent survivors of childhood sexual abuse from holding public institutions accountable for their role in enabling abuse.
Juvenile JusticeNew HampshireSununu Youth Services CenterYouth Development Facility
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander has requested a federal investigation into current and past conditions at the Sununu Youth Services Center, a youth detention facility in New Hampshire. The facility has been embroiled in a long-standing child abuse scandal, with over 2,000 claims filed by individuals alleging they were abused as children while in state custody. Goodlander's request for an independent federal investigation aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the facility's operations.
Facilities:Sununu Youth Services Center, Youth Development Facility
Key Figures:Maggie Goodlander, Erin Creegan, John Formella
Paris Hilton is advocating against the reopening of Provo Canyon School, citing concerns about the facility's history of abuse. Hilton, a survivor of the school, is urging Utah to prioritize the well-being of children over corporate interests. The school's closure is being considered, with Hilton and other survivors speaking out against its potential reopening.
DefamationDocumentaryThe ProgramUtahProvo Canyon School
The 10th Circuit has rejected a defamation lawsuit filed by Narvin Lichfield against Netflix's documentary series 'The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping'. Lichfield, a former teen treatment director, claims the documentary defamed him. The documentary series features allegations of abuse and mistreatment at teen treatment facilities, including Provo Canyon School.
A former Boys Town employee and his wife have been charged with felony child abuse. The investigation was initiated by a report from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which alleged that the victims were subjected to physical restraint and neglect. The suspects are facing up to three years in prison plus 18 months of supervised release if convicted.
The article reports on newly released Freedom of Information Act records concerning a youth residential treatment program, highlighting documented practices and oversight issues. The information adds to ongoing public scrutiny of the program's operations and accountability mechanisms.
Staff MisconductCaliforniaJohn Davis Juvenile Detention Center
A former California therapist, Sofia Drotts, has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old patient. The abuse is alleged to have occurred while the boy was in juvenile detention and continued after his release. The boy's family has filed a civil lawsuit against Contra Costa County, alleging failures in supervision and oversight.
Sara Gentzler's reporting on the investigation into Nebraska's youth center at Kearney: 44 sexual abuse allegations from 37 boys against 19 staff, and the culture that let it go on.
A state-run youth center in Kearney, Nebraska, has a culture that allowed inappropriate relationships and sexual abuse of teens in state custody, according to a new investigation. The investigation found that at least 44 sexual abuse-related allegations were made by 37 boys against 19 different staff members. The facility's response to these allegations was criticized, with the investigation finding that the facility shoddily investigated accusations and often didn't believe the teen boys.
Facilities:Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center
A federal judge has allowed a lawsuit against Hyde School to proceed, alleging abuse and forced labor. The lawsuit, filed by former student Jessica Fuller, claims the school violated human trafficking, forced labor, and negligence laws. The school has denied the allegations, but the judge has ruled that the case can move forward.
Facilities:Hyde School
Key Figures:Laura Gauld, Malcolm Gauld, Joe Gauld, Georgia Gauld MacMillan, Donald MacMillan, Laurie Gauld Hurd
Utah officials revoked the licenses of Provo Canyon School's programs due to allegations of abusive discipline, unnecessary restraints, and humiliation of children. The school is now appealing the decision. The allegations led to an order to close the school's girls program by August.
Mallory Challis •
Baptist News Global •
Jul 24, 2026
Physical RestraintMedical Neglect
UtahProvo Canyon School
Provo Canyon School, a residential treatment center, has been shut down due to allegations of abuse and neglect. The school faced multiple lawsuits, including two recent cases involving improper care of students who were injured or sick. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the school's residential treatment license, citing failure to provide a safe environment for children.
Private SchoolsOversightArkansasThe Delta Institute for the Developing Brain
An investigation into The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain, a private school in Arkansas, uncovered evidence of child abuse, including physical punishment and humiliation of students. The school's owner, Mary 'Tracy' Morrison, was charged with permitting child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The case highlights the lack of oversight and regulation of private schools in Arkansas.
Facilities:The Delta Institute for the Developing Brain
WENG Newsroom •
WENG 98.1FM, 107.5 FM & 1530 AM •
Jul 22, 2026
Child Sexual Abuse
Juvenile JusticeStaff MisconductNebraskaKearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center
A 19-year-old man has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by staff at the Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center, where he was detained from age 16. The allegations include grooming and coercion by a former staffer. The case is part of a larger pattern of staff misconduct at the facility, with multiple employees facing charges related to sexual abuse.
Facilities:Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center
Child Sexual AbuseGraphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
Juvenile JusticeWashingtonDenney Youth CenterDenney Juvenile Justice Center
A new lawsuit has been filed against Snohomish County alleging sexual abuse of incarcerated minors at Denney Youth Center and Denney Juvenile Justice Center. The lawsuit claims that the county's policies and practices enabled the abuse, and that staff members failed to protect the children in their care. The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to invasive and sexualized searches, and that their reports of abuse were ignored or met with retaliation.
Facilities:Denney Youth Center, Denney Juvenile Justice Center
Eight new plaintiffs have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by guards while being held in San Diego County juvenile detention facilities. The allegations are similar to prior claims from former residents of the facilities. The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to sexual abuse, including rape, while in the facilities.
Facilities:Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, Camp Barrett, Polinsky Center
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the license of the Provo Canyon School's Provo campus due to multiple noncompliance citations, including failure to protect clients from harm and using cruel practices on children. Paris Hilton, who attended the school as a teenager, has spoken out about the abuse she suffered there. The school has until August 15 to stop providing services at its Provo campus.
Jen Robison •
The Salt Lake Tribune •
Jul 19, 2026
Abuse
ClosureUtahProvo Canyon School
Jen Robison, a survivor of Provo Canyon School, writes about her experience and advocates for the school's permanent closure. She believes that children deserve safe help and that the program's closure is necessary to ensure their well-being. The author urges Utah to stand firm on its decision to revoke the school's license.
Alixel Cabrera •
News From The States •
Jul 17, 2026
Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or InjuriesPeer ViolenceMedical Neglect
LicensingClosureSafety ViolationsStaff MisconductCelebrityUtahProvo Canyon School (provo Campus)Provo Canyon School (springville Campus)
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the license of Provo Canyon School’s Provo campus, ordering its closure by August 16, 2026. The decision followed reports of violence, medical neglect, and staff noncompliance with safety regulations, including an incident in which a 13‑year‑old boy sustained injuries. The state cited chronic violations such as withholding basic needs and using inappropriate behavior‑management practices.
Facilities:Provo Canyon School (Provo campus), Provo Canyon School (Springville campus)
Physical RestraintHumiliating PunishmentsChild Sexual Abuse
UtahProvo Canyon School
The state of Utah has revoked the license of Provo Canyon School's Provo campus due to repeated noncompliance citations and allegations of abuse. The school was cited for failing to protect clients from harm and using cruel and unnecessary practices. Paris Hilton, a survivor of the school, has filed a lawsuit alleging mistreatment and abuse during her time at the facility.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has revoked the residential treatment license for Provo Canyon School's Provo campus, citing concerns over allegations of abuse and mistreatment. The facility must cease operations by August 16. Survivors, including Paris Hilton, have spoken out about their experiences at the school, describing physical and mental abuse.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the residential treatment license for Provo Canyon School's Provo campus, effectively shutting down the program. The facility must stop providing all services by August 16. Paris Hilton, who attended the school as a youth and has spoken out about abuse, applauded the shutdown.
