Chemical RestraintSeclusionChild Sexual AbuseMedical Neglect
ClosureLicensingSurvivor StoriesLegislationSafety ViolationsProvo Canyon School
State officials revoked the license of Provo Canyon School in Utah and ordered its closure by August 6, 2026, citing repeated failures to provide adequate care and safety. Survivors, including Paris Hilton, have long reported verbal abuse, forced medication, solitary confinement, and nonconsensual medical examinations at the facility.
A Goochland County lieutenant has expressed concern that someone may be killed at Hallmark Youthcare due to unsafe conditions. The facility has experienced multiple incidents, including juveniles escaping and assaulting staff members. The lieutenant has warned that the facility appears unable to safely manage the juveniles in its care. A mother of one of the juveniles who escaped has spoken out, stating that she believes the facility is doing more harm than good.
Kevin Dolak •
The Hollywood Reporter •
Jul 9, 2026
Physical RestraintAbuse
Wilderness TherapyClosureUtahProvo Canyon School
The state of Utah has shut down the Provo Canyon School due to multiple health and safety violations. Paris Hilton, a survivor of the facility, has spoken out about the abuse she experienced during her time there. The school's closure comes after years of allegations of abuse and neglect.
Utah's Department of Health & Human Services revoked the operating license of Provo Canyon School, citing multiple health and safety violations, including inadequate staffing, improper restraints, and failure to verify employee background checks. The action follows survivor testimony, including statements from Paris Hilton, about alleged abuse at the facility.
The Provo Canyon School in Utah has had its license revoked due to noncompliance issues, including unnecessary restraint and neglect. Paris Hilton, a survivor of the school, has spoken out about the abuse she experienced during her time there. The school's license cancellation is a result of an investigation by Utah state regulators.
Deputy Jayne Ozanne, a survivor of religious conversion therapy, described the lasting impacts of the practice and urged Guernsey to strengthen discrimination laws before implementing a ban. The article details the UK government's draft bill to criminalise abusive conversion practices and includes comments from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Facilities:NHS, British Psychological Society, Liberate, Home Affairs Committee, UK Government
Kathianne Boniello •
The Salt Lake Tribune •
Jun 23, 2026
Physical RestraintSelf-harmMedical Neglect
Disability RightsUtahProvo Canyon School
The Disability Law Center has reported concerns about the safety of teens at Provo Canyon School, citing incidents of violence, self-harm, and inadequate medical care. The center's findings are based on visits to the program's Provo and Springville campuses. The report highlights chronic staffing shortages and other issues that may be putting teens at risk.
Forced LaborNegligenceIndianaCentral Indiana Teen ChallengeThe Refuge Girls Academy
A lawsuit has been filed against Central Indiana Teen Challenge, alleging negligence and abuse of 35 girls who lived at the facility. The allegations include humiliating discipline, forced labor, and inadequate therapy. The lawsuit also claims that the facility's staff made false accusations against the girls, including allegations of sexual promiscuity.
Facilities:Central Indiana Teen Challenge, The Refuge Girls Academy
Key Figures:Dawn Rose, Dave Rose, Missy Bowman, Libby Johnson
Physical RestraintHumiliating PunishmentsChild Sexual Abuse
New YorkFamily Foundation School
A survivor of the Family Foundation School in New York has filed a lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse, including being forced to dig their own grave and eat vomit. The survivor claims that local authorities ignored reports of abuse due to the influence of the school's owners. The school's music teacher, Paul Geer, was previously sentenced to 27 years in prison for sexually abusing students.
Facilities:Family Foundation School
Key Figures:Paul Geer, Michael Argiros, Cindy Argiros
Faith-Based ProgramsExploitationIndianaIndiana Teen Challenge Inc.The Refuge Girls Academy
A federal lawsuit alleges abuse and exploitation at a faith-based residential program for teenage girls in Indiana. The plaintiffs claim they were subjected to a coercive environment, including prolonged isolation, public humiliation, and deprivation of basic necessities. The lawsuit also alleges that the program forced residents to perform extensive unpaid labor and subjected them to religious deliverance rituals.
Facilities:Indiana Teen Challenge Inc., The Refuge Girls Academy
A mother has filed a lawsuit against Provo Canyon School, alleging that staff ignored safety concerns before her son was seriously injured. The incident has prompted calls for the school's closure. Paris Hilton, an advocate for reform of the troubled teen industry, has spoken out in support of the family.
Two families have filed lawsuits against Provo Canyon School, alleging medical neglect and malpractice. Paris Hilton, who attended the school as a teenager, is supporting the families and calling for the school to be shut down. The lawsuits claim that the school failed to provide adequate medical care to two teenagers, resulting in serious injuries and health complications.
Former residents of the Wyoming Boys’ School have alleged abuse, including extended periods of solitary confinement and physical harm. Staff members have testified that they were ordered to falsify records to downplay the use of force. The school's use of solitary confinement and physical restraints has been described as excessive and unconstitutional. The former residents are seeking justice and an end to the alleged abuse.
Facilities:Wyoming Boys’ School
Key Figures:Thad Shaffer, Dale Weber, Amanda Turner, Darryl Coronado, Tate Adams, Mike Nelson, John Schwalbe, Kevin McGinty
ClosureMinnesotaNexus East Bethel Family HealingHoffmann CenterNorthwood Children's ServicesGrafton Integrated Health Network Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has ordered the closure of Nexus East Bethel Family Healing, a psychiatric facility for youth, due to a history of violations, including failing to protect residents' safety and basic rights, poor supervision, and suspected maltreatment. The facility has been fined and subjected to multiple corrective action plans. The closure has exacerbated the existing shortage of treatment beds for youth with severe mental and behavioral health issues.
Facilities:Nexus East Bethel Family Healing, Hoffmann Center, Northwood Children's Services, Grafton Integrated Health Network Minnesota
Staff at Queensland youth detention centres walked off the job due to safety and health concerns, resulting in lockdowns at several facilities. Children at two facilities were allegedly locked down for an entire weekend due to staff shortages. The Youth Advocacy Centre is filing a human rights complaint on behalf of the affected children.
Facilities:Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, West Moreton Youth Detention Centre, Wacol Youth Remand Centre, Cleveland Youth Detention Centre
Juvenile JusticeNorth CarolinaRockingham Youth Development CenterRichmond-Jenkins JDCAlexander JDC
A report by Disability Rights North Carolina found that youth in North Carolina's Juvenile Detention Centers receive varying treatment and services, with some facilities using solitary confinement and providing little to no educational services. The report highlights the need for improvement in the state's juvenile justice system to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for youth. The state has taken steps to address some of the issues, including closing one facility and implementing changes in others.
Facilities:Rockingham Youth Development Center, Richmond-Jenkins JDC, Alexander JDC
Of 1,154 calls to Colorado's child abuse hotline from youth treatment centers in five years, 92% were screened out. Jennifer Brown's investigation for The Colorado Sun.
The Colorado child abuse hotline received 1,154 calls from youth treatment centers in the past five years, with 92% of the calls being screened out by county child welfare officials. The calls reported various issues, including injuries, sexual allegations, and children running away. An investigation into one of the centers, Tennyson Center, revealed a youth counselor was charged with sexual assault of a child.
Facilities:Tennyson Center, Mount Saint Vincent, Cleo Wallace Academy, El Pueblo Boys & Girls Ranch, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
Emma Glasbey, Yorkshire home and social affairs correspondent, and Julia Bryson, Yorkshire BBC •
BBC •
Jun 3, 2026
Child Sexual AbusePhysical Abuse
Group HomeUnited KingdomSkircoat Lodge
A former care home manager, Malcolm Phillips, was deemed unfit to stand trial due to old age and ill health, and was given an absolute discharge after a trial of facts found him to have committed sexual and physical offences against children. His assistant, Linda Brunning, was jailed for 25 years for her role in the abuse. The victims, now adults, have spoken out about their experiences and the long-lasting impact of the abuse.
Physical RestraintChild Sexual AbuseChild-on-Child CSA
Wilderness TherapyMissouriCaloChange Academy At Lake of the Ozarks
Former students of Calo, a youth residential treatment center in Missouri, have filed lawsuits alleging physical and emotional abuse by staff. The allegations include physical restraints, denial of medical treatment, and sexual assaults by fellow students. The facility has denied all claims of abuse and neglect.
Facilities:Calo, Change Academy at Lake of the Ozarks
Key Figures:Robert Thrasher, Christy Nelson, Sean Lackey, Chris Edgar
Provo Canyon School has been sanctioned by Utah licensers for delaying medical care to a teen who suffered a jaw injury and brain bleed in a fight at the facility. The school has a history of abuse allegations. The sanction prevents the facility from accepting new clients temporarily.
Annmarie Timmins •
New Hampshire Public Radio •
May 26, 2026
Physical RestraintSeclusion
Juvenile JusticeNew HampshireSununu Youth Services Center
An investigation by the Legislature's Oversight Commission on Children’s Services found that the state's lack of oversight, leadership, and staff training has failed children and staff at the Sununu Youth Services Center. The report cited shortcomings in the facility's therapeutic approach and staff training, as well as a lack of transparency and oversight. The investigation was prompted by allegations of illegal restraints and seclusions, and a lockdown at the center.
Ronald V. Miller, Jr. •
Lawsuit Information Center •
May 21, 2026
Child Sexual Abuse
Juvenile JusticeCaliforniaCamp BarrettKearny Mesa Juvenile Detention FacilityRancho Del Campo Juvenile RanchEast Mesa Juvenile Detention FacilityGirls Rehabilitation Facility
Camp Barrett, a juvenile detention facility in California, is facing lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of minors by staff members. The facility, operated by the San Diego County Probation Department, was intended to provide rehabilitation services to court-involved youth. However, survivors report experiencing physical and sexual abuse, which was allegedly enabled by systemic failures in hiring, supervision, and oversight. The lawsuits seek to hold the county and facility responsible for the harm suffered by the survivors.
Facilities:Camp Barrett, Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, Rancho Del Campo Juvenile Ranch, East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, Girls Rehabilitation Facility
Foster CareLicensingOversightStaff MisconductClosureMarylandSilver Oak AcademyRite of PassageMaryland Department of Human ServicesMaryland Department of Juvenile Services
Maryland officials announced that the license for Silver Oak Academy will not be renewed, requiring the relocation of resident youth by June 30, 2026. The decision follows multiple reports of violence, staff misconduct, and concerns about oversight at the privately operated foster facility.
Facilities:Silver Oak Academy, Rite of Passage, Maryland Department of Human Services, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services
Key Figures:Alger Studstill, Jim DeWees, Suzanne Smith, Dana Rexrode, Malik Glover
Laura A. Bischoff •
The Columbus Dispatch •
May 13, 2026
Physical RestraintAbuseNeglectGraphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
Juvenile JusticeOhioMohican Young Star Academy
A report by Disability Rights Ohio found systemic abuse and neglect in Ohio's youth residential treatment facilities, including the use of chokeholds and punches. The report recommends reforms to address these issues. The facilities in question provide intensive behavioral health care to vulnerable children.
Wilderness TherapyNorth CarolinaAsheville AcademySolstice EastMagnolia Mill SchoolFamily Help & WellnessWilderness Training & Consulting
Asheville Academy, a residential treatment center in North Carolina, closed suddenly after two student deaths, leaving families who had sent their children there for treatment scrambling to find alternative care. The facility had a history of allegations of abusive practices, including physical restraint and seclusion. Former students have filed lawsuits alleging abuse and misconduct at the program.
Facilities:Asheville Academy, Solstice East, Magnolia Mill School, Family Help & Wellness, Wilderness Training & Consulting
Akiya Dillon •
Las Vegas Review-Journal •
May 11, 2026
Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual MisconductNevadaSpring MountainUniversal Health Services
A lawsuit has been filed against Universal Health Services, alleging that a 16-year-old patient was sexually abused by a staff member at the Spring Mountain facility in 2004. The lawsuit claims that the company knowingly enabled and tolerated a culture of abuse and exploitation within its facilities. The plaintiff, identified as F.D., alleges that she was repeatedly assaulted by a staff member and was threatened with disruption of her treatment schedule if she reported the abuse.
Facilities:Spring Mountain, Universal Health Services
Andrew Kennard •
Wisconsin Examiner •
May 11, 2026
Physical RestraintGraphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
Juvenile JusticeWisconsinJonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center
A lawsuit has been filed against Racine County and two staff members at the Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center, alleging excessive force was used against a teen with emotional and psychological disabilities. The incident occurred on May 27, 2025, and the teen was struck repeatedly by staff. The county has implemented changes since the incident, including additional training on de-escalation and trauma-informed care.
Facilities:Jonathan Delagrave Youth Development and Care Center
Annmarie Timmins •
New Hampshire Public Radio •
May 10, 2026
Physical RestraintChild Sexual Abuse
Juvenile JusticeNew HampshireSununu Youth Services Center
Former residents of New Hampshire's state-run youth detention center are speaking out about their experiences with abuse and neglect. An investigation is currently underway into recent allegations of abuse and neglect at the facility. The investigation was prompted by reports of a child suffering a broken bone during an illegal restraint and not receiving proper medical care.
Agape Boarding SchoolKidnappingMissouriCircle of Hope Girls Ranch
A California mother was sentenced to three years in federal prison for arranging the transportation of her 16-year-old son to Agape Boarding School in Missouri, despite a protection order. The son was taken from California and held at the facility. Agape Boarding School has since closed down amid reports of abuse and concerns about employee background checks.
Facilities:Agape Boarding School, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch
Physical RestraintChild Sexual AbuseSuicideDeath by suicide
Documentary
The documentary 'The Kids Are Not Alright' explores the experiences of survivors of the troubled teen industry, including wilderness programs and other facilities that promised therapeutic help but instead inflicted physical and emotional abuse. The film follows the stories of several survivors, including Liz Ianelli and Cadilina 'Cady' Deville, as they seek justice and recovery. The documentary also examines the case of Erica Harvey, who died in a wilderness program.
Riley Board •
The Portland Press Herald •
May 7, 2026
AbuseNeglect
MaineHyde School
A lawsuit against Hyde School alleging abuse and neglect is ongoing, despite the attorney for the former student being sanctioned for using artificial intelligence to generate inaccurate legal citations. The attorney has accepted responsibility and will continue to work on the case. The lawsuit claims the school violated human trafficking, forced labor, and negligence laws.
Foster CareWhistleblowerMarylandSilver Oak Academy
A former Silver Oak Academy worker has come forward alleging a culture of fear and violence at the facility. The worker reported that physical altercations and property destruction were common occurrences. An 18-year-old former resident also shared his experience, describing the facility as a 'hellhole' where he was subjected to a 'bad altercation'.
The Michigan House of Representatives voted to restrict certain practices in the 'troubled teen industry', including the use of physical restraints and blindfolding during transport to residential treatment programs. The legislation aims to protect children from inhumane treatment. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed a national system of 'wellness farms' to treat addiction, citing San Patrignano in Italy as a model. Critics argue that the approach, which rejects the use of scientifically-proven medications, is dangerous and could lead to more fatalities. San Patrignano's leaders have expressed confusion and frustration over Kennedy's interest in their program, which has been marred by past scandals and controversies.
ConfinementPhysical RestraintSeclusionChild Sexual AbuseSuicideHumiliating PunishmentsGraphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
AdoptionUinta AcademyFamily Help & WellnessTrails CarolinaAsheville Academy for GirlsAspen Education GroupElevations RTCSolstice EastMagnolia Mill SchoolCALO ProgramsThree Points CenterDiscovery Ranch
This Associated Press investigation uncovers a "shadow orphanage system" where adopted children are disproportionately placed in for-profit residential treatment facilities. These institutions often market themselves to families by misusing the diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder to justify expensive and unregulated "tough-love" programs.
Rather than finding support, many children experience systemic abuse, isolation, and neglect in environments focused on profit margins. The report emphasizes that these institutional settings often cause more harm than healing, failing the vulnerable children they were meant to protect.
Facilities:Uinta Academy, Family Help & Wellness, Trails Carolina, Asheville Academy for Girls, Aspen Education Group, Elevations RTC, Solstice East, Magnolia Mill School, CALO Programs, Three Points Center, Discovery Ranch
Lucas Brady Woods •
Sentinel Colorado •
Apr 28, 2026
Conversion Therapy
Conversion TherapyLegislationColorado
Colorado lawmakers are proposing a new bill to outlaw conversion therapy, despite a recent US Supreme Court ruling that sided with a Christian counselor who argued the current ban violates her free speech rights. The proposed bill would consider conversion therapy as harmful professional conduct and allow victims to sue their mental health providers for damages. The bill aims to protect LGBTQ individuals from the harmful practice, which has been discredited by major medical organizations.
A man who was physically and sexually abused as a teenager at the Kincora Boys' Home in Belfast has settled his claim for damages. The plaintiff alleged that the authorities failed to properly investigate or prevent the abuse, which was perpetrated by the home's housemaster, William McGrath. The settlement provides a significant six-figure sum to the plaintiff, who has endured a lifetime of trauma as a result of the abuse.
John Paul Barajas, Matthew Craig, Andrea K. Moreno, Katrina Webber •
KSAT •
Apr 27, 2026
Physical Restraint
MedicaidTexasLaurel Ridge Treatment Center
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center is laying off nearly 650 employees due to being cut off from Medicaid and Medicare payments over safety violations. The facility has previously been reported to have staffing shortages and unsecured items that could be used for self-injury. The layoffs will be effective June 26.
Youth ServicesSexual MisconductArrestColoradoGrand Mesa Youth Services Center
A parole officer at the Grand Mesa Youth Services Center was arrested and charged with sex crimes against an 18-year-old parolee. The investigation began in December 2025 and was reopened in March 2026 after new allegations surfaced. The officer, Nycole Power, turned herself in and faces multiple charges, including illegal sexual conduct by an officer and harassment.
Juvenile JusticeDeathCaliforniaBarry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment FacilityLos Padrinos Juvenile HallCentral Juvenile Hall
A settlement of $2.5 million has been recommended in the death of 18-year-old Bryan Diaz, who died from a fentanyl overdose at the Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility. The facility was found to have critical staffing issues and inadequate supervision, which contributed to Diaz's death. The county has since taken steps to improve security and train staff on the use of Narcan.
Facilities:Barry J. Nidorf Secure Youth Treatment Facility, Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Central Juvenile Hall
Child Protective ServicesIndianaRefuge Girls AcademyCentral Indiana Teen Challenge
Jennifer Dorfmeyer has been appointed as the new Director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, effective immediately, following the transition of former director Adam Krupp into a role as Special Advisor to the Governor on Child Welfare. Krupp’s departure follows a medical leave of absence that began in January 2026, and while state officials clarified his transition was not related to disciplinary action, it occurs amid a federal lawsuit involving allegations of misconduct at a faith-based residential program he had previously promoted.
Facilities:Refuge Girls Academy, Central Indiana Teen Challenge
MedicareMedicaidSafety ViolationsTexasLaurel Ridge Treatment Center
The Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio is facing the termination of its Medicare and Medicaid agreements following federal and state investigations into repeated safety violations. Reports highlighted serious concerns regarding patient well-being, including staffing shortages, inadequate check-in times, and the presence of unsecured items that could lead to self-harm. While federal funding for new admissions is set to end on April 30, 2026, the facility remains open and operational, with leadership stating they are working to address compliance issues and ensure that current patients continue to receive uninterrupted care. State officials are also assisting in finding alternative placements for those impacted to ensure their safety and continued support during this transition.
The author, a survivor of a Utah residential treatment center, is demanding change in the troubled teen industry due to inconsistent oversight that can lead to exploitation. The author's experience in a residential treatment center was traumatic. Some facilities provide legitimate care, but it is difficult for families to distinguish between trauma-informed treatment and exploitation.
The Michigan House Families and Veterans Committee has advanced legislation to protect children from abusive practices within residential childcare programs. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cam Cavitt, aims to bar transportation companies from using restraints, such as blindfolds and handcuffs, while transporting youths to residential programs. The legislation also seeks to prohibit nighttime pickups between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
