child deathillegal restraintsexual abusegraphic descriptions of physical abuseseclusionself-harmtransphobia
Elevations RTCTrails Carolina
Staff Mentioned: David Faust (Elevations RTC), Jennifer Wilde (Elevations RTC)
Survivor stories from Chloe Gilliland, Stella Downey, Miranda Goodwill, Sabrina Jonas, Finn Pool
Chloe Gilliland attended Elevations from July 2023 to June 2024
Elevations RTC is owned by Family Help & Wellness (FHW)
Other FHW programs have been cited for regulatory violations
Disability Law Center of Utah has received complaints about Elevations RTC
Stella Downey attended Elevations from June 2020 to February 2021
Elevations RTC has been making more calls to the police as the years go on
In 2023, there were 56 police calls. That number is expected to be higher for 2024.
Elevations RTC is a NATSAP member
Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA) is a bipartisan bill that would make it easier for officials to communicate across state lines regarding child welfare
SICAA would also “create the first national database of restraints and seclusion in youth treatment centers”
Sabrina Jonas’ mother reported Sabrina’s abuse to her local school district, who is no longer doing business with Elevations
California Department of Education investigated Elevations in 2023
The investigation concluded that Elevations failed to handle allegations of sexual abuse properly
28 school districts in 7 states have paid to send students to Elevations
FHW bought Island View in 2014 and turned it into Elevations
A survivor sued Elevations in 2018 for permanent injuries resulting from abuse
The 2018 lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount
Elevation’s maximum capacity is 90 students
Tuition at Elevations is over $500/daily
David Faust, an Elevations RTC therapist, plead guilty in 2023 for failure to report Finn Pool’s child abuse
“From May 2023 to May 2024, Elevations reported at least 105 incidents of self-harm and 138 uses of physical restraints, according to state records.”
“In Idaho, North Carolina and Utah, where the Family Help & Wellness youth programs are based, officials said they do not take violations at affiliated facilities in other states into account when evaluating programs. Only the child welfare agency in New Mexico, where one treatment center is, said it is currently looking into that program’s association with Family Help & Wellness, though its actions are limited to the facilities in its state.”
“Katie England, a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees facilities like Elevations, said that it ‘does not have the statutory authority to use facility violations or adverse incidents in other states when making Utah-specific licensing decisions.’”
Private SchoolsStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesOversightCanadaRobert Land AcademyUnnamed Military-Style School in Ontario
The transcript reports that former students have alleged physical and disciplinary abuse at a military‑style school in Ontario. The discussion focuses on the nature of the accusations and calls for oversight of the facility.
Facilities:Robert Land Academy, Unnamed military‑style school in Ontario
medical neglectdescriptions of physical assaults and injuriessuicide
Staff Mentioned: executive director Theresa Mitchell
The father of a 17-year-old survivor filed a lawsuit against Brighter Path Tuskegee on his son’s behalf
“M.C” says that he was severely physically and emotionally abused and neglected while at Brighter Path Tuskegee
Attorneys for M.C.: Tommy James (Tommy James Law), Jeremy Knowles (Morris Haynes), Walter McGowan (Gray, Langford, Sapp, McGowan, Gray, Gray, & Nathanson), Caleb Cunningham (Levin, Papantonio, and Levin)
M.C. was repeatedly, severely physically assaulted by other residents. Staff did not intervene or protect him.
M.C. did not receive appropriate medical treatment for injuries that came from physical assaults
Utah DHHS denied Maple Lake Academy’s renewal application for its girls’ program. Maple Lake Academy’s boys’ program is still open
All clients must leave by September 13, 2024
Sofia Soto died at Maple Lake Academy in 2022 due to medical neglect
Maple Lake Academy was cited this past August for refusing to give medication to a client
According to licensees, Maple Lake Academy failed their duty to protect a student who had serious health complications after self-harming
Maple Lake Academy plans to try to appeal the decision in hopes of re-opening
MLA nearly lost its license in 2022, but regulators made a “deal” with MLA that allowed it to stay open
Simon Bolivar, director of Utah’s Office of Licensing, said that they did not revoked MLA’s license in 2022 because it seemed like they were headed in the right direction (towards compliance)
Sofia Soto’s parents are suing Maple Lake Academy for neglecting their daughter
child deathmedical neglectrestraintdescription of injuries
Parent Company: TrueCore Behavioral Solutions
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is terminating its contract with TrueCore Behavioral Solutions to operate four programs (Hillsborough Girls Academy, Polk Halfway House, Fort Myers Academy, and Orange Youth Academy) after the death of a child at Lake Academy, also operated by TrueCore
California Senate Bill SB 1043, authored by California Senator Shannon Grove, has passed an important committee vote which means it will be voted on by the entire Assembly later this month
SB 1043 is also known as the Accountability in Children’s Treatment Act
SB 1043 is expected to pass the Assembly Vote later this month and then be signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom
SB 1043 would require incidents involving restraints or seclusion to be documented in oral and written form, shared with the client, and shared with the client’s parents or guardians within 7 days
It would also require California Department of Social Services to create an internet website by January 1, 2026 that displays data about short-term residential programs, including data about restraints and seclusion
Garnet Collins, staff, arrested for first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and one count of forcible touching
Arraigned and released, protection order issued by judge for both victims
Collins is due back in court on September 26, 2024
Pamela A. Karanova •
The Real Adoptea Moxie Blog •
Aug 9, 2024
adoption traumabroken adoptionsneglectgraphic description of severe physical abuse and injuriesgraphic description of verbal abusehomophobic slurssuicide
Atlantis Leadership Academy
The Times reported that Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica was closed in April due to child abuse
“Noah” Bevin, son of former KY Governor Matt Bevin, was among the children abandoned in Jamaica when the school was closed
Two other Black boys were also abandoned at Atlantis Leadership Academy
Adoptive parents sending their children to TTI facilities is a growing trend, particularly among white Christians
“Adoption in the US has an estimated failure rate of up to 25 percent.”
Atlantis Leadership Academy was an American facility with American operators
When adopted children struggle with emotional or behavioral issues due to trauma, adoptive parents sometimes send them to TTI programs
Some white Christian adoptive parents are preoccupied with their self-image as a “savior” and prioritize their reputations above their children’s needs
Savior mindsets for adoptive parents are extremely damaging to developing children
The Bevins were originally not allowed to be foster parents in the US because they already had five biological children. They adopted four children from Ethiopia instead
International adoptees, especially children of color, often experience a great deal of pain due to being separated from their culture of origin
Noah believes his father adopted him to benefit his “public image”
Adoptees have their adoption trauma exacerbated by the TTI
Adoptees are over-represented in TTI facilities
Adoptees are four times more likely to die by suicide
The blog author has created an organization called Adoptee Survivors of the Troubled Teen Industry
Matt Bevin is a conservative Christian and Republican who was governor of Kentucky from 2015-2019
Bevin claimed that his primary motivation to run was to fix the state’s foster care and adoption systems
Bevin and his wife Glenna adopted 4 children from Ethiopia
One of the Bevins’ adopted children, a 17 year-old boy given the pseudonym “Noah”, was just rescued from Atlantis Leadership Academy in Jamaica in February after authorities discovered extreme abuse and neglect at the facility
The Bevins have 5 biological children, in addition to their adopted children
Glenna Bevin field for divorce in May 2023
The Bevins did not pick up Noah from Jamaica and instead allowed him to become a ward of the Jamaican state
Glenna Bevin obtained a court order in April 2024 because Matt Bevin kept entering her home without permission, despite having been separated for two years
Only two of the Bevins’ 9 children are still minors
A hearing held for the rescued boys was held in April and attended by Paris Hilton
The Bevins adopted internationally after being denied a domestic adoption
Noah attended a TTI facility in Florida before being transferred to Jamaica
Henry Chism Okwori was convicted of misdemeanor child abuse for an incident involving physical violence that took place at Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center, St. George, Utah in April, 2024
He has also been charged with third-degree fraud for using someone else’s Social Security Number to obtain employment at Liahona Academy, another TTI facility, against a court order
detailed descriptions of extreme child abuse including psychological and emotional abuse physical violencetorture
Bethel AcademyAcademy At Ivy RidgeRestoration Youth Academy
Survivors Allen Knoll and Dave Bowsher made a documentary together called Teen Torture Inc., which is streaming now on HBO Max.
Bethel Boys Academy in Lucedale, Mississippi was closed in 2008
Many pictures of students and campus life
Founded in 1978 by Reverend Herman Fountain
Students were repeatedly removed from campus in connection with credible allegations of child abuse beginning in 1980 yet the school was allowed to remain open for 10 more years
When the state finally intervened, Herman Fountain assaulted a police officer and consequently served 9 months in prison
After prison, Fountain reopened the facility under a modified name in 1994
A staff member who was known to be particularly abusive, William Knott, was never held accountable for his crimes at Bethel. However, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for child abuse at his next workplace, Restoration Youth Academy, in 2017
Includes stories from Bethel survivors Allen Knoll, Daniel Edwards, Dave Bowsher, Ralph Nock, Steven Caccamo, Colin Buckley
Buckley and Caccamo are also survivors of Academy at Ivy Ridge
Buckley and Caccamo founded a non-profit called the Troubled Teen Advocate Group to help other survivors
Bethel survivors filed a class action lawsuit that failed
Herman Fountain’s son, John, took over as director in the final years of the academy
Parents filed a lawsuit against Bethel that was settled out of court
A lawsuit filed by a survivor’s father resulted in Bethel and Knott being ordered to pay out nearly $1m
Bethel rebranded as Eagle Point Christian Academy in 2005
Facilities:Bethel Academy, Academy at Ivy Ridge, Restoration Youth Academy
The 'troubled teen industry' in Arizona has been criticized for its lack of accountability, with some facilities using methods such as 'attack therapy' that can be harmful to the teenagers in their care. Survivors have reported experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other long-term effects after attending these programs. There have been legal issues with some of these companies, including a recent $2.5 million judgment against Spring Ridge Academy.
Former students of Spring Ridge Academy have alleged harsh treatment at the boarding school. The allegations are based on journal entries from the students, which describe their experiences. A lawsuit has been filed related to the allegations.
Spring Ridge Academy, a facility for troubled teens in Arizona, has been ordered to pay $2.5 million in a lawsuit claiming fraud. The facility, which closed in 2023, used outdated therapies and procedures born out of a cult from the 1950s. Survivors of the facility report experiencing physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to participate in humiliating group therapy sessions.
Juvenile JusticeSexual MisconductTrialStaff MisconductNew Hampshire Youth Detention Center
A mistrial was declared in a criminal case involving alleged sexual misconduct by staff at the New Hampshire Youth Detention Center. The court determined that the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict, and a new trial is expected to be scheduled.
descriptions of physical abusesexual abuseabductionpsychological abuse
On June 26, 2024 Paris Hilton testified at a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee about experiencing physical, sexual, and psychological abuse at facilities starting at age 16
The House Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over some child welfare programs
Voiced support “to reauthorize a lapsed program that provides states with resources to prevent child abuse and neglect”
Paris promoted “kinship care” as an alternative to sending foster youth to RTCs
Child welfare systems don’t get enough funding to operate properly
Supportive remarks shared from Dr. Sarah Font, a professor from Pennsylvania State University who “specializes in child abuse and neglect within foster care”
Provo Canyon School declined to comment and referred to a 2021 statement indicating that Provo Canyon School changed ownership in 2000
Paris also testified before the Utah Senate judiciary committee for more TTI regulation in 2021
Paris collaborated with congressional Democrats on a “bill of rights” for children in RTCs
Paris also supported a similar bill in California this past April
A 12‑year‑old boy died on his first night at Trails Carolina wilderness camp after being sealed in a bivy bag. Coroner's report ruled the death a homicide, citing inadequate monitoring and safety violations. The camp, which had its license revoked, faces potential legal action and scrutiny over staff training and procedures.
Brighter Path Courtland (editor’s note: previously Sequel TSI Courtland) may lose its business license due to allegations of abuse and fire hazards discovered at the facility in May
Courtland, AL town council met to discuss possibly revoking Brighter Path Courtland’s business license, decided to take at least 30 days to continue to investigate before making a decision
Staff MisconductSexual MisconductSafety ViolationsLicensingOversightTrialUtahHavenwood AcademyIntegrity HouseHope Group
Parents filed a lawsuit against Havenwood Academy in Utah, alleging that inadequate supervision by staff resulted in their daughter being sexually assaulted by other residents. The complaint further asserts that the facility delayed reporting the critical incident to state licensers for a month.
Facilities:Havenwood Academy, Integrity House, Hope Group
Mike Beaudet and Kevin Rothstein •
WCVB •
May 18, 2024
Graphic Descriptions of Assaults or Injuries
Survivor StoriesDisability RightsOversightLegislationJuvenile JusticeJudge Rotenberg Educational CenterJudge Rotenberg Center
Two former residents of the Judge Rotenberg Center recount their experiences with the facility's aversive electric shock therapy. They describe being subjected to shocks for behavioral infractions and observing similar treatment of peers, and note ongoing challenges after leaving the center.
Facilities:Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, Judge Rotenberg Center
Key Figures:Nathan Blenkush, Jean McGuire, Maura Healey
Jim Urquhart •
The Salt Lake Tribune •
May 7, 2024
Child Death
Wilderness TherapyDeathOversightRed Rock Canyon SchoolAspiro
This article examines the origins of the wilderness therapy industry in Utah, which traces back to practices influenced by Brigham Young University. The piece outlines how the sector expanded while facing ongoing reports of deaths, abuse allegations, and subsequent industry downsizing and increased state oversight.
Juvenile JusticeSuicideSouth DakotaOur Home (parkston)South Dakota Department of CorrectionsSouth Dakota Department of Social ServicesSouth Dakota Department of HealthEmpire Mental Health
Aerial, a minor in state custody, died by suicide while residing at the judge‑ordered residential facility Our Home in Parkston, South Dakota. Her mother, Lisa, has spoken publicly following a settlement of a lawsuit against the state, the Department of Corrections, and the facility, calling for policy changes to prevent similar incidents.
Facilities:Our Home (Parkston), South Dakota Department of Corrections, South Dakota Department of Social Services, South Dakota Department of Health, Empire Mental Health
Group HomeStaff MisconductSurvivor StoriesLicensingOversightNew HampshireYDC Youth Center
Former residents have filed a lawsuit alleging physical restraint, humiliating punishments, and other misconduct at the YDC Youth Center in New Hampshire. The complaint identifies owners John Buskey and Michael Meehan as responsible parties.
A lawsuit alleges that the Wyoming Boys' School subjected residents to psychological and emotional abuse, extended periods of solitary confinement, and physical harm. The plaintiffs claim that they were subjected to improper restraints, deprivation of meaningful human contact, and excessive force. The facility's staff and policies are accused of causing harm and violating the civil rights of the residents.
Facilities:Wyoming Boys' School
Key Figures:Dale Weber, John Schwalbe, Thad Shaffer
Morgan Gonzales •
Behavioral Health Business •
Jan 29, 2024
Corporate GovernanceMedicaidPrivate EquityConnecticutTurnbridgeNorth Castle PartnersStonehenge CapitalRaymond JamesLee EquityAnthem Blue CrossUnitedhealthcareOptum
Turnbridge, a behavioral health provider serving adolescents and young adults in Connecticut, is exploring a sale with a potential private‑equity buyer. The company highlighted its three‑phase treatment model and reported $15 million in EBITDA as part of the transaction process.
Facilities:Turnbridge, North Castle Partners, Stonehenge Capital, Raymond James, Lee Equity, Anthem Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Optum
Staff MisconductSafety ViolationsDeathPrivate SchoolsMichiganLakeside Academy
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy were sentenced to probation after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks. The teen died after a 12‑minute restraint following an incident in the cafeteria. The case highlights concerns about restraint practices and oversight at the facility.
Private SchoolsStaff MisconductSafety ViolationsDeathMichiganLakeside Academy
Two former staff members at Lakeside Academy were sentenced to 18 months of probation for involuntary manslaughter in the death of 16‑year‑old Cornelius Fredericks, who died after a 12‑minute restraint. The Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by restraint asphyxia. The case highlights concerns about safety practices at the private youth facility.
Survivor StoriesStaff MisconductSafety ViolationsLicensingJudge Rotenberg Educational CenterJudge Rotenberg CenterBehavior Research InstituteNew England Center for Children
A former resident of a Massachusetts residential treatment facility reported the use of electric shock devices on youths at the program. The account describes the devices as a form of physical restraint employed by staff members.
Facilities:Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, Judge Rotenberg Center, Behavior Research Institute, New England Center for Children
RiotPrivate SchoolsSafety ViolationsStaff MisconductUtahRed Rock Canyon School
A riot at Red Rock Canyon School in St. George resulted in more than 20 students sustaining injuries. The incident involved students and staff, with several students requiring medical attention. Authorities responded to the disturbance and are investigating the circumstances.
Staff MisconductSexual MisconductGroup HomeChild Protective ServicesMontanaYellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
Timothy Westervelt, a former staff member at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch in Big Sky, Montana, was sentenced for child sexual abuse. The case involved allegations of sexual misconduct toward minors while he was employed at the ranch. The sentencing reflects the facility's failure to protect vulnerable youth.
Physical RestraintChemical RestraintSeclusionHumiliating PunishmentsChild Sexual AbuseGraphic Descriptions of Assaults or InjuriesPeer ViolenceChild DeathSuicideSelf-harmSubstance AbuseVictim BlamingSpiritual AbuseRacismHomophobiaTransphobiaHate CrimesSlursFood RestrictionUnsanitary ConditionsMedical NeglectEating DisordersConversion TherapyForced LaborInvoluntary TransportLaw Enforcement Abuse
Juvenile JusticeGroup HomeStaff MisconductSafety ViolationsSurvivor StoriesUtahRed Rock Canyon School
The former Red Rock Canyon School in St. George, Utah, has publicly acknowledged allegations of abuse and neglect. Reports detail staff misconduct, safety violations, and conditions that led to harm among residents. The facility’s owners have issued statements addressing the claims.
Juvenile JusticeGroup HomeDisability RightsLicensingOversightMassachusettsJudge Rotenberg Educational CenterDepartment of Children and FamiliesDepartment of Early Education and Care
The article reports that the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families has placed nine children in the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, a facility that uses electric shock devices for adults. It highlights concerns from former judges and disability advocates about the potential trauma to children who may witness such treatment, and notes state licensing violations and significant public funding for the center. The piece also discusses ongoing legal and legislative efforts to restrict or ban the use of shock therapy.
Facilities:Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, Department of Children and Families, Department of Early Education and Care
Key Figures:Carol Erskine, Andrea Grossman, Casey Sherman, Leo Sarkissian, Helen Tager-Flusberg, Zoe Gross
Disability RightsPrivate SchoolsOversightLegislationSafety ViolationsJudge Rotenberg Educational Center
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center may continue using electric skin shock therapy under an existing consent decree, noting the state has not provided sufficient evidence that the practice falls outside the standard of care. The decision emphasizes that the therapy may be employed only as a last‑resort measure, with physician oversight and court permission for residents unable to consent.
