In 2006, 28 states reported deaths in residential treatment facilities and 49 states reported having investigated allegations of abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse.[6]
Abuse
As described in the list of examples above, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse are present at many RFs. The perpetuation of abuse, coupled with insufficient accountability for such behavior, leaves already vulnerable youths subject to re-traumatization and exacerbation of their behavioral and mental health symptoms. As the examples in this report indicate, abuse in RF’s is not limited to any one geographic region of the U.S. or to any one provider.
The abuse of children at RF’s has not been resolved. As mentioned above, as recently as January 2021, a class action complaint was filed against Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.[1]
ADAP staff verify, with proper permission, as much as possible through record reviews, follow up interviews and video surveillance data. For example, when a boy residing in a RF reported being slammed against a wall, ADAP staff initiated an investigation and viewed surveillance video for that day that corroborated his story. When children and youth reported being “football tackled” this technique was consistent with what was reflected on the video footage.
Physical Abuse
“I don’t feel safe.”[2] Physical abuse, often masked as punishment or a control tactic, is not uncommon in RFs. Although some incidents begin as restraint and quickly escalate into physical abuse, children also report more direct examples of physical abuse as well, such as dragging, punching, and throwing or “slamming” them against walls or the floor.[3]
Restraint and Seclusion
Lakeside Academy, a for-profit RF in Michigan, made headlines in May 2020 when 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick was killed by staff during a restraint.[32] Cornelius died of asphyxiation after two Sequel staff members sat on his chest and abdomen for nearly ten minutes while he cried that he could not breathe.[33] A third Sequel staff member allegedly witnessed the abuse but did not intervene or seek help for Cornelius.[34] According to a state report, staff restrained Cornelius simply because he threw a sandwich.[35]
https://www.ndrn.org/resource/desperation-without-dignity
The excerps above were taken from the website “desperation-without-dignity” which is a Non-profit organization who advocates for individuals with disabilities.