Murray, Wyden: “We are concerned by numerous stories of exploitation, mistreatment and maltreatment, abuse and neglect, and fatalities in these facilities.”
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, sent letters to four major companies operating youth residential treatment facilities demanding information on their practices, policies, and treatment of youth following troubling reports of abuse and neglect.
“I am seriously concerned by report after report of abuse and neglect in residential care facilities responsible for caring for youth struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders,” said Senator Wyden. “These youth and their families have put their trust in these organizations to help them get better and instead are being met with more trauma. Accountability is desperately needed, and we’re demanding answers.”
“Kids and teens struggling with mental health, substance use, and other challenges must be able to get the care and support they need in a compassionate, safe, and nurturing environment. Period,” said Senator Murray. “But it’s clear that egregious treatment of young people has occurred in residential care facilities across the country—so we’re demanding answers and accountability. No young person should ever fear for their safety, suffer abuse or neglect, or be denied the supportive care and education they deserve.”
In letters to the CEOs of Acadia Health Services, Deveraux Advanced Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services, and Vivant Behavioral Healthcare, the Senators cited deeply troubling reports of abuse and neglect of youth in the care of residential treatment facilities operated by their companies. These facilities provide in-patient therapeutic services for youth with mental health, substance use, and behavioral and emotional disorders, or other disabilities—but reporting has detailed abuse and neglect in facilities across the country. Specifically, the Senators highlighted reports of inappropriate use of—and lack of reporting—on restraint and seclusion, staffing shortages, a lack of appropriate mental health and substance use disorder services, and concerns about the quality of education provided.
“Over the past several years, a series of reports have raised concerns about the conditions that children and youth experience in residential treatment facilities …. [W]e are concerned by numerous stories of exploitation, mistreatment and maltreatment, abuse and neglect, and fatalities in these facilities. To ensure that children and youth placed in your care are safe and provided the care and treatment they need to be able to return to their homes and communities, we write to learn more about the policies and procedures at your facilities,” wrote the Senators.
Specifically, the Senators demanded the chief executives provide information about any instances of abuse or neglect; any complaints, inspections, and investigations; funding sources; and details about their policies and use of restraint and seclusion.
Read the Senators’ letters to Acadia Health Services, Deveraux Advanced Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services, and Vivant Behavioral Healthcare:
A web version of this release is here.