The PennZone

  • Home
  • Business
  • Health
  • Financial
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Legal
  • Construction
  • Non-profit

CCHR Praises Senate "Warehouses of Neglect" Report—Calls for Stronger Penalties
The PennZone/10274354

Trending...
  • INVESTIGATION ALERT: Berger Montague PC Investigates Aflac, Inc.'s Board Of Directors For Breach of Fiduciary Duties (NYSE: AFL)
  • Franco Polished Plaster Celebrates 35 Years of Bringing Walls to Life in the UK
  • Despite Global Calls for a Ban, US Child Psychiatry Pushes Electroshock for Kids
CCHR Praises Senate Warehouses of Neglect Report
Mental health industry watchdog praises recent Senate Committee on Finance report for exposing egregious systemic abuse of youths within the behavioral treatment industry. However, they urge even stronger penalties against offenders to ensure accountability and justice.

LOS ANGELES - PennZone -- Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, a mental health industry watchdog, applauded the recent Senate Committee on Finance report exposing youth residential treatment facilities (RTFs). The report is the culmination of Committee Chair Ron Wyden's two-year investigation, uncovering systemic child abuse and neglect in youth RTFs funded by federal dollars, including Medicaid and child welfare funding. It revealed RTFs routinely subject children to abuse, inappropriate restraints, unsafe conditions, and inadequate behavioral health care.[1]

The groundbreaking 136-page report, "Warehouses of Neglect: How Taxpayers Are Funding Systemic Abuse in Youth Residential Treatment Facilities," released on 12 June 2024, is testimony to the horrific abuse in the for-profit youth mental health system, about which CCHR has been informing legislators since 2015.[2]

CCHR agrees with Senator Wyden's solution to "shut off the fire hose of federal funding" for the industry.[3] The group's international president, Jan Eastgate, adds that stiffer regulations and strong penalties for violations are needed to protect children.

"The harms, abuses, and indignities children in [residential treatment facilities] have experienced and continue to experience today occur inevitably and by design: they are the direct causal result of a business model that has incentive to treat children as payouts and provide less than adequate safety and behavioral health treatment in order to maximize operating and profit margin," the report states. Further, "Providers will continue to operate this model because it's good business, unless there is some bold intervention."[4]

In 2020, CCHR reported at least 32 cases of sexual abuse in facilities owned by one of the hospital chains, including several convictions of staff responsible; about 18 abuses involving seclusion rooms or restraints use in children as young as 6, and including 3 deaths; wrongful deaths, assault; breaking a patient's arm and fracturing the nose of another; and, at least 6 suicides that may have been preventable.

More on The PennZone
  • $18 Price Target Issued in New Research Report After $34 Million Revenue Forecast from Acquisition; $101.5 Million Net Revenue in 2025; NAS DAQ: IQST
  • West Dentistry Welcomes New Oral Surgeon to Enhance Patient Care
  • Germantown Fashion & Arts Festival 2025 Draws Thousands, Celebrates Creativity in Historic Philly
  • The AML Shop Launches New Financial Investigations Unit, Appoints Director to Lead the Initiative
  • Casting Pro Darya Balyura Named Judge for 2025 Meals 4 Monologues Virtual Showcase

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 30,600 residential care communities in the U.S. with a total of 1,197,600 licensed beds across the country, of which 81.9% have for-profit ownership.[5]

The investigation concentrated upon four major operators—Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and Vivant Behavioral Healthcare (formerly known as Sequel). The companies turned over 25,000 pages of documents to the committee.

Senate staff visited some facilities in person, in what they describe as a representative sample of the industry. "Some kids they met were so heavily dosed on psychotropic drugs they appeared to move in a daze and struggled to hold conversations. A nurse at one site told investigators most kids took five to eight medications," The Imprint reported.[6]

The troubled teen treatment industry was found to prioritize cost-cutting, which often resulted in severe trauma or even death for the children involved. The report concluded that sub-par conditions are baked into the taxpayer-supported business model of many RTFs, costing taxpayers or parents as much as $1,200 a day per child.[7]

"The findings are simply horrific. And the report shows a terrible pattern of mistreatment and abuse happening to kids — at facilities which now receive billions of dollars in federal funds," Wyden said. "Overwhelmingly, it's clear that the operating model for these facilities is to warehouse as many kids as possible while keeping costs low, in order to maximize profit," stated Wyden.[8]

The presentation of the report enlisted the support of Paris Hilton, a staunch critic of the at-risk youth industry, following her own experience in a Utah facility as a teen. Hilton's group organized survivors of behavioral treatment facilities to submit testimony for the record, which Senator Wyden acknowledged during the hearing, holding up a thick stack of testimonies that had been submitted.

"After reading it [the report], I honestly have never felt so seen and heard: it validates everything that I've been fighting for over the past four years," Hilton said in a video statement released. She implored legislators to act: "I am begging you to protect your constituents before it's too late."[9]

The report said many states' historic reliance on RTFs was inappropriate and called on them to "ramp up their oversight capabilities for youth in both in-state and out-of-state facilities."[10]

Eastgate commented, "The recommendations are a huge step towards safeguarding troubled children and teens but may need even stronger reforms." But, she says, the implications are much wider, citing the death of a 12-year-old boy at a Trails wilderness camp in North Carolina in February this year, within 24 hours of admission. A petition has called for the facility's closure.

More on The PennZone
  • Raidium révolutionne le diagnostic de la Sclérose en Plaques en partenariat avec l'Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
  • New Podcast "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Hosted by Josh and Heidi Case Launches July 7th with Explosive Global Reach and a Mission to Transform Lives
  • The Herbal Care, Led by Markel Bababekov, Becomes a Top Dispensary in NYC's Upper East Side
  • Digital Watchdog Launches New myDW Cloud Services
  • Stan Fitzgerald Appointed Acting Press Secretary for Veterans for America First VFAF Georgia State Chapter

CCHR recommends added state protections, including:

As a requirement for acquiring a state license and/or contracting with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), mental health and behavioral treatment facilities must ascribe in writing to a code of ethics and practice and legally swear to abide by it at all times, which includes agreeing to a policy of non-coercive or punitive practices.

Increase the penalties for hospitals and congregate treatment facilities which repeatedly violate plans of correction for deficiencies that put residents at risk. Penalties include hospital closure and significant fines.

Uniform state restraint laws to align with the October 2023 World Health Organization guidance on Mental Health, Human Rights and Legislation, that recommends laws "prohibit the use of seclusion and restraint in any health or social care facility."[11]

A national reporting system should be established similar to the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch adverse drug reporting system, where hospital harm and abuse incidents can be posted.

Implement a policy that works towards the de-escalation and reduction of psychotropic drug use in these age groups, also prohibiting such drug use as "chemical restraint" to control behavior, and thereby help improve the lives of troubled children, teens and young adults.

About CCHR: CCHR was founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Dr. Thomas Szasz, Professor of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University and helped achieve over 190 laws that protect patients from coercive psychiatric practices, including the Prohibition of Mandatory Medication Act to protect schoolchildren from enforced psychotropic drugs.

[1] www.wdbo.com/news/trending/senate-investigation-reveals-abuses-neglect-federally-funded-youth-treatment-centers/GTXWTKBKUZA5NCXKJDGL3NOVWM/; www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-investigation-exposes-systemic-taxpayer-funded-child-abuse-and-neglect-in-youth-residential-treatment-facilities

[2] www.cchrint.org/2015/08/11/universal-health-services-timberlawn-hospital-could-close-jeopardy-to-patients/; www.cchrint.org/2016/04/04/concerns-increase-about-abuses-at-uhs-behavioral-centers/

[3] imprintnews.org/top-stories/senate-investigation-slams-residential-treatment-centers-for-children-as-warehouses-of-neglect/250056

[4] bhbusiness.com/2024/06/12/senate-finance-committee-releases-excoriating-investigation-of-abuse-in-at-risk-youth-industry/

[5] www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rtf_report_warehouses_of_neglect.pdf, p.25

[6] imprintnews.org/top-stories/senate-investigation-slams-residential-treatment-centers-for-children-as-warehouses-of-neglect/250056

[7] imprintnews.org/top-stories/senate-investigation-slams-residential-treatment-centers-for-children-as-warehouses-of-neglect/250056

[8] imprintnews.org/top-stories/senate-investigation-slams-residential-treatment-centers-for-children-as-warehouses-of-neglect/250056

[9] bhbusiness.com/2024/06/12/senate-finance-committee-releases-excoriating-investigation-of-abuse-in-at-risk-youth-industry/

[10] bhbusiness.com/2024/06/12/senate-finance-committee-releases-excoriating-investigation-of-abuse-in-at-risk-youth-industry/

[11] www.cchrint.org/2023/09/18/who-guideline-condemns-coercive-psychiatric-practices/, www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/WHO-OHCHR-Mental-health-human-rights-and-legislation_web.pdf

Contact
Amber Rauscher
***@cchr.org


Source: Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Filed Under: Health

Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments
1000 characters max.

Latest on The PennZone
  • Bio-Inspired Technology-Dynamic and Adaptable for unknown real-world environments
  • Berger Montague Investigates Securities Class Action Against Hims & Hers Health Inc. (NYSE: HIMS)
  • Michael Reafsnyder opens solo exhibition at Scott Richards Contemporary Art in San Francisco
  • Valley Sleep Therapy Expands to Prescott with New Location at Crossings Road
  • $17.4 Million Total Revenue for First Half of 2025 (up 31.8% YOY) for Global Wet Trades Services Provider with High Value Bitcoin Investments
  • $12.8 Million Net Revenue for 2024 for Cloud-Based Crowdsourcing Recruitment and SaaS-Enabled HR Solutions Provider: Baiya International Group Inc
  • #ChipInChipAway at Hunger Taking Place on July 10th, 2025
  • Hire Virtue Announces Executive Sponsorship Opportunity for Houston Hiring Blitz & Job Fair on August 6, 2025
  • Inked & Maxim Model Teisha Mechetti Turns Heads—And Builds Community Impact
  • Plan to Launch Silo Technologies' Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Ultimate Nationwide Deployment via Exclusive Partnership: Stock Symbol: BULT
  • Robert Michael & Co. Real Estate Team Celebrates Industry Recognition and Showcases Premier Central Florida Listings
  • INVESTIGATION ALERT: Berger Montague PC Investigates Aflac, Inc.'s Board Of Directors For Breach of Fiduciary Duties (NYSE: AFL)
  • AI-Based Neurotoxin Countermeasure Initiative Launched to Address Emerging National Security Needs: Renovaro, Inc. (N A S D A Q: RENB)
  • The Naturist World Just Shifted — NaturismRE Ignites a Global Resurgence
  • $796,000 in Q2 Revenue Marks Highest Earnings to Date on 3 Trailing Quarters of Profitability in Multi-Billion Homebuilding Sector: Stock Symbol: IVDN
  • Cybersecurity is THE Hot Market Sector; Revenues, Earnings & Profit matter; Only 33 Million Shares + a Huge Short Position Equal an Undervalued Stock
  • Despite Global Calls for a Ban, US Child Psychiatry Pushes Electroshock for Kids
  • BeyondTrucks CEO Wins Gold Stevie® Award for Best Entrepreneur in Transportation
  • Franco Polished Plaster Celebrates 35 Years of Bringing Walls to Life in the UK
  • Spartan & Guardians Partner with Guitar Legend Buckethead to Support Global Child Rescue Efforts

Popular on PennZone

  • BREAKING CONSUMER ALERT: Carvana's "Certified" Luxury SUV Buyer Exposes Legal & Mechanical Trauma 'Presses' Charges of Duress, Deception, and Delay
  • Imagen Golf Announces New Partnership with The Hurricane Golf Tour
  • Let's Talk Series: At the Crossroads: Immigration Today
  • INVESTIGATION ALERT: Berger Montague PC Investigates Coinbase Global, Inc.'s Board Of Directors For Breach of Fiduciary Duties (NASDAQ: COIN)
  • Behavioral Health Advocates to Hold Joint Capitol Hill Press Conference on June 11
  • Innovative EDM Music Project, "Terms of War," Depicts an A.I. Takeover of Earth
  • LIB Continuous Innovation: Custom Rain Test Chambers & IP Labs
  • Kemeny, Ramp & Renaud Expands Legal Team with Attorney Baruch Kraut
  • New Bethany Acquires Former Diocesan Headquarters to Expand Services
  • Bethany Nikitenko Honored By Legal Intelligencer with Power Player Award

Similar on PennZone

  • West Dentistry Welcomes New Oral Surgeon to Enhance Patient Care
  • The AML Shop Launches New Financial Investigations Unit, Appoints Director to Lead the Initiative
  • Raidium révolutionne le diagnostic de la Sclérose en Plaques en partenariat avec l'Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
  • New Podcast "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Hosted by Josh and Heidi Case Launches July 7th with Explosive Global Reach and a Mission to Transform Lives
  • Digital Watchdog Launches New myDW Cloud Services
  • Stan Fitzgerald Appointed Acting Press Secretary for Veterans for America First VFAF Georgia State Chapter
  • Eolian Signs New Information Exchange Agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense for Technology Innovation
  • Infinite Health Introduces Cutting-Edge Regenerative Medicine for Wound Care with Trip Goolsby, MD
  • Top Dentist Concord CA, Smile Makers Dental Care, Celebrates 500 5-Star Reviews
  • Valley Sleep Therapy Expands to Prescott with New Location at Crossings Road
Copyright © The PennZone | Theme: OMag by LilyTurf Themes
  • Contribute
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact Us