Washington, D.C. – A Senate committee revealed on Wednesday that children in residential treatment facilities operated by major behavioral health companies in the United States are facing risks of sexual abuse, dangerous physical restraints, and overmedication. The report highlighted the troubling lack of oversight and a system that prioritizes profit over the safety and well-being of children under care.
The investigation focused on four major operators of residential treatment facilities for children: Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare, and Vivant Behavioral Healthcare, all for-profit companies, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, a non-profit organization. The findings uncovered widespread civil rights violations, including the excessive use of seclusion and chemical restraints on children in their care.
The report detailed disturbing incidents of maltreatment and violations at facilities run by Universal Health Services and Acadia, which are publicly traded corporations. These incidents included allegations of sexual assaults by staff members, physical abuse, and improper use of medication on vulnerable children. In one case, a staff member at a Universal Health facility in Oklahoma admitted to molesting a girl and planned a more intimate relationship with her upon turning 18.
Acadia, in response to the report, acknowledged the heartbreaking patient stories and emphasized the need for the industry to improve and provide compassionate treatment to all patients under their care. Devereux and Vivant denied allegations of placing children in abusive or unsanitary conditions and stressed their commitment to careful medication management and comprehensive staff training.
The Senate report recommended comprehensive staffing reviews, increased use of security cameras, and adherence to federal regulations on restraints to ensure the safety of children in residential treatment facilities. It also called for state and federal oversight agencies to enforce companywide improvements whenever violations are uncovered, rather than simply addressing issues on a site-specific basis.
The Senate Finance Committee’s investigation stemmed from calls for increased oversight of youth treatment centers, following high-profile incidents of abuse and deaths at facilities across the country. The report underscored the urgent need for reforms in the industry to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.
The committee’s report serves as a wake-up call to the industry, urging behavioral health companies to prioritize the safety and well-being of children in their care above all else. The findings highlight the critical need for enhanced oversight and accountability to protect the most vulnerable members of society from abuse and mistreatment in residential treatment facilities.