A Senate committee investigation revealed that children at residential treatment facilities operated by major providers were routinely subjected to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The committee found numerous instances of abuse, neglect, and unsafe conditions at facilities run by Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and Vivant Behavioral Healthcare. The committee’s report highlighted the prioritization of profits over patient well-being at these facilities, leading to abuse and neglect becoming the norm. The investigation uncovered cases of improper restraint, seclusion, overmedication, and even sexual abuse of children in these facilities. Despite receiving government funding, these facilities failed to provide adequate care for vulnerable children. Lawmakers expressed the need for increased oversight and accountability in order to prevent further abuse and ensure the well-being of children in residential treatment centers. Providers pushed back against the committee’s findings, claiming that the report was incomplete and misleading, and denying allegations of abuse and neglect. She stated that, being a nonprofit, the organization “does not operate with for-profit motivation.” Additionally, she mentioned that Devereux’s administration of medication is done “extraordinarily carefully” and follows best practices.
Acadia and Vivant did not provide any comments by the time of publication.
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