Youth Residential Treatment Programs Face Allegations of Abuse
Every year, thousands of children are removed from their homes at their parents' request to receive therapy for behavioral issues like disrespect, drug or alcohol use, and video game addiction.
Despite claiming to have positive intentions, many of these so-called therapy programs for troubled teens are now under scrutiny for abusive practices.
There are currently an estimated 120,000-200,000 people in youth residential programs across the United States, according to the American Bar Association.
Programs in the troubled teen industry include:
- Attitude-adjustment schools
- Boot camps
- Conversion therapy
- Drug rehab centers
- Juvenile justice facilities
- Residential schools
- Wilderness therapy camps
- Youth rehabilitation centers
These unregulated and often unlicensed programs are part of a multi-billion-dollar industry that profits off desperate families seeking help.
Despite some parents viewing these programs as safe havens similar to hospitals or rehab facilities, many lack adequate oversight and fail to properly train their employees. This leaves vulnerable youth at risk of abuse and exploitation.
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Abuse in the Troubled Teen Industry
Industry operators are typically for-profit private companies, nonprofits, or faith-based groups that promise to help with problems related to behavior, addiction, eating disorders, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Sadly, survivors of the troubled teen industry have reported a wide range of abuse carried out by staff members of these institutions.
Allegations of abuse include:
- Emotional abuse
- Food and sleep deprivation
- Forced labor
- Isolation
- Neglect
- Overmedication
- Physical abuse
- Restraints (physical or chemical like psychotropic drugs)
- Sexual abuse
- Strip searches
- Wrongful death
In some cases, children were forced to hike and sleep outside for months at a time in extreme weather conditions without access to proper hygiene products.
Paris Hilton’s 2023 memoir detailed the abuse she experienced at the Provo Canyon School in Utah. She’s worked to bring the widespread mistreatment in the troubled teen industry to the national spotlight and highlight the urgent need for reform.
“I find it so empowering to hold these people accountable for what they did to me because they stole my childhood,” said Paris Hilton, a troubled teen industry survivor.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to find out if you may qualify for a troubled youth resident program lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
What Residential Treatment Facilities Are Involved?
There are thousands of programs across the United States that are part of the troubled teen industry, and many of them are facing lawsuits for abuse.
Lawsuits have been filed against:
- Elevations RTC
- Diamond Ranch Academy®
- Trails Carolina
- Triangle Cross Ranch
- Trinity Teen Solutions
- And more
If staff members at a residential treatment program you attended were abusive, you may be able to file a lawsuit and hold them accountable for their actions.
Find out if you qualify to take action now — for yourself or on behalf of a loved one who suffered abuse.
Who Can File a Lawsuit for Abuse in Troubled Youth Residential Programs?
You may be able to file a lawsuit for youth residential program abuse if:
- You were mistreated during your time in a program
- Your family member was injured or died as a result of troubled teen industry abuse
There’s only a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for abuse due to state laws known as statutes of limitation, so it’s important to contact us as soon as possible.
If you prefer not to discuss your situation directly with our team, you can still learn more about your options and take action by filling out our online form or starting a live chat.
This will allow you to discreetly share whatever level of detail you're comfortable providing about your experience. We understand the sensitive nature of these matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way
Get Help from a Troubled Teen Industry Lawyer
At Sokolove Law, our compassionate troubled teen industry lawyers can help survivors in all 50 states hold those responsible for your pain accountable.
Our firm has secured over $9.6 Billion total for victims who were injured through no fault of their own.
There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to file a lawsuit with the help of our troubled teen industry attorneys. We know how difficult it can be to stand up to abusers, and we’re committed to making the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation case review. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.
Exploited Teen Industry Lawsuit FAQs
What is the troubled teen industry lawsuit?
Troubled teen industry lawsuits are legal claims filed against abusive residential programs. These lawsuits allege staff members inflicted physical and emotional harm upon the children in their care.
Get a free case review now to see if you may be able to file a troubled teen industry lawsuit. Our team is dedicated to helping survivors secure compensation for their injuries.
How much does it cost to work with a troubled teen industry lawyer?
At Sokolove Law, there are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with our troubled teen industry lawyers.
We only get paid if we secure compensation for you, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.
