Senators launch investigation into child abuse allegations at treatment facilities

The probe focuses on four of the biggest companies and organizations running youth treatment facilities, which have been accused of harming children in their care.

A pair of senators are launching an investigation into abuse at facilities that house children with special needs and mental health issues as well as children from the foster care and juvenile justice systems. 

Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., sent letters Thursday to the heads of four of the largest companies and organizations operating residential treatment facilities across the country — Vivant Behavioral Healthcare, Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health — requesting information about each location and program they operate. 

The senators asked for documentation on policies for restraining children or placing them in seclusion, the training provided to employees and the number of maltreatment and abuse incidents over the past five years. They also asked for details on contracts, funding sources, complaints and inspections, how the companies spend their money, and how the companies ensure that children in their programs get a proper education. 

The lawmakers said they want the information by Aug. 4. The letters are the start of an investigation led by Murray, chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Wyden, chair of the Finance Committee. The senators chose the four companies and organizations because they run a large number of facilities nationwide and operate programs “at which abuses are reported to have occurred,” according to a spokesman for the HELP committee.

“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," Murray said in a statement. "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."

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/senators-investigate-child-abuse-facilities-rcna39291

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