Troubled Teen Industry & Abuse

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.

What happened to you wasn’t fair. We’re compassionate with those who turn to us — and relentless with those who’ve done them wrong.

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.

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
• Youth Development Center
• And more

These are not the only facilities that may have committed abuse. If you don’t see your facility listed, please be sure to reach out to us — you may still qualify.

In one case, a jury awarded $38 million to a man who said he suffered more than 100 incidents of abuse while a resident at the Youth Development Center in New Hampshire. Though the verdict is being contested, it shows courts are willing to hold negligent facilities accountable.

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.

Qualifying Youth Residential Facilities

As many as 200,000 young people are currently living in some type of youth residential program in the U.S., according to the American Bar Association.

Youth residential programs include:

• Boarding schools
• Boot camps
• Conversion therapy
• Drug rehabilitation programs
• Residential treatment facilities
• Wilderness therapy camps
• Youth rehabilitation centers

Troubled teens may be placed in these facilities by their parents or guardians, child welfare agencies, or the juvenile justice system. Some children living in troubled teen industry programs face abuse on an ongoing basis.

Who Can File a Lawsuit for Abuse in Troubled Youth Residential Programs?

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.

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

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 VoicesThatMatter, we can connect you with compassionate troubled teen industry lawyers who can help survivors in all 50 states hold those responsible for your pain accountable.

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 (877) 904-4239 now or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation case review. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.