Trending...
- ServiceAgent.ai Brings 24/7 AI Call Answering to America's Home Services
- New Children's books celebrate Moon Trees
- Jed the Fish, The Rapscallion of Los Angeles KROQ's Airwaves and Provocateur, Has Signed Off at 69
CCHR Urges Parents to Seek Constitutional Justice for Abused Teens
LOS ANGELES - Marylandian -- A newly published report in the University of Baltimore Law Review reveals widespread abuse and negligence in the troubled teen industry, where thousands of adolescents suffer mistreatment in unregulated wilderness camps, boot camps, and behavioral health facilities each year. With an estimated 150,000–200,000 teens placed in these programs annually, families entrust their children to facilities promising rehabilitation. However, many teens return home traumatized, and some do not return at all.[1] For more than 30 years, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR) has investigated mistreatment in the troubled teen industry and private psychiatric hospitals. CCHR urges greater transparency, oversight, and protection of youth placed in these programs.
"We have spent decades exposing the harsh reality of these programs, where children are subjected to neglect, abuse, and, in the worst cases, death," said Jan Eastgate, President of CCHR International. "This is not treatment—it is inhumane. We urge families whose children have suffered harm to contact us and seek justice."
Review Highlights Cases of Fatal Neglect
The Law Review cites multiple cases of severe abuse, including the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy who perished at a wilderness therapy camp. Despite his known medical vulnerabilities, he was forced to endure extreme physical hardship and received no medical care as his health deteriorated. He was ultimately found dead in his sleeping bag after days of suffering. His final words in a letter home: "P.S. I want my mommy."
Despite documented deaths in at least 28 states, a federal study confirming systemic abuse, and repeated warnings from advocacy organizations, the troubled teen industry remains largely unregulated. The Law Review urges parents to pursue civil rights action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, invoking the Eighth Amendment's protection against cruel and unusual punishment.[2]
More on Marylandian
Eighth Amendment Protections means State actors who exhibit "deliberate indifference" to a child's suffering may be held accountable.
Growing Calls for Reform
Reports from Safer America Consumer Safety Information indicate that many wilderness therapy programs portray themselves as therapeutic and life-changing. However, the 2024 death of a 12-year-old boy from New York at the now-closed Trails Carolina in North Carolina has reignited public outcry against the multi-billion-dollar camp industry.[3]
Studies have found no evidence that wilderness therapy camps effectively rehabilitate troubled youth. Journalist Maia Szalavitz, in her investigative book Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids, stated that the methods used in these programs would violate the Geneva Convention if applied to prisoners of war.[4]
In May 2023, Montana introduced protections increasing oversight of private adolescent residential programs, requiring frequent onsite inspections by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.[5] However, further action is needed.
In January 2025, Kody Kinsley, North Carolina's outgoing Secretary of Health and Human Services, called for a ban on wilderness therapy camps. "I don't think wilderness therapy camps have a place in our continuum of care in North Carolina. The law needs to be changed to permanently remove these licenses, so they don't exist," Kinsley stated.[6] The state has yet to act on this recommendation, underscoring the need for a national ban.
Call to Action: Protect Children's Rights
If your child has suffered abuse in a wilderness camp, behavioral program, or residential treatment facility, legal avenues are available to hold those responsible accountable. Constitutional law provides a critical pathway for justice, ensuring that no more children endure suffering under the guise of rehabilitation and "tough love."
More on Marylandian
Report abuse here.
Sources:
[1] Elle Johnson, "Torture in the Troubled Teen Industry: Death by Deliberate Indifference," University of Baltimore Law Review, 11 Mar. 2025, ubaltlawreview.com/2025/03/11/torture-in-the-troubled-teen-industry-death-by-deliberate-indifference/
[2] Elle Johnson, "Torture in the Troubled Teen Industry: Death by Deliberate Indifference," University of Baltimore Law Review, 11 Mar. 2025, ubaltlawreview.com/2025/03/11/torture-in-the-troubled-teen-industry-death-by-deliberate-indifference/
[3] "12 Teens Who Died at Wilderness Camps," Safer America Consumer Safety Information, 7 June 2024, safer-america.com/12-teens-who-died-at-wilderness-camps/; "Top regulator calls for ban on wilderness camps in North Carolina 2 children died in 1 decade at North Carolina camp," WBTV 3 News, 14 Jan 2025, www.wbtv.com/2025/01/14/top-regulator-calls-ban-wilderness-camps-north-carolina/
[4] Sam Myers, "Survivors of wilderness therapy camps describe trauma, efforts to end abuses: Programs for 'troubled teens' have history of deceptive marketing, risky practices," Arkansas Advocate, 7 Aug. 2023, arkansasadvocate.com/2023/08/07/dark-forest-a-look-inside-controversial-wilderness-therapy-camps/
[5] Sam Myers, "Survivors of wilderness therapy camps describe trauma, efforts to end abuses: Programs for 'troubled teens' have history of deceptive marketing, risky practices," Arkansas Advocate, 7 Aug. 2023, arkansasadvocate.com/2023/08/07/dark-forest-a-look-inside-controversial-wilderness-therapy-camps/; fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/mt/2023/bills/MTB00011863/
[6] www.cchrint.org/2025/01/31/nc-health-official-urges-ban-on-wilderness-therapy-camps/ citing "Top regulator calls for ban on wilderness camps in North Carolina 2 children died in 1 decade at North Carolina camp," WBTV 3 News, 14 Jan 2025, www.wbtv.com/2025/01/14/top-regulator-calls-ban-wilderness-camps-north-carolina/
"We have spent decades exposing the harsh reality of these programs, where children are subjected to neglect, abuse, and, in the worst cases, death," said Jan Eastgate, President of CCHR International. "This is not treatment—it is inhumane. We urge families whose children have suffered harm to contact us and seek justice."
Review Highlights Cases of Fatal Neglect
The Law Review cites multiple cases of severe abuse, including the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy who perished at a wilderness therapy camp. Despite his known medical vulnerabilities, he was forced to endure extreme physical hardship and received no medical care as his health deteriorated. He was ultimately found dead in his sleeping bag after days of suffering. His final words in a letter home: "P.S. I want my mommy."
Despite documented deaths in at least 28 states, a federal study confirming systemic abuse, and repeated warnings from advocacy organizations, the troubled teen industry remains largely unregulated. The Law Review urges parents to pursue civil rights action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, invoking the Eighth Amendment's protection against cruel and unusual punishment.[2]
More on Marylandian
- Herman Law Leads Fight to Stop HB1378 as Survivors Speak Out Before Justice Is Denied
- Webinar Announcement: Mexico's Evolving AML/CFT Environment: FATF Review and FTO Designations
- Damian Redd's "Caught in a Fantasy" Surpasses 100,000 Views on VEVO/YouTube Following Album Reissue
- "May the Fourth Be With You" Epic Star Wars Day Run/Walk in Alexandria, Va
- Museum Hack Presents Hacked Gala: A Rebellious Night of Art, Fashion, and Change at the Met
Eighth Amendment Protections means State actors who exhibit "deliberate indifference" to a child's suffering may be held accountable.
Growing Calls for Reform
Reports from Safer America Consumer Safety Information indicate that many wilderness therapy programs portray themselves as therapeutic and life-changing. However, the 2024 death of a 12-year-old boy from New York at the now-closed Trails Carolina in North Carolina has reignited public outcry against the multi-billion-dollar camp industry.[3]
Studies have found no evidence that wilderness therapy camps effectively rehabilitate troubled youth. Journalist Maia Szalavitz, in her investigative book Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids, stated that the methods used in these programs would violate the Geneva Convention if applied to prisoners of war.[4]
In May 2023, Montana introduced protections increasing oversight of private adolescent residential programs, requiring frequent onsite inspections by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.[5] However, further action is needed.
In January 2025, Kody Kinsley, North Carolina's outgoing Secretary of Health and Human Services, called for a ban on wilderness therapy camps. "I don't think wilderness therapy camps have a place in our continuum of care in North Carolina. The law needs to be changed to permanently remove these licenses, so they don't exist," Kinsley stated.[6] The state has yet to act on this recommendation, underscoring the need for a national ban.
Call to Action: Protect Children's Rights
If your child has suffered abuse in a wilderness camp, behavioral program, or residential treatment facility, legal avenues are available to hold those responsible accountable. Constitutional law provides a critical pathway for justice, ensuring that no more children endure suffering under the guise of rehabilitation and "tough love."
More on Marylandian
- Artist Séfora Camazano Honored with Prestigious Prize "The New Great Masters in New York"
- MoMojo Records announces posthumous album from Kip London
- Guests Can Save 20 Percent on a Florida Keys Vacation Home Rental with KeysCaribbean's 'Last-Minute Booking Discount'
- All-Woman Trial Team Wins Major Verdict in Major Case
- Iohexol Injection of Beilu Pharmaceutical Receives MA in the EU
Report abuse here.
Sources:
[1] Elle Johnson, "Torture in the Troubled Teen Industry: Death by Deliberate Indifference," University of Baltimore Law Review, 11 Mar. 2025, ubaltlawreview.com/2025/03/11/torture-in-the-troubled-teen-industry-death-by-deliberate-indifference/
[2] Elle Johnson, "Torture in the Troubled Teen Industry: Death by Deliberate Indifference," University of Baltimore Law Review, 11 Mar. 2025, ubaltlawreview.com/2025/03/11/torture-in-the-troubled-teen-industry-death-by-deliberate-indifference/
[3] "12 Teens Who Died at Wilderness Camps," Safer America Consumer Safety Information, 7 June 2024, safer-america.com/12-teens-who-died-at-wilderness-camps/; "Top regulator calls for ban on wilderness camps in North Carolina 2 children died in 1 decade at North Carolina camp," WBTV 3 News, 14 Jan 2025, www.wbtv.com/2025/01/14/top-regulator-calls-ban-wilderness-camps-north-carolina/
[4] Sam Myers, "Survivors of wilderness therapy camps describe trauma, efforts to end abuses: Programs for 'troubled teens' have history of deceptive marketing, risky practices," Arkansas Advocate, 7 Aug. 2023, arkansasadvocate.com/2023/08/07/dark-forest-a-look-inside-controversial-wilderness-therapy-camps/
[5] Sam Myers, "Survivors of wilderness therapy camps describe trauma, efforts to end abuses: Programs for 'troubled teens' have history of deceptive marketing, risky practices," Arkansas Advocate, 7 Aug. 2023, arkansasadvocate.com/2023/08/07/dark-forest-a-look-inside-controversial-wilderness-therapy-camps/; fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/mt/2023/bills/MTB00011863/
[6] www.cchrint.org/2025/01/31/nc-health-official-urges-ban-on-wilderness-therapy-camps/ citing "Top regulator calls for ban on wilderness camps in North Carolina 2 children died in 1 decade at North Carolina camp," WBTV 3 News, 14 Jan 2025, www.wbtv.com/2025/01/14/top-regulator-calls-ban-wilderness-camps-north-carolina/
Source: Citizens Commission on Human Rights International
Filed Under: Government
0 Comments
Latest on Marylandian
- American Mensa Welcomes 7-Year-Old Savannah Boy
- Portland Hosts Mensa's 2025 Mind Games®
- T&S and US Conec Ink Global Licensing Deal on MDC Technology to Advance High-Density Optical Interconnects
- Goosechase Rolls Out Unlockable Missions, Its Most Anticipated Feature Yet
- Couples Too Broke to Break Up – Divorce Expert Warns of Hidden Separation Crisis Amid Cost of Living Squeeze
- Entertainment Industry Professionals Speak at the 26th Baltimore 'ULMII' Conference
- Coming Up on "Financial Freedom with Tom Hegna" Retirement Authority Daniel Rondberg from Nation's First Financial
- The Ten News Wins 2025 Ambie Award for Best News Podcast
- ServiceAgent.ai Brings 24/7 AI Call Answering to America's Home Services
- Jed the Fish, The Rapscallion of Los Angeles KROQ's Airwaves and Provocateur, Has Signed Off at 69
- Spirit of '75 Tour Rocks the Weinberg Center This June Feat. Zebra, Angel & Starz
- New Website Uses A.I. To Help Readers Think All Of Your Books Into Existence
- The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Opens New Summit Orthopedics Location in Bethesda
- Aries Industries Earns USA Today Top Workplaces Award, Honoring Company as Great Place to Work
- Intellor Unveils Bspoke Legal Suite: Tailored Communication Solutions for Law Firms
- The most Googled celebrity divorces in the UK
- HR Tech Awards Program Celebrates 6th Year: Showcases Top Hiring, Talent, and HR Technologies
- Strike School Unveils Bold New Rebrand with Innovative Educational Solutions for the 2025-2026 School Year
- The World's No.1 Superstar Champions the NO FAKES Act – Secures Global Identity and Cultural Legacy
- Robinson earns fourth straight supplier award from Rolls-Royce