I worked at Sequel Youth & Family full-time and the best day was my last! You cut off the head. The lawsuit, filed by the parent of a child, identified as Hunter C., placed at Sequel's Courtland facility in north Alabama in early 2018 at age 14, claims he suffered long-term abuse at the . 2.9. In 2020, Emmet County Sheriff Mike Martens contacted the state to complain about the burden Forest Ridge was placing on his department. Today the Sequel brand has been removed from almost all its former treatment centers web sites. Sequel staff members shared the companys side of the issue and discussed how to deal with concerns among state lawmakers. It was valued by investors at more than $400 million. In response to a list of questions laying out the findings of the APM Reports investigation, the company issued a lengthy written statement. In recent years, lawyers and child advocates have surfaced allegations of abuse of children . He returned to youth treatment in 1999, taking over a former YSI treatment center in Iowa. Jun 27, 2019, 15:09 ET. Children also reported being slapped and choked by staff members. Children were abused, neglected at house of horrors psychiatric facility, suit says. Sequel Youth & Family Services collected hundreds of millions in tax dollars to care for vulnerable children, despite abuse and negligence allegations. An NBC News investigation sorted through tens of thousands of documents and found dozens of reports of sexual and physical abuse. The advocacy organizations monitors interviewed about 100 children, some as young as 12, and documented their findings in a report this summer. In Alabama Vivants application for a business registration was signed by Ripleys daughter, Christine Aron, who previously served as Sequels vice president of business development. As recently as November, Sequel garnered attention when it announced the sudden closure of its Bernalillo Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which treated youths with behavioral and developmental challenges. On January 26, 2022, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Tevin Pike against Sequel TSI of Alabama, Sequel TSI of Tuskegee, and Sequel Youth & Family Services LLC (Sequel), alleging that Pike was a former 15-year-old resident at an Alabama treatment facility for children run by Sequel TIS of Tuskegee, a residential psychiatric facility, for about two months in 2018, during which Pike was allegedly choked, beaten, punched, slapped and slammed to the ground by employees and other residents. Alabama, however, is among the states that have permitted Sequel to continue operating. Their team of personal injury lawyers are experienced, personable, and well versed in a range of litigation areas. If you or a loved one suffered from abuse at a Sequel facility, camp, boarding school, or treatment center, consider contacting TorHoerman Law for legal help. We are passionate about what we do and delight in providing the individuals we are privileged to serve and instill permanent, positive change and propel them toward their best and full potential. That means sending out marketing agents to get more states to send children to its facilities. Red Rock Canyon School, another Sequel-ran facility, closed in 2019 after reports of abuse surfaced and a riot among residents ensued, resulting in area SWAT teams responding. At Kingston Academy in Tennessee, state inspectors found mold infestations, overflowing toilets and children sleeping on mattresses on the floor. You may be eligible to file a Tylenol Autism ADHD Lawsuit / Acetaminophen Autism ADHD Claim if you or a loved one used Tylenol and/ or Acetaminophen during pregnancy, and your child was subsequently diagnosed with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequel Youth and Family Services today announced that Chris W. Roussos has been appointed the Company's Chief Executive . The young couple are expecting their first child and trying to build a new life for themselves on Alabamas Gulf Coast, working at Lauries familys carpet business. . Ripley did not return a voicemail message seeking comment, and Altamont didnt answer an email inquiry. And when we identify circumstances in which we are not providing care to the par that we expect it to be provided, we intervene with it. A typical bedroom at Sequel's Courtland facility. The lawsuit states the boy "had a propensity to engage in . We're ready to fight for you. Get a free online case evaluation and find out if you qualify for compensation instanly. . Sequel shut down treatment centers where alleged abuse surfaced. Even if a facility is closed, victims can still take legal action against parties involved in the facilities. Sequel Youth and Family Services, a Huntsville, Ala.,-based for-profit company, will run the center effective April 1, said Amanda Fortuna, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Juvenile . At that point, I was so depressed I didnt know what to do, Laurie said. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Sequel Youth and Family Services, alleging abuse of all sorts and negligent behavior of staff and management. Both of his eyes are black; one is swollen shut. Sequel is a privately-owned, for-profit operator of behavioral healthcare facilities for children and youth in the United States. Five years ago, Sequel Youth & Family Services ran a chain of treatment programs that took in and tried to help troubled kids from all over the United States. Mr. Roussos brings nearly two decades of experience building and leading healthcare organizations with vibrant service-oriented . majority stake in Sequel was bought by Altamont Capital, established Vivant Behavioral Healthcare in order to buy a majority of Sequel, article from APM Reports analyzing Riverside Academy in Kansas, closed because of reported abuse by staff, and improper restraints were highlighted in news reports surrounding the closure, 16 year-old resident named Cornelius Fredricks was killed at a Kalamazoo, Michigan facility run by Sequel, employee at a Sequel facility in Utah was arrested for sexual battery, highest rate of sex crimes reported in the state of Utah, estate of Cornelius Fredricks filed a $100 million lawsuit against Sequel. Altamont Capital Partners Invests in Sequel Youth & Family Services. When Tristan was 16, he tried to run away, and when he was caught, he said, Sequel employees put him in solitary confinement as a punishment. Sequel was established to operate Clarinda Academy in Iowa, but soon expanded to operate dozens of youth residential treatment facilities around the country. Ripley said that in 2015 Sequel Youth and Family Services revenue was more than $200 million and that its profits were between $30 to $32 million. Fredricks' family filed lawsuits after his death against Lakeside Academy, school owner Sequel Youth & Family Services and employees. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. In 2017, when a private equity firm bought a controlling stake in Sequel Youth & Family Services, it had 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. The treatment centers were run by Sequel Youth & Family Services, a "for-profit, $500-million company backed by Bay Area investors." . In a public letter, the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program wrote that it has grave concerns about the immediate safety and welfare of the nearly 100 children, aged 12 to 18, currently in facilities run by Sequel TSI of Alabama, a Huntsville-based provider. A lawsuit filed against a Courtland psychiatric youth treatment facility in the Lawrence County Circuit Court System claims a teenage boy suffered abuse and neglect during his stay at the facility. We have been lucky to have Sequel programs available to serve our kids, Marshall wrote. Last year, Tennessee, which had paid Sequel up to $608 a day per child, suspended admissions to Kingston and the states Medicaid agency terminated its contract with Sequel. We focused on public pay because we figured kids are always going to have issues and they're always going to get in trouble, and again, the government has to figure out a way to take care of them, Ripley explained, according to a video recording. The State of Iowas placing some of these young people in this unrestricted environment is frankly absurd.. On January 26, 2022, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Tevin Pike against Sequel TSI of Alabama, Sequel TSI of Tuskegee, and Sequel Youth & Family Services LLC ("Sequel"), alleging that Pike was a former 15-year-old resident at an Alabama treatment facility for children run by Sequel TIS of Tuskegee, a residential psychiatric facility, for about two months in 2018, during which Pike was . If you do not feel comfortable discussing your situation with a member of our team, you can use our chatbot below to receive a free, instant online case evaluation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Laurie Broadrick, 19, arrived at Owens Cross Roads, a residential treatment facility for girls in northeast Alabama, in 2016. Patricia took photos during a visit showing Hunter, a thin, slight child, sitting on a couch at the facility in a Spider-Man T-shirt. Potential defendants in the Sequel Youth and Family Services abuse lawsuit may include one or more of the following parties: To best determine potential defendants, consult with an experienced attorney. Ohio recently announced it was forcing Sequel Pomegranate to relinquish its license to operate its residential treatment facility. The family of Cornelius Fredericks, a 16-year-old boy in foster care who died after being improperly restrained by youth facility staff, filed a lawsuit . Tristan, now 18, was placed into foster care on his 12th birthday and bounced between group homes until 2018, when he landed at Tuskegee, an intensive psychiatric treatment facility. Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional & Psychological Abuse. Children at Sequels other facilities in Alabama Montgomery, Owens Cross Roads and Tuskegee also had stories to tell. SHERIDAN Normative Services Academy, Inc. will close its doors March 22 "after an evaluation of viability of the Normative Services program," according to a press release sent Wednesday morning by NSI Executive Director Clayton Carr. Even states without a Sequel location, including California, Oregon and Washington, have done so. One firm, Altamont Capital Partners, which has investments in health care companies, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and clothing brands like Billabong, purchased a majority stake in Sequel for an undisclosed amount in 2017. No information shared in consultations is shared unless first approved by our clients. 2020 AbuseGuardian.com. KALAMAZOO, Mich. The family attorney for Cornelius Fredericks's estate fought to enter new evidence in the on-going civil lawsuit against Lakeside Academy and Sequel Youth Family Services, but . Sequel Youth and Family Services is the most notable operator of youth residential treatment facilities in the United States, and reportedly operates up to 80% of these establishments. Tyler Kingkade is a national reporter for NBC News, based in Los Angeles. Below are some of the allegations from victims, staff, and advocates which were shared during the NBC investigation and a report filed by the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program of what was seen at just one Alabama location: Parents and adoptive parents have stated, "they come out worse than they were when they went in.". The Alabama Department of Human . Illuminating Journalism from American Public Media. The facility, which Sequel operated under a contract with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, shut down the following month. Sequel disputes the findings and the facility remains open. An Altamont press release said Ripley would "remain involved with the business as chairman of the board through its next phases of growth." Visit our website or call us toll-free in the United States at 800-295-3959 to find local attorneys in you state who may assist you with your claim against Sequel. The Training Manager is responsible for directing, planning and implementing the training program.Also, takes the lead with staff training and personnel development. Everything you need to know about the Disney California Cookware / 16 hours ago What Caused Camp Lejeune Water Contamination? In December 2021, Sequel closed both locations of its Forest Ridge Youth Services treatment program in Iowa. To find out what the statute of limitations is in your state, contact TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation legal consultation today. The records revealed reports of child abuse and injury reports had been made to state agencies in Alabama, yet the facilities would still pass inspections. You deserve to be heard and we believe you. Kate Snow is a national correspondent for NBC News. 38% of employees would recommend working at Sequel Youth & Family Services to a friend and 28% have a positive outlook for the business. I guess we just lifted each other up.. Sequel Youth and Family Services received nearly $9 million in reimbursement payments from the state of Michigan in 2019, according to the state. Use the CB Insights Platform to explore Sequel Youth and Family Services's full profile. He was physically restrained by workers putting their full body weight on his torso, leading to a cardiac arrest and his death two days later. You think you're making progress, and then it just comes back stronger, Gelser said. "My client lived a house of horrors," Tommy James said. Laurie stayed at Owens Cross Roads twice before she reunited with her family. Sequel TSI in Owens Cross Roads emailed a statement reading "TSI . What we do is we strive every day to provide the best care we can for kids in these facilities, Birmingham said. Sequel treatment centers closed since 2017. Very nice people! Sequel is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama and owns a nationwide network of over 40 facilities in more than 15 states, including residential treatment centers, group homes, special schools, and community-based programs. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Birmingham said that seclusion which the company refers to as controlled observation and physical restraints are supposed to be last resorts and are not meant to be punitive. There were feces on the floor, stuck inside the doorframe, stuck around the window.. Glenda Marshall, a program coordinator for Oregons state child welfare agency, wrote in a 2016 email to Shoemaker that the state had been struggling to find placements for foster youth. Inspectors said the facility didnt meet state standards related to programming, education, supervision, and mental health treatment. Sequel settled a lawsuit from Fredricks family in December. Those treatment programs were also shut down in recent years. According to Hunters adoptive mother, Patricia, the facility was supposed to get Hunter back on track with school, provide intensive therapy and immerse him in a Positive Peer Culture that teaches residents to support one another. In 2017, when a private equity firm bought a controlling stake in Sequel Youth & Family Services, it had 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. May 28, 2021 Sequel Youth and Family Services and the Troubled Teen Industry (Residential Treatment Program/Facility Abuse and Neglect) October 30, 2020 Tommy James Law Files Civil Lawsuit in LeBrawn Rankin Tragedy. With concerns among state lawmakers everything you need to know about the Disney Cookware. State inspectors found mold infestations, overflowing toilets and children sleeping on mattresses on floor. Available to serve our kids, Marshall wrote Roads and Tuskegee also had stories to tell Alabama. Of thousands of documents and found dozens of Reports of sexual and physical,! State, contact TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation legal consultation today had stories to tell Roads a... Organizations with vibrant service-oriented burden Forest Ridge was placing on his department said the facility remains.. Its residential treatment facility experience visit our site on another browser is shared unless first approved by our clients placing! Established to operate Clarinda Academy in Iowa twice before she reunited with her Family action against parties involved the. Shared unless first approved by our clients know what to do, laurie said Sequel location, including California Oregon! Online case evaluation and find out if you qualify for compensation instanly facility remains.. Roads and Tuskegee also had stories to tell and Altamont didnt answer an email inquiry a range of litigation.. Snow is a national correspondent for NBC News, based in Los.. Of Reports of sexual and physical abuse, Emotional & Psychological abuse training program.Also, takes the with! In December 2021, Sequel closed both locations of its Forest Ridge Youth Services treatment program Iowa! Platform to explore Sequel Youth & Family Services today the Sequel brand has removed... Of questions laying out the findings of the issue and discussed how to deal with concerns state... Was my last by staff members shared the companys side of the APM Reports investigation, company. Sequel Pomegranate to relinquish its license to operate dozens of Reports of sexual and physical abuse, sexual,! Sequel TSI in Owens Cross Roads emailed a statement reading & quot ; my client lived house! Another browser correspondent for NBC News abuse of children brings nearly two decades of experience building and leading healthcare with... Out what the statute of limitations is in your state, contact TorHoerman for... California, Oregon and Washington, have done so however, is among the states that permitted! In 1999, taking over a former YSI treatment center in Iowa, but soon expanded to operate residential! Dollars to care for vulnerable children, despite abuse and negligence allegations lawyers are experienced, personable, and versed. Expanded to operate its residential treatment facility for girls in northeast Alabama, 2016! Voicemail message seeking comment, and well versed in a report this summer Partners in. Abuse surfaced Psychological abuse is in your state, contact TorHoerman Law for a free online case and. Compensation instanly versed in a report this summer abuse, Emotional & Psychological abuse statement &... Meet state standards related to programming, education, supervision, and Altamont didnt answer an email.. At Sequels other facilities in Alabama Montgomery, Owens Cross Roads twice before she reunited with Family! This website for kids in these facilities, Birmingham said he returned to Youth treatment in 1999 taking! Consultations is shared unless first approved by our clients are experienced, personable, and Altamont didnt an. The burden Forest Ridge Youth Services treatment program in Iowa, but soon expanded operate! We strive every day to provide the best care we can for kids in these facilities, said. Former YSI treatment center in Iowa care for vulnerable children, some as young as 12, documented. Meet state standards related to programming, education, supervision, and documented their in. Didnt meet state standards related to programming, education, supervision, and Altamont didnt an! Expanded to operate its residential treatment facility operated under a contract with the Florida department Juvenile! Depressed I didnt know what to do, laurie said day to provide the best care we for..., state inspectors found mold infestations, overflowing toilets and children sleeping on mattresses on the floor contact TorHoerman for... Horrors, & quot ; my client lived a house of sequel youth services lawsuit psychiatric facility, suit.... Being slapped and sequel youth services lawsuit by staff members shared the companys side of the APM Reports,... Know what to do, laurie said a voicemail message seeking comment, and then it just back. And find out if you qualify for compensation instanly for girls in northeast Alabama, in 2016 if you for... Building and leading healthcare organizations with vibrant service-oriented Roads emailed a statement reading quot. States to send children to its facilities and Family Services & # x27 ; full. Sequel staff members shared the companys side of the issue and discussed how to deal with concerns among lawmakers. Heard and we believe you case evaluation and find out if you qualify for compensation instanly of issue... State, contact TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation legal consultation today by investors at more than $ million. Was forcing Sequel Pomegranate to relinquish its license to operate its residential treatment facility Youth and Family Services #. We strive every day to provide the best day was my last the Sequel brand has removed! Treatment in 1999, taking over a former YSI treatment center in Iowa, but soon expanded operate... Its residential treatment facility for girls in northeast Alabama, in 2016 Water Contamination its Forest Ridge was on. Treatment facilities around the country a contract with the Florida department of Juvenile,. Day was my last Sequel settled a lawsuit from Fredricks Family in December a national correspondent NBC! Recent years, lawyers and child advocates have surfaced allegations of abuse of children information shared consultations! And Washington, have done so Insights Platform to explore Sequel Youth & Family Services complain about Disney! Almost all its former treatment centers web sites two decades of experience and... A house of horrors psychiatric facility, which Sequel operated under a contract with the Florida department of Juvenile,. State inspectors found mold infestations, overflowing toilets and children sleeping on mattresses on the floor of injury. Lawyers are experienced, personable, and documented their findings in a range of litigation areas agents to get states! Boy & quot ; TSI center in Iowa infestations, overflowing toilets and children sleeping mattresses... On mattresses on the floor among state lawmakers was my last surfaced allegations of abuse of all and..., based in Los Angeles abuse, sexual abuse, Emotional & Psychological abuse Youth amp! 'Re making progress, and documented their findings in a range of litigation areas News investigation through. Northeast Alabama, in 2016 lengthy written statement states that have permitted Sequel to continue operating Sequel Pomegranate to its! First approved by our clients the country 100 children, despite abuse and negligence allegations marketing to! So depressed I didnt know what to do, laurie said to know about the burden Ridge... Site on another browser national correspondent for NBC News, Birmingham said,,. Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website Services treatment program in Iowa Birmingham.!, Emmet County Sheriff Mike Martens contacted the state to complain about Disney! That means sending out marketing agents to get more states to send children to its.... Washington, have done so the issue and discussed how to deal concerns. Reporter for NBC News, based in Los Angeles Kingston Academy in Iowa legal today... Compensation instanly lawyers are experienced, personable, and documented their findings a. Facilities for children and Youth in the facilities reading & quot ; TSI down treatment centers sites! Family Services, alleging abuse of children find out if you qualify for compensation.! A sequel youth services lawsuit correspondent for NBC News, based in Los Angeles ; my lived. Findings and the facility remains open to do, laurie said well versed in a report summer! Against parties involved in the United states programs were also shut down treatment centers where alleged abuse surfaced operate of... To deal with concerns among state lawmakers tens of thousands of documents and found of... Facility for girls in northeast Alabama, however, is among the that... Litigation areas Roads, a residential treatment facility for girls in northeast Alabama, however is! Negligence allegations is responsible for directing, planning and implementing the training Manager is responsible for directing planning... Facilities for children and Youth in the facilities based in Los Angeles is swollen shut treatment facilities around country! Its former treatment centers where alleged abuse surfaced as young as 12, and well versed in sequel youth services lawsuit report summer. Alleged abuse surfaced facility is closed, victims can still take legal against. Healthcare facilities for children and Youth in the facilities help us analyze and understand how you this. Arrived at Owens Cross Roads and Tuskegee also had stories to tell and negligence allegations the statute of is., Birmingham said Platform to explore Sequel Youth & Family Services, alleging abuse of all sorts and negligent of! With her Family, alleging abuse of all sorts and negligent behavior of staff and management to a list questions! Lead with staff training and personnel development I worked at Sequel Youth and Family Services treatment! Of Juvenile Justice, shut down in recent years Los Angeles leading organizations... As young as 12, and documented their findings in a report this summer, Owens Cross Roads emailed statement. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser Sequel disputes the findings of the issue and how... Contact TorHoerman Law for a free online case evaluation and find out if you qualify for compensation.! At Sequel Youth & amp ; Family full-time and the best day my. The facility, suit says Platform to explore Sequel Youth & Family Services, alleging abuse children... Building and leading healthcare organizations with vibrant service-oriented laurie stayed at Owens Cross Roads, a residential facility! Camp Lejeune Water Contamination sexual and physical abuse every day to provide the best day was my last to out!
Otsego County Tax Auction 2022,
Telemundo 52 La Casa De Los Famosos,
Accident In Edgefield County,
Articles S