Children in residential treatment facilities are facing alarming risks of abuse, according to a recent Senate investigation that highlights systemic issues within these institutions. The investigation reveals that many facilities, often run by large behavioral health companies, prioritize profit over the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth, including those from foster care and the juvenile justice system.

Testimonies from former residents paint a grim picture of life in these facilities. Many were placed there not due to immediate needs for treatment, but rather due to a lack of alternative placements. One individual recounted being moved to a high-level facility despite not having behavioral issues, while another described a traumatic first night where staff misconduct led to immediate firings. The accounts reveal a culture of strict regulations, including prohibitions on physical affection and excessive use of restraints and medication.

Sixto Cancel, founder of the nonprofit Think of Us, emphasized the need for short-term, quality residential treatment for youth who have experienced severe trauma. However, he criticized the current system, which often resembles a prison environment rather than a supportive therapeutic setting. Research indicates that youth aging out of foster care are at a significantly higher risk of PTSD compared to veterans, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

The Senate investigation utilized findings from Cancel's organization, which gathered firsthand accounts of maltreatment within these facilities. Many former residents reported being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, raising questions about the accountability of these institutions. Cancel pointed out that the business model incentivizes filling beds, with facilities earning up to $1,000 per night per child, leading to potential neglect of those who truly need care.

Despite the troubling findings, some facilities have pushed back against the Senate's conclusions. Universal Health Services and Devereux, two companies under scrutiny, have claimed that the report misrepresents their practices and does not reflect systemic issues.

The investigation calls for greater oversight and accountability from state governments, which have been criticized for failing to monitor these facilities effectively. Cancel advocates for placing children with family members whenever possible, as studies show that such placements lead to better outcomes for youth.

As the conversation continues, the need for reform in the treatment of children in these facilities remains critical, with advocates urging lawmakers to listen to the voices of those who have experienced the system firsthand.