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Vista Maria says policies followed, describes repairs and expanded clinical services after reported incidents
Summary
Vista Maria told the Wayne County Health and Human Services Committee it has strengthened policies, undertaken nearly $500,000 in repairs to four residential buildings, and expanded clinical programming after media scrutiny; the agency said investigations found allegations unsubstantiated and that protocols were followed when a youth left campus.
Representatives of Vista Maria briefed the Wayne County Health and Human Services Committee on the agency’s recent actions to strengthen safety, clinical services and facilities after media coverage of incidents at its residential campus.
Meredith Reese, identified as operating officer for Vista Maria, told the committee the agency has partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) during investigations and that allegations reported in media coverage were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated. "Many of those allegations ... were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated," Reese said, and she described ongoing weekly calls with MDHHS leadership to review progress.
Reese said Vista Maria has completed extensive repairs to four buildings that house residents and has spent "close to almost $500,000" on those repairs. The agency also reviewed and enhanced staff training and supervision and added clinical programming, including aggression replacement therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and increased access to therapists trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to address youth with acute mental‑health and trauma needs.
Committee members pressed the agency on specific incidents reported in the media. Commissioners asked whether existing protocols were in place and followed when a young person left campus. Reese said perimeter fencing, campus security and staff procedures are in place to prevent unauthorized departures, and that staff follow de‑escalation techniques, accompany youth who leave, notify law enforcement and contact parents/guardians and MDHHS as required. She said Vista Maria conducts a debrief with young people upon return to determine what could be done differently.
Commissioner Killeen asked about Vista Maria’s funding and referrals. Reese said the bulk of funding for residential treatment comes from the state of Michigan via per‑diem contracts and that placements come through state department referrals with court orders when required. The committee discussed broader system issues, including limited availability of mental‑health beds and pressures on the foster care system; commissioners urged greater state‑level attention and funding.
Reese said Vista Maria merged operations with Insight Youth Development Connections to expand community‑based services and noted that the agency operates residential programs, independent living for older youth and foster‑care placements.
The committee thanked the agency for the briefing; no formal action was taken during the presentation.
