Report on Allegations of Abuse and Neglect at Therapeutic Programs in Western North Carolina

Background and Lawsuit Details

A former camper, identified as R.B., who attended Trails Carolina and later Asheville Academy for Girls, has filed a lawsuit alleging abuse and neglect at these now-closed therapeutic programs for children in Western North Carolina. The lawsuit was filed on June 20 in U.S. District Court in North Carolina against the programs and their owner, Family Help & Wellness, an Oregon-based organization.

The complaint accuses the programs of deceptive marketing and abusive practices that caused “permanent and severe psychological injuries” to R.B. The plaintiff attended Trails Carolina for 77 days starting in 2016 at age 14, followed by an 11-month enrollment at Asheville Academy.

Allegations of Abuse and Neglect

• Physical and sexual assault experienced by R.B. during enrollment.
• Forced labor at Asheville Academy, including clearing brush, laying railroad track, and building stables.
• Humiliation by staff, punitive deprivation of food, water, and hygiene.
• Forced to wear diapers and urinate on themselves during strenuous hikes in harsh weather conditions at Trails Carolina.
• Limited therapeutic support, with no more than one hour of therapy per week.

Context of Program Closures

Trails Carolina closed in 2024 following the suffocation death of a 12-year-old camper. Asheville Academy closed in June after two children died by suicide within a single month. Investigations revealed violations of state statutes and licensing rules contributing to serious injuries and deaths of residents. The state imposed $45,000 in administrative penalties on the program’s owners.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages under state and federal law. Attorney Keith Smith of the Justice Law Collaborative emphasized that the closures do not address the harm caused to R.B. and other children. The owners have been urged to take responsibility and make amends.

Related Allegations and Investigations

• Other former campers have filed lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by staff and peers at Trails Carolina.
• Incidents include sexual assault by an adult male instructor and an older camper threatening another with a metal object.
• Trails Carolina’s license was revoked by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services after the 2024 camper death.
• Asheville Academy was fined following state investigations into violations linked to child deaths.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This report highlights critical issues related to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The failure of these programs to provide safe, supportive, and effective mental health services undermines children’s physical and psychological well-being.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education – The abusive environment and inadequate therapeutic interventions compromised the educational and developmental needs of vulnerable children.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The sexual abuse allegations emphasize the need for gender-sensitive protection measures within child care and therapeutic settings.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The legal actions and state investigations reflect the importance of accountability, justice, and protection of children’s rights.

Support Resources and Legal Framework

Survivors of abuse and neglect have limited time to seek legal recourse under the N.C. SAFE Child Act, which allows filing lawsuits until age 28. The federal statute of limitations was eliminated in 2022, providing broader access to justice.

Available support services in Western North Carolina include:

• Mountain Child Advocacy Center: Therapy and education for abused children and families. Phone: 828-213-9824.
• Our Voice: Asheville rape and sexual assault crisis center for individuals aged 13 and older. 24-hour hotline: 828-255-7576; Text VOICE or VOZ to 85511.
• Buncombe County Family Justice Center: Support services at 35 Woodfin St., Asheville. Phone: 828-250-6900.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): National sexual assault hotline at 800-656-4673 and online chat at online.rainn.org.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Free 24/7 support. Call 988 or 800-273-8255.

Conclusion

The allegations against Trails Carolina and Asheville Academy underscore the urgent need for safeguarding children’s rights and well-being in therapeutic settings. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, stakeholders must ensure safe, inclusive, and effective care environments that promote healing and development for vulnerable youth.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights severe psychological injuries, abuse, neglect, and deaths by suicide, indicating concerns about mental health and well-being of children.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The therapeutic programs were intended to provide supportive environments and therapy, which relates to inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Asheville Academy was a residential treatment center for girls, and the article discusses sexual assault and abuse, highlighting gender-based violence issues.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The lawsuits, legal actions, and calls for accountability relate to promoting justice, protecting children from violence, and ensuring strong institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Rate of suicide among children and adolescents (implied by the reported deaths by suicide at the facilities).
   • Prevalence of mental health disorders and access to mental health services (implied by the limited therapy hours and psychological injuries).
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Proportion of schools providing safe, non-violent, inclusive learning environments (implied by allegations of abuse and neglect).
   • Access to qualified and trained staff providing therapy and education (implied by untrained and unlicensed staff allegations).
3. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Number of reported cases of sexual violence against girls in institutions (implied by multiple sexual assault allegations).
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of legal actions and lawsuits filed related to child abuse and neglect (explicitly mentioned).
   • Number of institutional closures or penalties due to violations (implied by camp closures and fines).
   • Access to justice for victims (implied by the discussion of statutes of limitations and legal representation).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: citizen-times.com