When it comes to the health of today’s youth, the troubled teen industry may be one of its greatest threats. Largely unregulated, youth residential treatment facilities collect billions of dollars treating teens with behavioral problems. However, many people question the safety and effectiveness of such facilities.
If you are a parent of a teen at one of these facilities, our institutional abuse attorney has some tips that may help. Our law firm has a history of taking on cases to help abuse victims, so we have helpful experience to share. Here are some of the ways you can tell if a residential treatment facility is hurting your child.
Does Your Child Claim He or She Is Being Abused?
One of the first and simplest ways to tell if a treatment facility is abusive is to listen to your child. Often, abused teens will reach out to their loved ones for help. If they do, question the facility, contact local authorities and look into the allegations.
Is Your Child Acting Strangely?
Has your child suddenly started acting aggressively? Are they suddenly hyper or nervous? These can be signs of anxiety, which can result from abuse. Harsh punishments like forced labor, restraint, humiliation or solitary confinement can lead to these behaviors. Watch out for these signs as well as slipping grades at school, and complaints about unusual health issues.
Does Your Child Have Suspicious Injuries?
As a parent you should not tolerate unexplained cuts, bruises or other injuries. If your child falls sick or sustains an injury, the facility should contact you immediately. There should be a report about any incident, and the facility should take the child to get medical treatment. If these steps are not taken and you find that your child has injuries, call the authorities and take steps to protect your child.
Does the Facility Exercise Complete Control Over Your Child’s Communication?
You have the right to be in contact with your child during all phases of treatment for behavior problems. In safe treatment facilities, communication is a pillar of proper treatment. Facilities that cut you off from your child, monitor you and your child’s communications or tell you not to trust your child’s claims are untrustworthy.
A Trusted Attorney to Help You Seek Restitution
If you notice any of these signs, take steps to protect your child right away. Call the authorities, ask for an investigation and insist on copies of records. You should also contact a lawyer you can trust.
Alabama abuse attorney Tommy James has made it his mission to help parents and children caught up in the troubled teen industry. He has the experience and resources to hold negligent institutions responsible for abuse. Contact our office at (205) 843-5086 to seek restitution and break the cycle of abuse. The initial consultation is free.