Inside the “troubled teen” industry, when help sometimes does more harm
Taylor Kiesel, a 20-year-old woman from Seattle, has been struggling with sleepless nights for the past three years. She often wakes up in a panic, screaming in fear. To cope with her emotions, she has turned to her collection of reptiles, including Russian tortoises, geckos, and snakes, which she has been collecting since childhood. Additionally, she has started an animal rescue operation from her home, which has helped her channel her feelings of anger, sadness, and passion into something purposeful.
Taylor’s mental health struggles began at a young age. Her father left when she was just 5 years old, and she was diagnosed with autism in first grade. By the age of 6, she was already expressing thoughts of self-harm, which deeply concerned her mother, Rachelle. After years of therapy and multiple hospitalizations failed to keep Taylor safe, a consultant recommended a longer-term placement at a residential treatment center called Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) in Missouri. Despite Rachelle’s thorough research and due diligence, Taylor felt that something was off as soon as she arrived at CALO.
Now, Taylor and Rachelle are among 15 families suing CALO in civil court, alleging negligent infliction of emotional distress and battery, among other things. Numerous former residents, families, and staff members have described a violent and chaotic environment at CALO. Police records show over 400 calls to the county sheriff’s office linked to CALO’s address in the past decade, including incidents of self-harm, violence, and abuse.
Furthermore, at least four former CALO staffers have been convicted of crimes committed while employed at the facility, including sexual assault and possession of child pornography. Despite CALO’s denial of the allegations and their claim of passing background checks, the disturbing incidents raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of the residents.
Missouri’s Department of Social Services has reported findings of physical and sexual abuse at CALO programs over the past 20 years, indicating a troubling pattern of misconduct. While federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provide funding for students with special needs to attend residential programs, there is a lack of federal oversight and regulation in the youth residential treatment industry.
In response to these issues, Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which aims to address the shortcomings in oversight and accountability within residential treatment programs. However, the bill falls short of mandating federal oversight, opting instead for a study by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The cost of therapy in these residential programs can be staggering for families like Taylor’s and Luca’s. Despite the positive impact on Luca’s life, his mother Martha had to deplete savings and retirement accounts to cover the expenses. The lack of standardized licensing requirements and oversight in the industry has left many families with limited options and financial burdens.
Both families advocate for stricter oversight, including a national database of programs with family reviews, standardized licensing requirements, and federal rights for children in residential facilities. They hope to prevent other families from going through the trauma and financial strain they have experienced.
As Taylor continues to focus on her reptile rescue and finding purpose in caring for animals, she remains determined to turn her past experiences into something positive. Through advocacy and awareness, she hopes to make a difference in the lives of others who have faced similar challenges.
