Tough Love or Torture: Abuse at Boot Camps, Residential Centers for Troubled Teens
Pennsylvania and the nation were shocked by the graft and corruption of two Wilkes-Barre judges who took millions in kickbacks for sending teens to privately run youth detention centers. What else is going on at boot camps and residential centers?
Crossing the Line Between Tough Love and Torture
Boot camps, therapeutic wilderness camps and residential treatment centers for troubled teens use military-style discipline in an attempt to change attitudes and behavior. Far too often, their approach crosses the line between tough love and torture.
The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report in 2007 documenting injuries and fatalities at boot camps and other programs. The report noted that, in 2005 alone, "Thirty-three states reported 1,619 staff members were involved in incidents of abuse in residential programs."
Preying on Parents for Profit
These for-profit programs market themselves to well-meaning parents of challenging children. They promise help for teens with a variety of behavioral, emotional or addiction problems. Yet the programs often cause more problems than they resolve. Negligence at boot camps and other residential treatment programs can include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Failure to provide access to medical care
- Negligent hiring and staff training
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Failure to adhere to safety standards
Was your child a victim of negligence or abuse at a camp, school, treatment center or any other type of residential program? You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and recover financial compensation for damages. A boot camp abuse attorney can help.
Call MyPhillyLawyer at 215-789-9346 to Discuss Your Case
Contact the bootcamp abuse attorneys of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., to arrange a free consultation about your case. Our personal injury lawyers represent clients in Philadelphia, southern New Jersey and the surrounding area.
