Ripley said that in 2015 Sequel Youth and Family Services revenue was more than $200 million and that its profits were between $30 to $32 million. The company is more dysfunctional than the clients they try to serve. The state investigation found no rule violations. Forms of abuse that qualify for the Sequel lawsuit are: If you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to abuse at a Sequel facility, or you represent the estate of a victim, or you are the legal guardian of an underaged victim, you may be able to represent the victim in a lawsuit. Five years ago, Sequel Youth & Family Services ran a chain of treatment programs that took in and tried to help troubled kids from all over the United States. I recall walking in and the stench was overwhelming. But the next year, advocates for people with disabilities started to raise alarm about the way Sequel allegedly treated children. Sequel Youth & Family Services collected hundreds of millions in tax dollars to care for vulnerable children, despite abuse and negligence allegations. California, Maryland, Oregon and Washington have also stopped placing children in programs run by the company. Two years later, Marshall sent cookies to other Sequel employees as a gift, emails show. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the facility. This rating has decreased by -5% over the last 12 months. Sequel Youth and Family Services Lawsuit: Reports of Abuse, Independent Fundamental Baptist Resources, Disclaimer / Terms Of Service & Privacy Policy, 24/7 support with a caring legal staff dedicated to protecting your confidentiality, employees or "whistleblowers" of the facilities, Multiple children report being slammed to the ground and held facedown, One boy described his head being caught on a nail in the wall during a violent restraint, Reports of being called names, threatened, and comments such as "you gonna go to jail", Report of being in solitary confinement for 72 hours, with no access to a bathroom, Report of lack of access to medical treatment, dental treatment or eye care, Report of lack of access to clean drinking water, Lack of education, school work and career training, Filthy conditions and hazardous living conditions, Residents in inappropriate restraints without justification, and even the death of one resident at a Michigan facility. The young couple are expecting their first child and trying to build a new life for themselves on Alabamas Gulf Coast, working at Lauries familys carpet business. Personally, I am enraged when I find out that people have treated my kids that way, if that allegation turns out to be substantiated, she said. I was extremely impressed with their professionalism and ability to react quickly. MOUNT PLEASANT, Utah (AP) A company that runs treatment centers for troubled youth is closing a second Utah facility as officials investigate claims of sexual abuse, violence and several other . For children who qualify . Do I qualify for the Sequel abuse lawsuit? Last year, Tennessee, which had paid Sequel up to $608 a day per child, suspended admissions to Kingston and the states Medicaid agency terminated its contract with Sequel. Attorney Tommy James has a record of helping individuals file lawsuits for compensation against those who have harmed them. No parent would ever want their child to spend even one hour in a Sequel facility.. 2020 AbuseGuardian.com. The teen's family suit against the school and the company that owns it, Sequel Youth Services, seeks $100 million, alleging negligence. Story continues. After their release, they stayed in touch and fell in love, they said. Sequel received little public attention before Altamont took control of it in 2017, but state regulators reported serious problems at its facilities before the private equity firm took control. Those close relationships come in handy when the company faces scrutiny. That is our motto and that will always be our reality. An NBC News investigation based on more than 10,000 pages of records from 14 states and interviews with former Sequel residents, their parents and attorneys, probation officers and watchdog groups reveals how Sequel became one of the biggest behavioral health youth facility operators in the country. They may be trying to drum up business, but ultimately, Birmingham said, Sequel employees care about the children. At TorHoerman Law, we believe that if we continue to focus on the people that we represent, and continue to be true to the people that we are justice will always be served. Jun 27, 2019, 15:09 ET. She said that most allegations made by children, staff and advocates end up being unsubstantiated, but that the company has zero tolerance for abuse and immediately reports allegations of wrongdoing to state oversight agencies. Though their marketing and public statements espouse an aura of care and reverence for the well-being and progression of the residents they house, their company has been named in lawsuits that allege rampant physical, sexual, and mental/verbal abuse. The company has offered all-expenses-paid trips to state employees to tour the companys facilities. Kids that are already damaged, been through enough in their life, to go somewhere thats supposed to help them, help them become productive members of society, and go there and then it just destroys them.. Alabama, however, is among the states that have permitted Sequel to continue operating. The treatment centers were run by Sequel Youth & Family Services, a "for-profit, $500-million company backed by Bay Area investors." . Overall rating. The Team Leader (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) CCBHC is a part of the managementSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. And when we identify circumstances in which we are not providing care to the par that we expect it to be provided, we intervene with it. Plus, you will join a work environment where collaboration and support come naturally. Last August, Sequels Pompano Youth Treatment Center failed a state inspection that found a range of deficiencies at the 24-bed Florida treatment center. A nonprofit organization in Kansas will take over a Sequel treatment center there, according to Kansas City public radio station KCUR. Youth Residential Treatment Facility Abuse Lawsuit. We're ready to be your ally. In response to a list of questions laying out the findings of the APM Reports investigation, the company issued a lengthy written statement. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages. You can make money in this business if you control staffing, said Ripley, who at the time made $104,167 per month from Sequel as chairman, according to a financial disclosure. With the goal of continuous improvement and our support, the company has consistently invested in quality and safety initiatives and in its staff to raise the bar and drive positive outcomes for thousands of individuals trusted to its care.. But despite those efforts, in 2020, a 16-year-old boy died after staff at Sequels Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, held him on the floor for 12 minutes. Can I sue a Sequel facility that is closed? Sparkman, the Alabama Department of Human Resources spokesman, said the agency could not comment on individual cases. In 2017, when a private equity firm bought a controlling stake in Sequel Youth & Family Services, it had 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. Parents, guardians, and the state expect these children to have positive peer culture, get back on track with school, and have intensive therapy. If you have been abused at a Sequel Youth and Family Services facility, or a similar facility, contact our experienced team of attorneys today to learn more about your legal rights. Sequel treatment centers closed since 2017. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Sequel markets itself as a national leader in providing specialized care for at-risk youth. The same facility will reopen under a new name with new services while an attorney prepares to file another lawsuit against the facility. Oregon state Senator Sara Gelser has spent years demanding accountability for Sequel, and she is continuing the crusade against Vivant. The latest Sequel treatment centers to close are in Idaho, Florida, and Iowa, all of which had been under government scrutiny in recent years. Sequel Youth and Family Services is a diversified behavioral health services provider that develops and operates programs for people with behavioral, emotional, or physical challenges. They helped me when I needed expert legal representation! For more of NBC News' in-depth reporting, download the NBC News app. The lawsuit alleges that Pike was placed in isolation as punishment, sometimes for days, during which he had no access to food and water and was forced to urinate in the corner of the segregation room. Inspectors said the facility didnt meet state standards related to programming, education, supervision, and mental health treatment. Red Rock Canyon School, another Sequel-ran facility, closed in 2019 after reports of abuse surfaced and a riot among residents ensued, resulting in area SWAT teams responding. Steve and the entire staff were friendly and professional. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the timeframe of Altamonts recent investments in Sequel. TorHoerman Law is an extraordinary law firm a firm that truly makes the clients best interests the primary concern. The attorneys and staff at THL worked hard, communicated every step of the process, kept me well informed at all times, and exceeded all expectations! If you or a loved one suffered from abuse at a Sequel facility, camp, boarding school, or treatment center, consider contacting TorHoerman Law for legal help. 137. You may be eligible to file a Tylenol Autism ADHD Lawsuit / Acetaminophen Autism ADHD Claim if you or a loved one used Tylenol and/ or Acetaminophen during pregnancy, and your child was subsequently diagnosed with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. State Pulling All Students in Its Care from Northern Illinois Academy Following Reports of Abuse, 16 Diseases & Symptoms Of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination, Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit Payout & Settlements, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement Amounts, Hair Straightener Endometrial Cancer Lawsuit, Hair Straightening Cancer Lawsuit Settlement Amounts, Projected Paraquat Lawsuit Settlement Amounts. In 2017, when a private equity firm bought a controlling stake in Sequel Youth & Family Services, it had 35 residential treatment centers in 16 states. Neither side disclosed the terms of the settlement. I worked at Sequel Youth & Family full-time and the best day was my last! Sequel Youth & Family Services: Second Lawsuit Settled in Death of Teen at Sequel Lakeside Facility January 12, 2022. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It's a hard industry.. Our community is ready to answer. In recent years, lawyers and child advocates have surfaced allegations of abuse of children . They did not return our calls . . We have been lucky to have Sequel programs available to serve our kids, Marshall wrote. KALAMAZOO, MI -- A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of the family of Cornelius Fredricks, the 16-year-old who died after being restrained at a Kalamazoo youth facility, seeks more than $50 million. Sequel Youth & Family Services. I would recommend TorHoerman Law for any personal injury litigation needs. Use the CB Insights Platform to explore Sequel Youth and Family Services's full profile. Tommy James, an attorney representing the boy identified only as Hunter C., said his client lived at Sequel TSI of Courtland in 2018 and 2019, where . Its part of what we do, Jarrett Shoemaker, a Sequel marketing agent, wrote to a Washington state child welfare official in 2014. The attorneys at THL were extremely helpful with the legal aspects of setting up my small business. As of 2021, Sequel operates youth behavioral centers in 17 states. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, the company currently operates youth behavioral centers in 17 states, totaling 34 establishments. After NBC News presented Sequel with a list of questions this month, Birmingham visited two of the companys Alabama facilities, and said she found that The kids were very happy. She said she encourages staff members to report any concerns about misconduct to a company hotline so Sequel can ensure no child is abused in its care. By clicking ACCEPT ALL, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Our experienced team of child sexual abuse lawyers represents victims across a number of different case types, including in cases similar to the Sequel Youth & Family Services lawsuit. Look no further, call now! Nearly all of Sequel's programs run on government funding: States pay Sequel $275 to more than $800 a day per child to provide residential and therapeutic services. Sequel is a frequent presence at conferences for probation officers, judges, social workers, school safety professionals, attorneys and others involved in court cases. That's not what we saw.". While much of the abuse in Sequel facilities allegedly went undocumented, many other instances were well reported and even noticed by state officials responsible for ensuring the safety of youth residents. Potential defendants in the Sequel Youth and Family Services abuse lawsuit may include one or more of the following parties: To best determine potential defendants, consult with an experienced attorney. Tyler Kingkade is a national reporter for NBC News, based in Los Angeles. 102. Sequel was established to operate Clarinda Academy in Iowa, but soon expanded to operate dozens of youth residential treatment facilities around the country. On top of those attacks, the suit states, a staff member once restrained Hunter so violently that his head hit a concrete wall and reopened an existing cut, requiring stitches. The agency declined to explain what action it took in response to the email. According to reporting, Alabama pays Sequel about $330 per day to house each child and has paid Sequel in excess of $30 million since 2018. Laurie Broadrick, 19, arrived at Owens Cross Roads, a residential treatment facility for girls in northeast Alabama, in 2016. To learn more about how our law firm helps the injured, check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page. All of my questions were answered quickly and in a way I could understand. They also did a nice job keeping us updated with the case throughout the process. Marshall also traded messages with Sequels marketing staff monitoring Gelsers social media activity when the lawmaker toured Sequel facilities that year. We've recovered over $4 Billion in verdicts & settlements, 16 Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Diseases & Symptoms, Sequel Youth and Family Services Abuse Lawsuit. In response to questions about allegations of abuse and negligence at Sequel facilities, Altamont said in a statement: We conducted significant due diligence prior to our initial investment and are confident that Sequel Youth and Family Services is one of the best operators in the industry. Most of the former Sequel treatment centers that remain open are now controlled by Vivant Behavioral Healthcare, which was founded in 2021 by Jay Ripley, one of three people who founded Sequel in 1999. Sequel declined to comment on Lauries and Tristans cases. It's privately held, so details about its financials are hard to come across. Two dozen people sat quietly in a conference room at the University of Baltimore on Oct. 1, 2015, as Sequel co-founder Jay Ripley, dressed neatly in a blazer and tie, explained why he had built a company that largely ran on taxpayer money. In Alabama, the Alabama Department of Youth Services and the Alabama Department of Human Resources place at-risk children in the Sequel facility to receive medically required mental health care. Hindman had founded the Jiffy Lube chain of auto service centers, and Ripley worked for him. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In Alabama alone, Sequel received nearly $25 million in Medicaid payments from 2018 to this August. . That lawsuit alleged that Sequel engages in a pattern and practice of using violent force against children and that children at Sequel facilities are subjected to unapproved and painful restraint techniques, long term seclusion/isolation and physical abuse (Staff refuses to intervene during fights and often encourages these fights. We encourage the following groups of people to step forward in confidence: An NBC News investigation sorted through more than 10,000 pages and records from 14 states, and interviews with former Sequel residents and parents showing how Sequel became one of the largest behavioral health youth facilities in the United States. The company told investors it was well positioned to serve as industry consolidator, thanks in part to its clean regulatory and litigation history.. Responsible for providing leadership to the program. 5. The name isn't the problem. The first morning he woke up in the room, Tristan said, he waved his arms at the camera, pounded on the door and shouted for the staff to let him out to use the bathroom. Northern Illinois Academy (NIA), located in Aurora, Illinois, is an 87-bed facility that receives funding from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), and the . A woman who answered the phone at Capital Academy and asked not to be identified said it was not part of Vivant. 95. We both were at our very bottom, Tristan said. For children who qualify, Medicaid reimburses Sequel for medical and mental health treatment. Former Students at Utah Troubled-Teen Centers Say Their Reports of Sex Abuse Were Ignored. For 72 hours, staff members left him in a small room outfitted with a thin mattress and a camera on the ceiling, he said. Published: May. 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