Challenges and Concerns in Youth Residential Treatment Programs

Taylor Kiesel, at 20 years old, has not experienced a full night’s sleep in the last three years. Her nights are filled with anxiety and panic. She has found solace in surrounding herself with reptiles like Russian tortoises, geckos, and snakes. These creatures form part of her home-based animal rescue operation near Seattle, where she channels her emotions into something meaningful. Her journey to this point was marked by struggles with mental health treatment, which she feels did not aid her recovery.

Taylor’s difficulties began early in life. She was only five when her father departed, and by the time she was six, she had already been diagnosed with autism. During this time, she started expressing thoughts of self-harm, which was concerning for her mother, Rachelle. Despite therapy and several hospitalizations, Taylor’s safety remained a concern. A consultant eventually suggested a residential treatment center named Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) in Missouri. After thoroughly researching the facility, Rachelle approved the placement.

Once at CALO, Taylor felt something was amiss. She described a hostile environment where staff allegedly encouraged conflict among the kids. Her experiences echo those of numerous families now suing CALO, with allegations ranging from emotional distress to battery. CALO has denied these claims, labeling the lawsuits meritless. Unfortunately, many families and former staff members recounted a violent atmosphere at the center. Police were called to CALO’s address regularly over the last decade due to various incidents.

“The environment was worse than I anticipated; it is heartbreaking,” stated Caleb Cunningham, who served as the lead prosecutor in the area from 2021 to 2023.

Investigations have revealed allegations of abuse at CALO over the past 20 years, but the Missouri Attorney General says there is no active investigation currently. Taylor’s placement at CALO was partly funded by her Washington school district through a program designed for students with special needs. Despite her mother’s push to remove CALO from approved placements after a restraint injury, the facility remains on the list.

Many residential youth programs lack federal oversight, which often leaves regulation to the states. Attempts to pass comprehensive oversight legislation have seen limited success, despite some bills aiming to improve conditions. The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act was passed in 2024, but it focused more on research rather than direct regulation.

Not all families have encountered negative experiences with such programs. For some, like Luca and his mother Martha, residential treatment was life-saving. However, the financial burden was extreme, reaching close to half a million dollars over two years. This high cost is not uncommon, with many families draining savings and relying on loans.

A report by the Manhattan Institute highlights a decline in treatment centers, leading to fewer options for families. Both Taylor’s and Luca’s families advocate for national databases and standardized requirements for residential treatment programs to improve oversight and care standards.

As Taylor focuses on her future, through her reptile rescue and other endeavors, she is determined to transform her past emotions into a positive force. Meanwhile, those seeking help can reach out to resources like the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.