In July 2020, the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program sent a letter to DHR leaders, which stated Sequel's . In Alabama Vivants application for a business registration was signed by Ripleys daughter, Christine Aron, who previously served as Sequels vice president of business development. We were both in a really bad place, Laurie said. Their team of personal injury lawyers are experienced, personable, and well versed in a range of litigation areas. It's privately held, so details about its financials are hard to come across. After their release, they stayed in touch and fell in love, they said. The most common issue reported at youth residential treatment facilities is physical abuse, either at the hands of employees or other residents. 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 described physical abuse by staff, Johnson said, and being denied medical care. And we either make drastic improvements at the facility, or we may choose not to operate that facility anymore.. Two years later, Marshall sent cookies to other Sequel employees as a gift, emails show. CORRECTION (Dec. 16, 2020, 5:17 p.m. 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. Published: May. They hope to raise awareness by speaking out. Sequel formerly ran the following facilities: Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Sequel Youth and Family Services, alleging abuse of all sorts and negligent behavior of staff and management. Captured on silent surveillance camera video, the death of Cornelius Fredrick Jr. was compared by some to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police that same year, and the public pressure on Sequel increased. Attorneys at TorHoerman Law have first-hand experience with these sorts of facilities and can help you gain justice and compensation. You can still file a Sequel abuse lawsuit against facilities that are closed. Our team of attorneys include: Continue reading to learn more about the Sequel Youth & Family Services investigation. One of the children placed at Courtland in early 2018 was a 15-year-old boy named Hunter, a former foster child with post-traumatic stress disorder whod been abused. Many of Those Kids Were Abused There. A majority stake in Sequel was bought by Altamont Capital, a private equity firm located in California, in 2017. Today, youth counselors at Sequel facilities start off making $12 to $15 per hour, depending on the location. That means sending out marketing agents to get more states to send children to its facilities. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. If you or a loved one was the victim of abuse at one of these facilities, contact TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation with a member of our team or use our chatbot below to receive a free instant online case evaluation today. They still struggle with anxieties, nightmares and the feeling that theyre behind their peers. 1 (July 2, 2020) (hereinafter "ADAP"). The family of Cornelius Fredericks, a 16-year-old boy in foster care who died after being improperly restrained by youth facility staff, filed a lawsuit . Ratings by category. Sequel declined to make any of its leaders available for interviews. Both options are completely confidential and completely discrete. Sara E. Teller, Alabama father brings lawsuit against Sequel facility alleging staff abused his son, LegalReader.com, Jan. 1, 2021 (available at https: . A Profitable Death Trap: Sequel Youth Facilities Raked in Millions While Accused of Abusing Children. A typical bedroom at Sequel's Courtland facility. An SEC filing that year pegged Sequels value at an estimated $421 million. And Sequels Capital Academy in New Jersey is now controlled by a local company called Willow Grove LLC. No information will be shared unless you, as a client, first approve. IE 11 is not supported. 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. Alabama Sequel Facility a House of Horrors for Foster Child, Lawsuit Claims. Many states have reportedly revoked contracts with Sequel (but not Alabama). You can also sue facility staff members who are no longer working for Sequel. In 2020, 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick died after he was reportedly smothered to death by Sequel employees in Michigan after he threw a sandwich. Even if a facility is closed, victims can still take legal action against parties involved in the 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.. A National Alliance Of Sexual Abuse Lawyers, Proud Members Of The Following Trusted Organizations. It was valued by investors at more than $400 million. Falcon Ridge Academy had the highest rate of sex crimes reported in the state of Utah. C-Suite Team Hired to Accelerate Growth of Industry Leading Behavioral Health Company. Sequel is a privately-owned, for-profit operator of behavioral healthcare facilities for children and youth in the United States. Last August, Sequels Pompano Youth Treatment Center failed a state inspection that found a range of deficiencies at the 24-bed Florida treatment center. 2, 2022 at 8:08 PM PDT. These children are re-traumatized daily by continuous abuse and neglect.). Hunter was assaulted multiple times by other children, including by his roommate, in full view of Sequels staff, according to a lawsuit his family filed against Sequel this week. TorHoerman Law is a personal injury law firm comprised of individuals who are dedicated to getting justice for those wrongfully injured by the tortious acts of others. 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. It is owned and operated by Sequel Youth and Family Services and receives funding from the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the . Youth Residential Treatment Facility Abuse Lawsuit. Michigans governor ordered state agencies in June to never do business with Sequel. That is our motto and that will always be our reality. In a civil lawsuit filed Monday against Lakeside Academy and Sequel Youth and Family Services, the family said the teen screamed "I can't breathe" as staff members . Kate Snow is a national correspondent for NBC News. But the marketing push could not overcome concerns several states had after Cornelius Fredericks death this year. He complained that Forest Ridge was admitting children they were not qualified to care for, were allowing children to prey on one another, and were failing to keep children safe by allowing them to leave the facility unsupervised., The report also includes an email Martens sent the state last April: It is time for a change of how business is conducted. I would recommend TorHoerman Law for any personal injury litigation needs. He watched through a window as children made their way to class. A lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Sequel Youth and Family Services, LLC in Macon County, Alabama Circuit Court, asserting claims of severe abuse and neglect of a 15-year-old boy at Sequel's . I guess we just lifted each other up.. Former Students at Utah Troubled-Teen Centers Say Their Reports of Sex Abuse Were Ignored. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its part of what we do, Jarrett Shoemaker, a Sequel marketing agent, wrote to a Washington state child welfare official in 2014. The other residents in the unit were 18 and 19 years old. Last year Sequel officials defended their treatment programs, stating through a crisis management firm that the company had increased staff training and oversight and was working on "phasing out the practice of physically restraining . Overall rating. Everything you need to know about the Disney California Cookware / 16 hours ago Sequel shut down treatment centers where alleged abuse surfaced. SOURCE: The list of residential treatment facilities run by Sequel was assembled from public records and information from Sequel's websites. 2-3, and app. Sequel staff members shared the companys side of the issue and discussed how to deal with concerns among state lawmakers. Marshall also traded messages with Sequels marketing staff monitoring Gelsers social media activity when the lawmaker toured Sequel facilities that year. Thank you TorHoerman Law! A 14-year-old boy with a bloody gash just beneath his hairline told her that staff members had shoved him headfirst into a wall, Johnson said. Records show that the problems at Sequel facilities go beyond Alabama. An employee at a Sequel facility in Utah was arrested for sexual battery and showing pornography to minors. Both Altamont and Sequel said the sale would help Sequel expand to serve more children. Three employees of the facility were charged criminally in . The sheriffs frustrations are similar to those expressed by local law enforcement about Sequel treatment centers in Ohio and Wyoming. Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and California have also either shut the facilities or are ending their relationships with Sequel Youth and Family Services in wake of concern around the abuse. 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. Posted 6:12:41 PM. May 28, 2021 Sequel Youth and Family Services and the Troubled Teen Industry (Residential Treatment Program/Facility Abuse and Neglect) October 30, 2020 Tommy James Law Files Civil Lawsuit in LeBrawn Rankin Tragedy. Anytime that our clients are not getting the highest quality care that they deserve is an opportunity for improvement.. Many of Sequels behavioral health treatment centers are sold or closed following abuse allegations. In a civil lawsuit filed Monday against Lakeside Academy and Sequel Youth and Family Services, the family said the teen screamed "I can't breathe" as staff members placed their weight on his chest for nearly 10 minutes. Patricia took photos during a visit showing Hunter, a thin, slight child, sitting on a couch at the facility in a Spider-Man T-shirt. You think you're making progress, and then it just comes back stronger, Gelser said. The facility, which Sequel operated under a contract with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, shut down the following month. Embattled Company to Close a Second Utah Treatment Center for Troubled Teens. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 4. The level of abuse is staggering and very disturbing. 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 lawsuit, filed by the parent of a child, identified as Hunter C., placed at Sequel's Courtland facility in north Alabama in early 2018 at age 14, claims he suffered long-term abuse at the . Her family couldnt afford private care options that cost up to $4,000 a month, but social workers determined Lauries needs were so great that she qualified for state care. They severely underpay their staff! . If you or a loved one took Elmiron and subsequently suffered vision loss, blindness, or any other eye injury linked to the prescription drug. I was extremely impressed with their professionalism and ability to react quickly. At Kingston Academy in Tennessee, state inspectors found mold infestations, overflowing toilets and children sleeping on mattresses on the floor. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Dont' waste time, contact our law offices today. When Tristan was 16, he tried to run away, and when he was caught, he said, Sequel employees put him in solitary confinement as a punishment. Toys litter the floor at Sequel's Courtland facility. Marianne Birmingham, Sequels compliance director, said in an interview that the company has worked with the state to improve conditions in its Alabama facilities. Since then, 17 of those centers . Sequel to Close New Mexico Youth Facility amid More Abuse Allegations. The company later said in an email that in cases where a child's safety is threatened, "we take all necessary actions from employee termination, to policy and process changes, to staff-wide retraining to ensure we live up to our high standards of care for the youth we serve.". Sequel's facility in Owens Cross Roads, Ala. Tristan Broadrick says he was kept for 72 hours a room similar to this "seclusion room" at Sequel's Tuskegee facility as punishment for running away. If you or a loved one suffered harm while in a Sequel facility in Alabama or in another state, you should promptly seek the advice of an Alabama lawyer, or a lawyer in your state, who may investigate your Sequel claim for you and represent you or your loved one in a lawsuit against Sequel, if appropriate. We both were at our very bottom, Tristan said. On multiple occasions later in 2019, when Oregon state Sen. Sara Gelser emailed state officials demanding information about oversight of Sequel programs, government agents promptly forwarded the messages to Sequel employees for help responding. The leadership is the problem.. Sequel, a company with locations in 20 states that turned a $25 million profit in 2016, markets itself as a national leader in providing specialized care for at-risk youth. You may qualify to take legal action, to seek compensation for the damages that you incurred from the abuse in a Sequel facility, if you or a loved one suffered: This applies to, both, currently operational facilities and closed facilities. Visit our website or call us toll-free in the United States at 800-295-3959 to find local attorneys in you state who may assist you with your claim against Sequel. 2. All consultations are completely confidential and discrete. Sequel declined to make Ripley available for an interview, and instead set up an interview with Birmingham, who handles compliance. . KRQE News 13 reached out may times to Sequel Youth and Family Services, which has seen similar closures and allegations in its other nationwide facilities recently. Laurie stayed at Owens Cross Roads twice before she reunited with her family. The company is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama and owns a nationwide network of over 40 facilities in more than 15 states, including residential treatment centers, group homes, special schools, and community-based programs. Responsible for the recommendation of all admissions, transfers, and discharges of . No parent would ever want their child to spend even one hour in a Sequel facility.. If you are representing a victim who is under the age of 18 and falls under your legal care, you may qualify to file a lawsuit. The company is more dysfunctional than the clients they try to serve. 2020 AbuseGuardian.com. 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. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals . The Team Leader (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) CCBHC is a part of the managementSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Look no further, call now! Parents, guardians, and the state expect these children to have positive peer culture, get back on track with school, and have intensive therapy. A concrete slab at Sequel's Courtland facility where thin mattresses are placed for children to sleep. He was forced to go to the bathroom on his own breakfast tray, he said. Sparkman, the Alabama Department of Human Resources spokesman, said the agency could not comment on individual cases. A lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Sequel Youth and Family Services, LLC in Macon County, Alabama Circuit Court, asserting claims of severe abuse and neglect of a 15-year-old boy at Sequel's . For more of NBC News' in-depth reporting, download the NBC News app. 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. Hindman had founded the Jiffy Lube chain of auto service centers, and Ripley worked for him. Sequel Youth and Family Services was founded in the late 1990s by former employees of Youth Services International. A wonderful and professional legal team. Nearly all of Sequels programs run on government funding: States pay Sequel $275 to more than $800 a day per child to provide residential and therapeutic services. 1:07. The company kept growing by taking over other youth facilities and programs, fueled by investments from a handful of private equity firms. How can the same people continue to be trusted with what they say are the most vulnerable kids that we have? You can also call us at (205) 843-5086 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free consultation. To learn more about how our law firm helps the injured, check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page. Then children began to talk. 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. Turn to us when you dont know where to turn. KALAMAZOO, Mich. The family attorney for Cornelius Fredericks's estate fought to enter new evidence in the on-going civil lawsuit against Lakeside Academy and Sequel Youth Family Services, but . Information Request: Best Method to Contact You? Contact TorHoerman Law for a free, legal consultation today. 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. The Alabama Department of Youth Services contracts with the facility as a private provider, placing boys there for a maximum stay of 120 days. Sequel settled a lawsuit from Fredricks family in December. The facilities at the heart of the issue are run by Sequel Youth and Family Services. Sequel Youth & Family Services has an overall rating of 2.6 out of 5, based on over 205 reviews left anonymously by employees. For children who qualify, Medicaid reimburses Sequel for medical and mental health treatment. The company has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding and tens of millions more from private equity firms to expand to new locations, while deploying a sophisticated marketing strategy to convince state officials to send more children, despite government inspections flagging violations at Sequel locations in at least nine states, the records show. Enter your email below to receive notifications of new stories. That's not what we saw.". Run by Sequel Youth & Family Services a for-profit, $450 million company backed by Bay Area investors Lakeside had promised to put the boys "on a pathway to lead healthy and successful . Sexual abuse has also been reported in Sequel facilities and is just as unreported and undocumented as physical abuse. I recall walking in and the stench was overwhelming. Since then, 17 of those centers have closed. We have been lucky to have Sequel programs available to serve our kids, Marshall wrote. HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequel Youth and Family Services today announced that Chris W. Roussos has been appointed the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Before they got out, the two crossed paths at a psychiatric hospital, where they were sent after trying to harm themselves. 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. Attorney for Cornelius Fredericks Files Civil Lawsuit against Youth Facility Where He Died. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies.