Former students allege abuse at Utah treatment center for troubled teens

Alumni and advocates are calling for increased oversight of Elevations Residential Treatment Center in Syracuse, Utah, following reports of injuries and isolation experienced by former students. This facility is part of a larger organization that has faced scrutiny due to incidents at its affiliated programs, including a wilderness camp linked to a boy's death. Reports indicate a significant rise in police calls from Elevations, escalating from 15 in 2019 to 56 in 2023, alongside alarming statistics of self-harm and physical restraints among the youth in their care. Despite claims from Elevations that their programs are safer than public schools, former clients have voiced serious concerns about their treatment. A 2022 statement from the organization dismissed criticisms as unreliable, yet many former students have shared their experiences on social media, highlighting a culture of silence and fear within the facility. In particular, allegations of sexual abuse have emerged, with claims that staff failed to report incidents to authorities in a timely manner. The California Department of Education's investigation revealed that Elevations did not appropriately handle allegations of sexual abuse, raising further questions about the facility's accountability. While some state officials are beginning to investigate these issues, many states do not consider violations at affiliated facilities in their evaluations, leading to a lack of comprehensive oversight. As calls for reform grow, the experiences of former students underscore the urgent need for better regulation and communication among states regarding youth treatment centers, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in these programs.