Trails Carolina investigation has raised serious concerns regarding its practices and lack of independent research into long-term outcomes, prompting many families to praise Trails Carolina’s positive changes for their children while others feel disappointed and frustrated about its methods and lack of regulation in troubled teen industry. While some families praise its positive outcomes for troubled teenagers, others remain disappointed and frustrated about it being run without proper oversight and regulation from regulators and/or transparency measures in place.
Lack of Transparency
Trails Carolina “Investigation” and other troubled teen programs have recently come under scrutiny following allegations of abuse, which range from emotional to physical mistreatment of adolescents enrolled. These allegations sparked several investigations to assess their truth and highlighted a need for greater transparency, accountability, and licensing requirements in wilderness therapy programs like Trails Carolina.
One of the most alarming allegations against Trails Carolina involves its use of restraints and isolation as punishment. Former participants allege they were placed into isolation rooms if they did not comply with staff orders or displayed discipline-related behaviors, an approach which can cause significant harm to adolescents. Therefore, parents must conduct extensive research about any programs their teens enroll in to ensure they are licensed and accredited before enrolling their teens in these programs.
Some former Trails Carolina members have reported that, in addition to isolation and restraint techniques being utilized during their time at Trails Carolina, their mental health wasn’t properly addressed during this program, leading them to lose trust in it as an effective way of helping young people with mental health issues. This situation has caused irreparable harm for Trails Carolina as an organization which should offer assistance.
Lack of Accountability
Many former participants at Trails Carolina have reported physical and emotional abuse, claiming their experience left lasting emotional scars instead of healing and growth as promised. Many allegations center around disciplinary treatment methods including isolation and physical restraint.
Trails Carolina denies these allegations and remains firm in their belief that their programs are safe and effective, agreeing to cooperate with ongoing investigations, review their operations, be transparent with parents about them, and adapting treatment methods in order to prioritize participant safety and emotional well-being.
Linda, a former employee at Trails Carolina has come forward to speak out about her experiences there. According to Linda, she experienced sexual, physical and emotional abuse from employees of Trails Carolina for two years – which left her unable to reach her family during that period and her mental health severely compromised by what happened at camp.
Inadequate Staff Training
Trails Carolina provides participants with an interactive learning environment to gain greater insight into their emotions and behaviors in a meaningful manner. While some parents report positive results from Trails Carolina programs, others have reported adverse encounters.
The program’s therapists are highly-skilled in wilderness survival, therapy and crisis intervention; they work closely with a team of certified wilderness instructors to ensure participant safety. However, many former participants have complained of abuse or mistreatment from staff at the program.
Horror stories about troubled teen facilities underscore the need for greater transparency and regulation within this industry. Parents must conduct thorough research into each program they consider enrolling their children into, to ensure their safety is prioritized. Furthermore, it’s imperative that programs offer on-site medical care as well as comply with regulations concerning physical restraint and isolation rooms – this way parents won’t feel abandoned during their child’s stay away.
Lack of Regulation
Trails Carolina claims that its staff have received extensive training; however, former participants and their families report instances of mistreatment and abuse including emotional neglect, food and water deprivation, harsh hiking conditions and physical assault. Such claims call into question transparency, accountability and regulation within the wilderness therapy industry.
Trails Carolina’s attorney provided senators with a letter which indicated the facility followed a six-day staff orientation and training program; however, former employees claim it spends only “a few hours” training new hires. Furthermore, turnover among minimum wage staff members who supervise students in wilderness environments often lack knowledge on suicide prevention and crisis de-escalation strategies.
One former Trails Carolina participant alleges that she was not permitted to call her parents during her stay at the facility, leading to troubling allegations being investigated against Trails Carolina. They have promised full cooperation in any investigation as they prioritize participant safety and wellbeing by making necessary changes that ensure better practices.